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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 368


Page 368 of 444

Frequent socialising linked to longer lifespan of older people

A large-scale Chinese study found that frequent socializing was associated with significantly longer survival in older adults. Those who socialized nearly every day had the greatest likelihood of living longer, with a 42% delay in time to death compared to those who never socialized.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Does more money correlate with greater happiness?

A new study by researchers from Penn and Princeton reveals that, on average, larger incomes are associated with ever-increasing levels of happiness. However, an unhappy cohort within each income group shows a sharp rise in happiness up to $100,000 annually before plateauing.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2023

HRL Laboratories silicon encoded spin qubits achieve universality

HRL Laboratories has demonstrated universal control of encoded spin qubits using a novel silicon-based qubit device architecture. The achievement offers a strong pathway toward scalable fault tolerance and computational advantage in quantum computing, with potential applications in materials development, drug discovery, and mitigating ...

SourceHRL Laboratories·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

The challenges of mining for electric-vehicle batteries

The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

Quantifying genetic variations in bacterial cultures the qSanger way

A novel methodology called qSanger can easily quantify DNA and identify genetic variations in cultured bacteria, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The approach uses amplitude ratios of aligned electropherogram peaks from mixed Sanger sequencing reads to measure plasmid DNA ratios.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·DateMar 6, 2023

A mixture of trees purifies urban air best

A study by University of Gothenburg found that conifer trees are generally better at purifying air from gaseous pollutants, while broadleaved trees excel at capturing particle-bound pollution. The researchers analyzed leaves and needles from eleven different tree species to determine which ones absorb air pollutants most effectively.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Increased hospitalizations for heart attacks, heart failure seen in older adults living near fracking sites

A University of Chicago study found that older adults living near fracking sites in Pennsylvania had higher rates of cardiovascular disease hospitalizations compared to those in nearby New York state. The study linked exposure to air and water pollution from fracking activity to increased health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateMar 6, 2023

A Pitt lab shows phage attacks in new light

A Pitt lab discovery sheds light on how a specific mutation in the lsr2 gene helps bacteria resist phage infection. The team developed new tools to visualize phages attacking bacteria, revealing critical insights into the mechanisms of phage resistance.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Can artificial intelligence help find life on Mars or icy worlds?

Researchers used AI to map sparse life hidden in salt domes, rocks, and crystals at Salar de Pajonales, a Martian analog. The study found that microbial life is concentrated in patchy biological hotspots linked to water availability, and AI can detect biosignatures up to 87.5% of the time.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 6, 2023

Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered

Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Are you chasing your dreams or running from your fears?

A new Edith Cowan University study found that individuals with fear-based motives are more likely to experience emotion regulation difficulties, leading to depression and anxiety. Understanding underlying motives is crucial for protecting mental health.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAustralian Psychologist·TypeSurvey·DateMar 6, 2023

A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible

A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 6, 2023

Geisinger study supports genetic testing for people with cerebral palsy

A Geisinger study supports genetic testing as a standard of care for people with cerebral palsy, similar to other neurodevelopmental disorders. The analysis found similar genetic diagnostic yield for CP and NDD, suggesting earlier identification of genetic changes and potential treatment through genetic testing.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 6, 2023

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

New research: Hotter and drier conditions limit forest recovery from wildfires

Warmer and drier climate conditions are making it less likely for trees to regenerate after wildfires, according to new research published in PNAS. Ecological forest management can partially offset climate-driven declines in tree regeneration by limiting fire-caused tree death, but only if action is taken quickly.

SourceThe Nature Conservancy, Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Rewarding accuracy instead of partisan pandering reduces Republican-Democrat divide over the truth – study

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that offering tiny cash rewards for accuracy can increase people's ability to distinguish between misinformation and the truth. The study suggests that fake news thrives due to a motivational imbalance, where users have more incentive to get clicks than to spread accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Chip-scale spectrometry using a photonic molecule

A team of scientists developed a ground-breaking method for chip-scale spectrometry that surpasses the traditional resolution-bandwidth trade-off. By leveraging a pair of tunable micro-ring resonators, the proposed scheme achieves high spectral resolution of 40 pm throughout a bandwidth of 100 nm.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMar 6, 2023

Biomolecular sliding at the nanoscale

Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the dynamics of H2A.Z nucleosomes, revealing a spontaneous sliding process along DNA strands. This finding may lead to better understanding of gene expression mechanisms.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 6, 2023

Juggling morality while we learn

Participants learned to distinguish between actions benefiting themselves and others, adapting their choices despite the absence of monetary rewards. Brain activity revealed a 'juggling' of moral learning, where participants processed objective pain but weighted it differently based on personal gain.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2023

Community strategy reduced opioid overdose deaths in Pennsylvania counties

A novel community-focused strategy implemented in Pennsylvania counties led to a 30% reduction in opioid overdose death rates. The approach, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, prevented 1,818 opioid-related deaths over two years.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Hardy health plant a hero ingredient to help manage obesity

The study found that phenolic extracts from roselle inhibited fat cell formation by 95%, while hydroxycitric acid had no effect. Researchers hope the plant's antioxidants can be used in health food products to manage obesity without side effects.

SourceRMIT University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

COVID fears and long-term planning play key roles in vaccine hesitancy

A recent study found that anxiety about contracting COVID-19 is a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy. However, proactive coping, a trait involving future planning, also plays a surprising role in vaccine hesitation, amplifying it at both ends of the spectrum.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPublic Health Challenges·TypeSurvey·DateMar 6, 2023

'Giant' ant fossil raises questions about ancient Arctic migrations

Researchers find first Canadian specimen of extinct ant Titanomyrma, sparking debate on how it dispersed across the Northern Hemisphere. The discovery challenges previous theories on hyperthermals and suggests a more complex picture of ancient climate and migration patterns.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Canadian Entomologist·DateMar 6, 2023

A warmer world will make heatwaves more frequent: Study

Researchers predict heatwaves similar to the 2021 WNA heatwave will occur more frequently due to increased extreme temperatures and shortened return periods. A warmer climate will also lead to a larger area breaking temperature records in the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEarth s Future·DateMar 6, 2023

'Good autoantibodies' could help against long Covid

Researchers have identified a new class of 'good autoantibodies' that neutralize chemokines, reducing inflammation and promoting a favorable disease course in patients with long Covid. The discovery is linked to a lower risk of prolonged symptoms and a milder illness.

SourceIstituto di Ricerca in Biomedicina·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 6, 2023

Depression linked to deadly inflammation in lung cancer patients

Lung cancer patients with moderate to severe depression are 2-3 times more likely to have inflammation levels that predict poor survival rates, according to a new study. The results suggest depression may be as important or even more important than other factors in determining lung cancer outcomes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Messages about the “felt intensity” of earthquakes via app can potentially assist early disaster management

A new approach uses crowdsourced data from affected people to estimate earthquake impact within 10-20 minutes, potentially aiding early disaster management. The system analyzes 'felt intensity' reports, providing a basis for quickly assessing the severity of damage.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Pioneering study shows flood risks can still be considerably reduced if all global promises to cut carbon emissions are kept

A pioneering study finds that flood risks in the UK can be kept below a 5% increase by 2050 if all countries meet their carbon emission pledges. The research reveals dramatic regional variations in flood hazards, with areas like South East England and London facing significant increases in damage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Science·DateMar 6, 2023

Some ‘allies’ don’t want gay neighbors

A new study by Northwestern University found that the absence of legal protections for sexual minorities increases stigma among both allies and those who reject homosexuality. Even fully accepting individuals may reject their gay neighbors, highlighting the importance of legal inclusion in reducing prejudice.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSociological Research Online·DateMar 6, 2023

Scientists twist chemical bonds beyond their limits

Researchers from Durham University and University of York successfully twisted molecules to their breaking point, exploring how far the chemical bonding in an aromatic ring can be twisted before its aromatic bonding breaks. The study reveals a balance point where the ring jumps between aromatic structure and two smaller rings.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 6, 2023

Studying partial remission of type 1 diabetes in children: New biomarkers and the immunoregulatory role of microRNA

A study has identified new microRNA biomarkers for the partial remission phase of type 1 diabetes and linked one of these microRNAs to immunoregulatory processes. The findings suggest a unique microRNA signature expression during this phase, which modulates regulatory T cell expansion and PD-1 expression.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalNon-Coding RNA·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Sexual minority families fare as well as, and in some ways better than, ‘traditional’ ones

A pooled data analysis of 16 studies found that most family outcomes were similar between sexual minority and different sex parent families, with some advantages in child psychological adjustment and child-parent relationships. However, risk factors such as stigma and discrimination can negatively impact family outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 6, 2023

New strategy proposed for bandgap engineering and maintaining property of material under high pressure

Scientists propose a new strategy to engineer and maintain band gap of carbon nitride under high pressure, enhancing photocatalytic activity. The study reveals a pressure-induced amorphization phenomenon, resulting in a narrowed band gap with improved light absorption and photoelectric response.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMar 6, 2023

Novel method developed to stabilize zinc-ion batteries

Researchers developed a method to stabilize zinc-ion batteries by adding 1,4-dioxane molecules to the electrolyte, which promotes Zn (002) texture growth and improves reversibility and cycling stability. The new system achieved long-term cycling stability of 1000 h and high coulombic efficiency of 99.7%.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 6, 2023

JMIR Medical Education launches special issue on the use of ChatGPT in medical education, after new study finds ChatGPT passes the United States Medical Licensing Examination

A recent study published in JMIR Medical Education found that ChatGPT outperformed previous-generation models and reached the equivalent of a passing score for third-year medical students. The AI-powered chatbot provides contextually interpretable answers, making it a potential interactive medical education tool.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Medical Education·DateMar 6, 2023

High-resolution laser heterodyne spectroscopy developed for wind field detection

A research team developed a near-infrared dual-channel oxygen-corrected laser heterodyne radiometer for measuring vertical profiles of wind fields in the troposphere and low stratosphere. The instrument achieves high spectral resolution, detecting slight Doppler frequency shifts caused by wind fields.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 6, 2023

Aerosol extinction hygroscopic growth characteristics obtained

Researchers analyzed aerosol hygroscopic growth characteristics in Qingdao, China, using long-term field campaign data to establish quantitative models. The study aims to improve tracing models for radiative transfer modeling and remote sensing.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing·DateMar 6, 2023

Tracing 13 billion years of history by the light of ancient quasars

Researchers studying ancient quasars have discovered a rapid increase in warm carbon around 13 billion years ago, potentially linked to the 'Epoch of Reionisation' and large-scale heating of gas. This finding provides new insights into the evolution of the universe's chemical composition.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Graphene quantum dots show promise as novel magnetic field sensors

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have discovered that graphene quantum dots can detect magnetic fields at the nano scale with high spatial resolution. The unique properties of graphene electrons, which behave like massless particles, create highly sensitive current loops that respond to external magnetic fields.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 6, 2023

How do microbes live off light?

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology found that many aquatic microbes use a complex light-to-energy conversion mechanism involving rhodopsin proteins and carotenoid antennas. This process allows for more efficient energy production and increases the amount of energy entering the food chain.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023