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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 414


Page 414 of 444

Volcano-like rupture could have caused magnetar slowdown

A study published in Nature Astronomy suggests that a volcano-like rupture on the surface of a neutron star could have caused its sudden slowdown. The research used X-ray data from orbiting telescopes to analyze the magnetar's rotation and found evidence supporting this theory.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Additional anesthesiology residency positions may help hospitals save costs, address projected workforce shortages of anesthesia care professionals

A study suggests that adding extra anesthesiology residency positions can be financially beneficial for hospitals, with cost savings ranging from $440,000 to $1.9 million over three years. This expansion may help address the projected shortage of anesthesia care professionals and reduce staffing costs.

Non-invasive neurotechnology reduces symptoms of insomnia and improves autonomic nervous system function

A new study using closed-loop, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology shows significant improvements in sleep quality and autonomic nervous system function in adults with insomnia. The intervention, called CR-SOP, was found to reduce insomnia symptoms and improve heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2023

KIMM develops the world’s first electrode design for lithium-ion battery that improves smartphone·laptop battery performance

A joint research team developed a new battery technology using a bilayered anode to enhance reliability and performance. The design allows for high energy density and uniform reaction stability even in thick electrodes, benefiting electric vehicles and electronic devices.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 27, 2023

Columbia researchers find link between serotonin and heart valve disease

A new study led by Columbia researchers discovered a link between serotonin and heart valve disease, specifically degenerative mitral regurgitation. The study found that patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were more likely to develop severe mitral regurgitation and require surgery at a younger age.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

A new way to identify stresses in complex fluids

Purdue University researchers have discovered a new mathematical framework that measures stress and stretching field topologies for complex fluids. This breakthrough applies to polymeric fluids used in groundwater remediation and other industries, enabling more accurate predictions of fluid transport.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2023

COVID calculations lead to unexpected solution to long-standing problem in theoretical computer science

A UAB researcher discovered a new definition of Petri nets that reconciles two longstanding mathematical approaches, allowing for the reconciliation of geometric and algebraic semantics. This breakthrough has been used in epidemiological modeling, including COVID-19 research.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of the ACM·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2023

New study debunks the assumption that menstrual cycles disqualify women from exercise research

A new study from Brigham Young University researchers found no variability in endurance thresholds or performance among women across their menstrual cycles. Women's performance was consistent with men's, challenging the long-held assumption that hormonal changes during menstruation affect exercise capability.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Afternoon chemotherapy proved to deliver more desirable results for female lymphoma patients

Researchers found that female lymphoma patients who received afternoon chemotherapy had a 12.5 times reduced mortality rate and a 2.8 times decreased cancer recurrence rate compared to morning treatment. This is due to the body's natural circadian rhythm, which affects white blood cell counts and bone marrow proliferation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJCI Insight·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Small, convenient mosquito repellent device passes test to protect military personnel

A new, portable mosquito repellent device has been tested successfully in a four-week semi-field study, showing effectiveness in preventing multiple species of mosquitos from entering the testing site. The device uses transfluthrin as a spatial repellent and eliminates the need for applying topical repellents or insecticides.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCurrent Research in Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Looking back at the Tonga eruption

A new analysis of seismic data recorded after the Tonga eruption has revealed two distinct sequences of events, including quasi-periodic explosions and a massive final event. The study used back-projection techniques to tease out details from teleseismic P waves, shedding light on the volcano's internal dynamics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

What you do in your garden to help pollinators works

A Lund University study evaluates 'Operation: Save the Bees' campaign, finding that creating meadows with diverse flowering species and planting older flowers improves pollinator numbers. The researchers also highlight the importance of investing in effective measures to support urban biodiversity.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Cities·DateJan 26, 2023

Blood sugar monitoring devices pose wearability and use problems for older adults with diabetes and caregivers

Researchers found that continuous glucose monitors and wearable devices pose challenges for patients and caregivers, including issues with hardware, software, and device use. Nearly three-quarters of participants experienced low blood sugar levels, highlighting the need for improved technology to manage diabetes effectively.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalApplied Clinical Informatics·DateJan 26, 2023

EU consumers ‘export’ environment damage to Eastern neighbours

A new study reveals that EU consumers are 'exporting' negative environmental impacts to their Eastern European neighbours while keeping economic benefits within the EU. The bulk of environmental pressures and impacts associated with EU consumption are felt in countries outside the bloc, with uneven distribution of costs and benefits wi...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Study finds most U.S. children use potentially toxic makeup products, often during play

A recent study found that most US children use makeup and body products containing carcinogens and toxic chemicals like lead, asbestos, and PFAS. The survey of over 200 parents revealed that 79% of children under 12 use these products, with many reporting unintentional ingestion or prolonged exposure.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 26, 2023

Heavy smokers with severe periodontitis receive no benefit from treatment

A new study published in the Journal of Dental Research has found that heavy smokers with severe periodontitis do not receive any benefits from treatment. The study suggests that smoking cessation is crucial for effective treatment and may even worsen the disease during active treatment. The findings highlight the need to rethink pract...

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2023

Waseda University researchers measure boron flux in high-energy cosmic rays with the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET)

Researchers from Waseda University measured the energy spectrum of boron and the B/C flux ratio in high-energy cosmic rays using the CALorimetric Electron Telescope. The results indicate a different spectral index for boron compared to carbon, with implications for our understanding of cosmic ray propagation mechanisms.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2023

New zinc finger model shows promise for gene therapy

Researchers developed a novel technology to engineer proteins targeting specific DNA sequences, offering a new approach to gene therapies. The system generates engineered zinc fingers that bind to any given sequence of DNA, potentially treating diseases caused by genetic mutations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Red algae-derived metal-polysaccharide shows promise for anti-microbial applications because of its long and dense spikes

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev discovered a new compound derived from marine red microalga that exhibits effective antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungus. The compound's unique structure, featuring long and dense spikes, allows it to poke holes in bacterial membranes and kill off infections.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalMarine Drugs·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Alien plant species are spreading rapidly in mountainous areas

A new study reveals that alien plant species are expanding their range to higher elevations at an accelerated rate, affecting mountain ecosystems globally. The number of invasive species has increased by 16% worldwide over the past decade, with neophytes colonizing niches that match their climatic preferences.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 26, 2023

Quantum sensors see Weyl photocurrents flow

A team of researchers led by Boston College Assistant Professor Brian Zhou developed a new quantum sensor technique to image and understand the origin of photocurrent flow in Weyl semimetals. They found that the electrical current flows in a four-fold vortex pattern around where light is shined on the material.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

UK newspapers generally report on meat substitutes positively—but high processing of some meat and dairy alternatives, high environmental footprint of protein crops, and big business involvement are portrayed as the biggest concerns

Plant-based protein products are generally reported positively in UK newspapers, but issues such as high processing levels and environmental footprints of protein crops dominate the narrative. The study suggests that big business involvement is also a significant concern.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJan 26, 2023

This new fabric coating could drastically reduce microplastic pollution from washing clothes

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a two-layer coating made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes that significantly reduces microfibre shedding from synthetic fabrics. The coating, which can reduce pollution by more than 90%, is environmentally friendly and has been shown to work on various surfaces including gla...