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Science News for April 25, 2023


Most smallholder farmers surveyed in Uganda believe they can reduce damage caused by fall armyworm pest

Most smallholder farmers in Uganda surveyed believe they can reduce damage caused by the fall armyworm using various management and control options. They predominantly use chemical control methods, including regular weeding and handpicking, with some farmers also employing biological extracts to combat the pest.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Computational ‘short cuts’ offer fast answers to complex supply chain problems

Computational heuristics like Grey Wolf Optimizer and Whale Optimization Algorithm offer fast solutions to complex supply chain problems, providing accurate results within a shorter time frame. The research suggests these tools can be a valuable addition to supply chain management, especially in responding to unexpected disruptions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Astronomers solve the 60-year mystery of quasars – the most powerful objects in the Universe

Scientists have discovered that quasars are ignited by galaxies crashing together, a process that drives gas towards supermassive black holes and releases extraordinary amounts of energy. This finding provides a significant step forward in understanding how these powerful objects are triggered and fuelled.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Study links nutrients, brain structure, cognition in healthy aging

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found associations between dozens of features that promote brain and cognitive health in older adults. The analysis combined data on nutrient intake, brain structure, and cognitive function, revealing clusters of traits that work together to support healthy aging.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

More efficient and cost-effective mRNA vaccines: Researchers from Graz University of Technology produce pseudouridine by means of biocatalytic synthesis

Researchers from Graz University of Technology have developed a novel method for producing central components of mRNA vaccines using biocatalytic synthesis. This approach achieves a yield of 92-95% compared to 40-50% for chemical processes, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Pesticides and neurodevelopment disorders

Exposure to pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin during pregnancy and lactation causes reduced cognition, increased repetitive behaviors, and altered dopamine levels in mice offspring. These findings suggest that exposure to pyrethroid pesticides may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders in humans.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 25, 2023

Pet rabbits need freedom to exercise, study finds

A new study finds that pet rabbits require daily freedom to exercise outside their home enclosure, even in larger hutches with access to an exercise area. The research highlights the importance of allowing pairs of rabbits to move freely throughout the day.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2023

Investment in education in shrinking cities

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that social and educational indicators have a stronger impact on population decline rates than economic indicators. Increasing investment in education for children can help lower population decline rates, suggesting a potential solution to Japan's shrinking city problem.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 25, 2023

Using artificial intelligence to create a tsunami early warning system

A team at Cardiff University developed an AI-powered tsunami early warning system that uses real-time classification of underwater earthquakes to detect tsunamis more reliably and earlier. The system enables faster evacuation by identifying the size and scale of tsunamis through acoustic-gravity waves, reducing false alarms.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures

The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 25, 2023

Quantum sensing in your pocket

Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have demonstrated a new chip-scale approach using OLEDs to image magnetic fields, offering a potential solution for portable quantum sensing. This technique enables small, flexible, and mass-producible sensing without requiring input from a laser or cryogenic temperatures.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Scientists demonstrate unprecedented sensitivity in measuring time delay between two photons

A team of researchers has achieved unparalleled precision in measuring the time delay between two photons using frequency-resolving sampling measurements. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient characterisation of nanostructures, including biological samples and nanomaterial surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Uncovering a star’s demise: Supermassive black hole tears apart a giant star in a display brighter, more energetic and longer lasting than any observed before

Astronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole consuming a giant star, producing a long-lived transient object that is orders of magnitude brighter and more energetic than any recorded before. The object, named Scary Barbie, has lasted over two years and may be visible for years to come.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateApr 25, 2023

Cancer cells may sense immune surveillance and actively adapt

Researchers propose a new theory on how cancer cells actively adapt to evade the immune system, losing and gaining tumor-associated antigens. This adaptation makes it difficult for immunotherapies to target cancer cells effectively, but may also create new vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateApr 25, 2023

Fishermen-developed “banger bar” helps reduce risk of injury on crab boats, OSU study finds

A study by Oregon State University found that a metal bar installed on the crab-sorting table can reduce the strain on fishermen's bodies and prevent injuries. The researchers tested different banger bar configurations and found that higher bars and triangular bars were the most effective in reducing muscle activity and joint moment.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

How to land on a planet safely

Researchers developed a model to describe the interaction between a rocket plume and planetary surfaces, providing insights into erosion and contamination. The simulation estimates plume shape, temperature, and pressure, as well as material eroded or displaced, for safer landing sites and spacecraft design.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 25, 2023

Argonne’s self-driving lab accelerates the discovery process for materials with multiple applications

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a self-driving laboratory called Polybot, which automates electronic polymer research and frees scientists' time to work on tasks only humans can accomplish. The tool combines AI and robotics to streamline experimental processes and accelerate discovery.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 25, 2023

Reduced access to TAVR to treat aortic stenosis in Canada compared to the US may affect mortality risk, potentially threatening lives

A new study comparing outcomes between Ontario and New York State found patients in Ontario more likely to die within a month of procedure due to inadequate availability and long wait times. The study suggests that improved access to TAVR may lead to better post-procedural outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Q & A with Shanna van Trigt, Vrije Universiteit author of “Autistic Traits and Self-Conscious Emotions in Early Childhood” Child Development

A new study finds that children with more autistic traits exhibit shame-like avoidance after transgressions, rather than less guilt and embarrassment, contradicting previous assumptions. This association is not fully explained by lower Theory of Mind abilities.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2023

Study: Treatment for opioid addiction lags despite policies designed to increase it

A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Biomarker pattern found in kids with COVID 19-linked inflammatory syndrome

A study funded by the NIH found that children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) have unique biochemical indicators of cell injury and death. The researchers developed a method to distinguish MIS-C from other conditions, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for these patients.

BSC develops pioneering artificial intelligence method to fight urban air pollution

The Barcelona Supercomputing Center's new AI method combines CALIOPE-Urban predictions with urban data to provide accurate air quality maps and predict pollution limit exceedances. The study identifies the Eixample district as the worst-affected area in Barcelona, highlighting the need for effective policies to improve air quality.

SourceBarcelona Supercomputing Center·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateApr 25, 2023

Better social drinkers don’t earn more

A study of working men in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea found that alcohol-tolerant individuals do not earn more than their intolerant colleagues. Despite the cultural pressure to drink, better social drinkers did not experience a wage premium in terms of working hours or earnings.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHealth Economics·TypeSurvey·DateApr 25, 2023

Researchers capture first atomic-scale images depicting early stages of particle accelerator film formation

Scientists have captured the first atomic-scale images of tin on niobium during the growth process of next-generation particle accelerators, revealing potential for greater control over superconducting Nb3Sn films. The study aims to optimize fabrication of next-generation accelerator cavities and reduce cryogenic infrastructure costs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateApr 25, 2023

Luring the virus into a trap

Heidelberg researchers have identified key proteins that can prevent the formation of fusion pores, allowing viruses like influenza A and Ebola to be trapped in a lipid membrane. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for preventing infections with these highly infectious viruses.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Study identifies a new building block in the navigation system of fish; boundary vector cells in central telencephalon of goldfish enable unique encoding of position, documented here for the first time in the largest group of vertebrates

Researchers identified boundary vector cells in goldfish central telencephalon that encode spatial information for the first time in a vertebrate. These cells enable unique positioning and represent a significant discovery in understanding fish navigation systems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 2023

Estimated 6.5 million Californians know someone at risk of harming themselves, others

A new study finds that an estimated 6.5 million Californians are concerned about a friend or family member who may harm themselves or others due to substance misuse, history of violence, or firearm access. The survey shows that 85% of respondents who knew someone at risk took actions to reduce the risk, but few addressed firearm access.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Mixing theory, observation to envision warmer world

Researchers combine theory and observation to understand damselfly responses to warming temperatures, discovering a more realistic predator-prey simulation model. This work provides groundwork for understanding how other species will adapt to a warmer world, particularly species like mosquitoes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateApr 25, 2023

Woodpecker guides post-fire forest management

A new online tool predicts the potential abundance of Black-backed Woodpeckers after fire by incorporating pyrodiversity into forest management decisions. This helps balance human and wildlife needs in post-fire landscapes.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Jellyfish-like robots could one day clean up the world’s oceans

Researchers have developed a jellyfish-like robot capable of collecting and transporting waste particles in the ocean without causing harm to marine species. The robot uses electrohydraulic actuators to swim and create currents, allowing it to trap objects along its path and transport them to the surface for recycling.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Presenting information about mental health in a second language could help counter cultural norms against treatment

Bilingual individuals from cultures where mental health is stigmatized may be more open to treatment when presented with information in their second language. Studies found participants recommended therapy more strongly in English compared to Chinese, suggesting a potential counteractive effect of cultural norms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023