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Science News Archive April 2023 - Page 13


Page 13 of 37

New study reveals that childhood adversity is linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes as young adults

A new study found that individuals who experienced childhood adversity, such as poverty, illness, or death in the family, are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in early adulthood. The study, conducted on a large population-based cohort, reveals that these adverse experiences can lead to increased inflammation, insulin resist...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 20, 2023

Swedish quantum computer applied to chemistry for the first time

Researchers at Chalmers University have successfully used a quantum computer to calculate the intrinsic energy of small molecules, demonstrating a new method called Reference-State Error Mitigation. This breakthrough has the potential to advance the boundaries of chemical calculations and simulate complex chemical processes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2023

Research of National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture shows it is possible to get bigger and sweeter tomatoes in Northwest China under changing climate under reduced nitrogen and water input

A novel model, TGFS, simulates the response of fruit growth and quality to environmental factors and cultivation practices. The study found that reducing nitrogen and water input can increase tomato fresh weight by 27.8-36.4% while increasing soluble sugar concentration up to 10%. This provides a promising tool for optimizing N and wat...

COVID-19 pandemic saw major increase in children and adolescents attempting suicide by poison, study finds

The rate of suspected suicide attempts by poisoning among children and adolescents ages 10-19 increased 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019. The most common substances involved were acetaminophen and ibuprofen, highlighting the need for comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateApr 20, 2023

A gene involved in Down syndrome puts the brakes on neurons' activity in mice, new study shows

A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that an extra copy of the DSCAM gene in mice with Down syndrome causes improper neuron development and excessive inhibition. This discovery suggests modulation of DSCAM expression levels could be a viable therapeutic strategy for repairing synaptic deficits seen in Down syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2023

Music for sleeping and music for studying share surprising similarities, study finds

A recent study from Aarhus University found that music used for studying and sleeping share similar characteristics, such as slow tempo and repetitive patterns. The study suggests that these similarities can be attributed to the calming effects of the music on the brain, creating a conducive environment for both tasks.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2023

Economic growth alone is not enough to eliminate rabies

A new study finds that economic growth is insufficient to eliminate dog-mediated rabies, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as improved pet ownership and education in vulnerable communities. The research uses data from over 100 countries to show a strong association between poverty and higher death rates from rabies.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 20, 2023

Cannabinoids give worms the munchies, too

A new study on nematode worms reveals that they react to cannabinoids in the same way as humans, increasing hunger for favorite foods and decreasing hunger for non-favored foods. The discovery emphasizes the commonality of cannabinoid effects across species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Water arsenic including in public water is linked to higher urinary arsenic totals among the U.S. population

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health finds that water arsenic levels are associated with higher urinary arsenic among the U.S. population, especially in public water supplies in the West and South regions. The researchers found that private well users and those in public water systems have higher urinary a...

Two qudits fully entangled

The team successfully entangled two qudits with unprecedented performance, enabling faster and more robust quantum computing. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in fields like chemistry and physics.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

University of Cincinnati research examines the impact of maternal stress during pregnancy on child’s health

The study found associations between prenatal maternal stress life events and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. DNA methylation likely plays a role in these associations. The research provides new insights into how the fetal environment influences neurodevelopment, metabolism and immunologic functions.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 20, 2023

Why are networks stable?

Bar-Ilan University researchers found that large and heterogeneous complex networks exhibit enhanced stability due to non-random patterns of interaction, contradicting Sir Robert May's original prediction. This discovery offers new guidelines for designing stable infrastructure networks and protecting fragile ecosystems.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 20, 2023

Creation of thinnest freestanding film with ferroelectric properties ever opens the door to smaller, more efficient devices

Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully synthesized barium titanate nanosheets with a thickness of 1.8 nanometers, the thinnest freestanding film ever created with ferroelectric properties. This achievement paves the way for the development of smaller and more efficient devices such as memories and capacitors.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateApr 20, 2023

Fat quantum cats

Scientists at ETH Zurich have successfully created a substantially heavier Schrödinger cat by putting a small crystal into a superposition of two oscillation states. The resulting 'cat' weighs around 16 micrograms, making it the fattest quantum cat to date.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Built to bounce back

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed a drone with an inflatable frame that can absorb impact forces and provide collision resilience. The drone's stiffness is tunable, allowing it to physically interact with its surroundings and accomplish tasks like perching, which involves controlled collisions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Mapping floods of the future reveals communities at risk due to climate change

A study reveals that climate change will lead to increased flood risks globally, with 1.86 billion people living in areas prone to extreme flooding. The research team developed a new approach to create high-resolution future flood hazard maps using climate change simulations and compared the results with historical maps.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateApr 20, 2023

Punctuation in literature of major languages is intriguingly mathematical

Researchers found that punctuation marks follow a Weibull distribution across seven Western languages, with some differences between languages but no exceptions. The study also revealed the English language to be the least punctuated, while Slavic languages relied on punctuation most.

UHN Researchers publish ground breaking clinical trial in lung transplantation

A study of 70 patients found that donor lungs remained healthy and viable for transplant up to four times longer when stored at 10 degrees Celsius compared to the current standard. This breakthrough could increase donor organs and change practice worldwide, reducing hospital resources and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2023

Highly sensitive and self-healing conductive hydrogels fabricated from cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal for strain sensors

The study developed conductive hydrogels with high sensing performance, excellent stretchability, and tensile strength, thanks to the use of cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal. The hydrogels demonstrated a very high sensing sensitivity and good repeatability and durability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 20, 2023

Brain diseases are better classified using analysis of gene activity

Researchers at McGill University found that analyzing gene activity can classify brain diseases into five primary groups, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study identified previously unknown relationships among diseases, such as language development disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which share common genes and cell types.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023