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Science News for October 20, 2022


Deep learning with light

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method that uses optics to accelerate machine-learning computations on low-power devices. By encoding model components onto light waves, data can be transmitted rapidly and computations performed quickly, leading to over a hundredfold improvement in energy efficiency.

Calcium content determines the peak intensity ratio due to iron ions at Mössbauer spectra in pyroxene

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University used Mössbauer spectroscopy to study monoclinic pyroxenes, a type of calcium-rich mineral. They found that the tensor determining iron ion intensity ratios is independent of iron content but dependent on calcium content.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Study finds school choice not offered equitably to low-income, less-educated families, who are forced to compromise more

A new study from the University of Kansas finds that parents from marginalized backgrounds and lower educational attainment make more compromises on school features, resulting in lower satisfaction. The research suggests that these parents are not lacking in understanding what would be best for their children, but rather face constrain...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 2022

Shanghai Polytechnic University researchers develop new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy

Researchers from Shanghai Polytechnic University developed new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy, demonstrating superior photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity. The study found that the novel PCM microcapsule shells showed a 54.9% photothermal conversion efficiency, significantly higher than non-do...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnergy Storage and Saving·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Single stranded suture threads could prevent pregnancy infection complications, C-STICH trial finds

The C-STICH clinical trial found that single-stranded suture threads may improve outcomes for mothers at risk of preterm birth by reducing the risk of infection. Researchers tested whether using single stranded sutures could decrease miscarriage or stillbirth rates due to an increased risk of infection.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2022

New paper highlights the importance of locational strategy in business

A new paper published in Global Strategy Journal argues that understanding locational strategy can give businesses an edge over competition. Locational decisions affect branding, human resources, and research and development. The study authors refine their approach to the topic by merging corporate strategy with economic geography.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·TypeCase study·DateOct 20, 2022

Infants who die unexpectedly in the first week might have different risk factors than those who die in the first month

A Rutgers study found that infants who died unexpectedly in the first week of life had different risk factors compared to those who died later. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2015 and found that mothers of infants dying in the first week showed less evidence of common risk factors such as smoking during pregnancy.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2022

In the transition to high school, eighth graders who move to a new building were less delinquent than peers who stayed in the same setting

A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateOct 20, 2022

Looking to move to a galaxy far, far away? Innovative system evaluates habitability of distant planets

A new system classifies atmospheres of distant planets to identify those suitable for future human habitation, without physically visiting them. The research study found that planet TRAPPIST-1e has a significantly more sensitive atmosphere than Earth, which could lead to extreme climate changes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2022

Light-analyzing ‘lab on a chip’ opens door to widespread use of portable spectrometers

Scientists have developed a compact, AI-powered spectrometer that can measure light at different wavelengths, enabling new applications in fields like environmental monitoring, medicine, and astronomy. The device is 100% electrically controllable regarding the colors of light it absorbs, making it scalable for widespread usability.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers design AI-based model that predicts extreme wildfire danger

Researchers developed an AI-based model that combines artificial intelligence and weather forecast models to predict extreme wildfire danger with high accuracy. The new method can produce forecasts of extreme fire danger out to one week at finer scales (4km x 4km resolution), increasing its utility for fire suppression and management.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2022

Ranger numbers and protected area workforce must increase fivefold to effectively safeguard 30% of the planet’s wild lands by 2030

The global ranger workforce is insufficient to manage current protected areas, with only 286,000 rangers needed for 20 million square kilometers. Increasing the workforce five-fold is necessary to meet the 30% conservation goal by 2030.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2022

THE LANCET CHILD & ADOL. HEALTH: Study suggests discontinuation of gender-affirming hormones in those who start treatment as adolescents is rare

A study of over 700 adolescents who underwent puberty suppression and then started gender-affirming hormone treatment found that 98% continued use. The findings contradict recent concerns about regret and support the long-term benefits of hormone therapy for young people with gender dysphoria.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Stem cell study reveals how neurons from PTSD patients react to stress

A new stem cell study provides insight into how neurons from individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) respond to stress hormones. The research found that these cells are hypersensitive to the stress hormone hydrocortisone, which could help explain why some people develop PTSD after trauma exposure.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Systemic gender barriers mean going it alone may not be the answer for all new women entrepreneurs in Canada

A new study from the University of Waterloo and Statistics Canada finds that inexperienced Canadian women entrepreneurs see more success when partnering with experienced men than women or going solo. The research highlights significant barriers faced by women in business, including negative stereotypes and limited access to financing.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalSmall Business Economics·DateOct 20, 2022

First medical guideline recommends new prescription medications for weight loss, ranks the most effective drugs

The American Gastroenterological Association releases new guidelines recommending medications paired with lifestyle changes for adults struggling to lose weight. The guidelines highlight the importance of treating obesity as a biological disease, reducing health complications like diabetes and fatty liver.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·DateOct 20, 2022

Discovery of extracts from a lost astronomical catalogue

Researchers deciphered descriptions of four constellations from the Hipparchus Star Catalogue, refuting a long-held idea about its relation to Claudius Ptolemy's catalogue. The study confirms Hipparchus' data as accurate to the nearest degree, making it a significant advancement in reconstructing the ancient astronomical text.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal for the History of Astronomy·DateOct 20, 2022

Nutrition education should be ‘on the menu’ of all healthcare professionals’ education - new research

A new curriculum aims to integrate nutrition education into medical students' general undergraduate training, highlighting its importance in patient care and disease management. The curriculum is designed to equip future doctors with knowledge and skills to consider nutrition's role in patient conditions.

SourceAston University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 20, 2022

Virtual care associated with significant environmental and patient cost savings

A study by researchers at ICES, Lawson Health Research Institute, and Western University found that virtual care during the pandemic led to significant environmental and patient cost savings. Virtual visits represented approximately 0.2% of total annual carbon dioxide emissions in Ontario and estimated $63 million in patient cost savings.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

How old is California’s Yosemite Valley?

Researchers from UC Berkeley used rock analysis to determine that the valley's impressive depth was formed since 10 million years ago, with most of it carved in the past 5 million years. The study employed a novel technique called helium-4/helium-3 thermochronometry to reconstruct the temperature history of the rocks.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

How can flying insects and drones tell up from down?

Researchers developed a new principle for estimating gravity direction in flying insects and drones by combining optical flow with movement modeling. This allows them to determine the direction of gravity in most situations except when completely stationary, which destabilizes their flight.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Study: Stereotypes of middle-aged women as less ‘nice’ can hold them back at work

A new study reveals that middle-aged women are held back in their careers due to a perceived lack of 'niceness', with evaluations decreasing after the age of 40. The research, led by UC Berkeley's Jennifer Chatman, found that both men and women become more capable with age but only women are seen as less warm, leading to harsher judgme...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Chimpanzees synchronise their steps just like humans

Researchers observed chimpanzees exhibiting unintentional synchronisation in their steps when walking next to each other, suggesting a shared human trait. The study found that chimps showed inter-individual coordination in walking, with 79% of cases mirroring each other's movements within 0.5 seconds.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Spillover benefits observed from world’s largest marine protected area, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

The world's largest fully protected marine protected area, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, provides spillover benefits for migratory species like bigeye and yellowfin tuna. Research reveals the protections of these regions also affect populations outside their borders.

Snacking on almonds boosts gut health

Researchers at King's College London found that eating almonds increases butyrate production, promoting gut health and potentially alleviating constipation. The study also showed improved nutrient intake and a positive impact on the gut microbiome.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 20, 2022

Alligators exposed to PFAS show autoimmune effects

A recent study found that alligators in the Cape Fear River basin have elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in their blood serum, leading to clinical and genetic indicators of immune system effects. The research team detected a significant association between PFAS exposure and autoimmune-like phenotypes in the affected alligators.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Toxicology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

New data transmission record

Researchers from Technical University of Denmark and Chalmers University of Technology have achieved a world record in data transmission by transmitting 1.8 petabits per second using only a single laser and optical chip, significantly reducing power consumption and climate footprint.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2022

Where political views and fundamental beliefs intersect

A new study from The Primals Project at the University of Pennsylvania challenges the long-held assumption that conservatives see the world as more dangerous than liberals. Instead, researchers found that both conservatives and liberals view the world as similarly dangerous, with a hierarchical worldview playing a significant role in s...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 20, 2022

Research co-led by CityU develops a high-resolution, wearable electrotactile rendering device that virtualizes the sense of touch

A team co-led by CityU developed a wearable electrotactile rendering system that can mimic the sensation of touch with high spatial resolution and a rapid response rate. The device has various application potential, including enhancing VR/AR experiences and facilitating work in thick gloves.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Monkeypox: High vaccine acceptance among users of European gay-dating apps

A survey among European gay-dating app users found a 82% crude vaccination acceptance rate. Willingness to vaccinate increased with factors like perceived severity of monkeypox, transmission risk, and existing health links. Higher acceptance rates were seen in northern and western Europe compared to southern and eastern regions.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 2022

New study unveils vertically oriented 2D ruddlesden–popper phase perovskite passivation layer for efficient and stable inverted PSCS

Researchers have developed a vertically oriented 2D Ruddlesden–Popper phase perovskite passivation layer for efficient and stable inverted PSCs. The new design achieved a champion PCE of 21.4% in devices with outstanding humidity and thermal stability.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 20, 2022

Gel-like, radioactive tumor implant obliterates pancreatic cancer in mice

Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel treatment that combines internal radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate tumors in 80% of mice with pancreatic cancer. The approach uses a gel-like depot implanted with radioactive iodine-131, which deposits beta radiation directly into the tumor without affecting surrounding tissue.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

New genetic research by UMass Amherst advances understanding of internal mechanisms of biological clocks

The study reveals that a genetic mutation can accelerate the body's internal clock, leading to improved adjustment to shift work schedules. The findings have implications for understanding the health consequences of circadian misalignment and developing medical treatments.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Global collaboration led by Stanford researcher shows that a posed smile can improve your mood

A recent study published in Nature Human Behavior found that posed smiles can increase happiness. The Many Smiles Collaboration, led by Stanford researcher Nicholas Coles, involved over 3,800 participants from 19 countries and used three techniques to encourage smiling, with the pen-in-mouth method showing no significant effect.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateOct 20, 2022

eLife ends accept/reject decisions following peer review

eLife is ending its practice of making accept/reject decisions following peer review, instead publishing every paper it reviews as a Reviewed Preprint. This new model restores control to authors, promoting the assessment of scientists based on their research output rather than publication venue.

SourceeLife·DateOct 20, 2022

Can smartphones predict mortality risk?

Researchers used data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants to develop predictive models of mortality risk using only 6 minutes of steady walking collected by smartphone sensors. These models achieved similar accuracy to traditional measures of gait speed and walk pace.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Study: Stock purchases by senators generate abnormal returns for firms

A new study by University of Arkansas researchers found that the firms experiencing greater returns around the date of senator's purchase disclosure have direct jurisdiction over them through a committee assignment or sponsorship. This suggests investors' perception of senators trading on inside information may be inaccurate over time.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeCase study·DateOct 20, 2022

Mountain gorilla population growth related to group density and female movements

A recent study by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International analyzed demographic data over 50 years to understand factors influencing mountain gorilla population growth. The research found that increased group density led to slower reproduction in females, resulting in a significant slowing of population growth.

SourceDian Fossey Gorilla Fund International·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Rice lab advances water-splitting catalysts

Engineers at Rice University have discovered a method to make oxygen evolution catalysis in acids more economical and practical. They replaced rare and expensive iridium with ruthenium, a far more abundant precious metal, as the positive-electrode catalyst in a reactor that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Sickly shades of grey: Disease outbreaks influence the color of wolves across North America

Research from the University of Oxford and Yellowstone National Park found that wolves with black coats are more likely to survive canine distemper virus (CDV) outbreaks. This suggests that the gene for a black coat may provide protection against the virus, leading to its increased frequency in areas with CDV outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022