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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 13


Page 13 of 444

Seattle metro residents near Amazon delivery stations face more pollution but order fewer packages

Researchers found that neighborhoods within 3 kilometers of an Amazon last-mile delivery station experience twice the amount of delivery van and truck traffic as farther-away areas. These neighborhoods are disproportionately home to low-income households and people of color, who order 14% fewer packages than average. The study highligh...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalResearch in Transportation Economics·DateDec 14, 2023

Can you change a chicken into a frog, a fish or a chameleon?

A team of researchers developed a theoretical framework that can reproduce and predict the patterns associated with gastrulation in a chicken embryo. Small changes in cell parameters and behavior can have a dramatic impact on the resulting gastrulation patterns, which are seen in other species such as frogs, fish, and chameleons.

Viking dentistry was surprisingly advanced

A study of Viking Age teeth from Varnhem in Sweden found that 49% of the population had one or more caries lesions, with children's milk teeth being entirely caries-free. The Vikings also underwent dental treatment, including filing front teeth and relieving pressure through holes drilled into molars.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 14, 2023

High cholesterol caused by childhood sedentariness could be reversed with light physical activity

A new study found that increased sedentary time in childhood can raise cholesterol levels by two thirds as an adult, leading to heart problems. However, light physical activity was shown to be up to five times more effective than moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at promoting healthy hearts and lowering inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2023

A new force of nature is reshaping this planet

Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems, argues that human societies have developed unprecedented capabilities to scale up and transform ecological systems. However, these advancements often come with negative environmental consequences, such as climate change and species extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 14, 2023

Towards next-generation nanocatalysts to revolutionize active electron transfer

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system to enhance active electron transfer for increased photoinduced hydrogen generation. The system leverages the advantages of a stimuli-responsive polymer chain to achieve dynamic electron transfer.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 13, 2023

New genetic vulnerability to herbicide found in nearly 50 sweet and field corn lines

A new study reveals a genetic vulnerability to the herbicide tolpyralate in nearly 50 sweet and field corn lines, with sensitivity increased by adjuvants commonly co-applied with HPPD-inhibitors. The source of the sugary enhancer gene is among the most sensitive genotypes, suggesting widespread potential.

New study shows exercise can boost brain health

A new study found that regular physical activity is related to increased size of brain areas important for memory and learning. The study looked at MRI brain scans from 10,125 people and found those who engaged in activities like walking, running, or sports had larger brain volumes in key areas.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 13, 2023

Decoding the ‘chassis effect”: host physiology emerges as key predictor

A study found that host physiology, rather than phylogenomic relatedness, is a reliable predictor of genetic circuit performance in Gammaproteobacteria hosts. The researchers discovered the 'chassis effect' by characterizing the performance of a genetic inverter circuit in six different bacterial species.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

3G microbial cell factories: achieving sustainable goals with engineered microorganisms

Recent advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of artificial biological systems that can utilize CO2 as a feedstock, producing valuable chemicals and fuels. These systems, including autotrophic organisms, tandem enzymatic systems, and chemo-bio hybrid systems, offer promising solutions for sustainable energy production.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 13, 2023

The solar forest

A new study finds that building solar farms in arid regions can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more viable solution for addressing the climate crisis. By contrast, natural forests have a limited impact on carbon dioxide absorption due to their low albedo and high energy absorption rates.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 13, 2023

U of M-led study presents a promising alternative to viral vectors for cancer immunotherapy

A U of M-led study introduces an innovative genetic engineering method that avoids cost and safety concerns associated with viral vectors. The method combines CRISPR-Cas9 precision genome editing and a novel DNA integration mechanism, integrating large DNA sequences into human T-cells with high efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

What happens in the brain while daydreaming?

A study in mice suggests that daydreams can shape the brain's future response to what it sees. Researchers found that patterns of activity during a mouse's first few daydreams predicted how the brain would respond to an image later, indicating a potential causal relationship between daydreaming and brain plasticity.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2023

Nanoprobe with a barcode

Scientists have introduced a new class of protease-activity sensors using gold nanoparticles equipped with peptide DNA, which can detect multiple active proteases in parallel. The method works at room temperature and does not require complicated sample preparation or elaborate instruments.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

Infection with stomach bacteria may increase risk of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori infection can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 11-24% in people over 50, potentially due to inflammation and damage to the brain. The study analyzed data from over four million people and considered the time interval between infection and increased risk.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Epigenetic changes can cause type 2 diabetes

A new study by Lund University researchers confirms that epigenetic changes can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The study identified 5584 sites with differing epigenetic changes in individuals with and without the disease, as well as a key gene RHOT1 involved in insulin secretion.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2023

Vikings in Sweden suffered from tooth decay

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Vikings in Sweden had a high prevalence of tooth decay, with many exhibiting severe caries and other dental pathologies. The findings provide insights into the lives of these ancient Scandinavians and their attempts to treat dental issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology examines effects of climate change on allergic conditions

A recent study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology examines the effects of climate change on various allergic conditions, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and seasonal allergies. The research suggests that environmental warming can lead to longer-lasting pollen seasons and increased T2 inflammation.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateDec 13, 2023