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Science News Archive April 2023 - Page 7


Page 7 of 37

Existing drugs prevent Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive impairment in mice, new research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University shows

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce inflammation, restore cell function and prevent cognitive impairment in mice with amyloid buildup. CAIs also improved cerebrovascular health and enhanced amyloid-clearing capacity.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateApr 26, 2023

Diverse landscapes help insects cope with heat stress

A new study reveals that diverse landscapes and microhabitats play a crucial role in helping insects cope with heat stress caused by global warming. Insects that inhabit diverse environments exhibit different strategies to conserve energy, such as reducing activity or seeking shelter in cooler areas.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023

Study: Brain circuits for locomotion evolved long before appendages and skeletons

Researchers discovered parallels between the brain architecture of sea slugs and more complex segmented creatures with jointed skeletons and appendages. The study suggests that simpler organisms like sea slugs adapted a network of neurons to govern locomotion and posture, which was later inherited by more complex animals.

BCG vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

A world-leading international trial has found that the BCG vaccine does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19, despite boosting 'front-line' immunity in infants and protecting against respiratory infections. The research involved 3988 healthcare workers and showed a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in the BCG group.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2023

First ever sturgeon to be found in Africa

A fossil of a 'royal fish', estimated to be over 66 million years old, was discovered in Morocco, marking the first time a sturgeon has been found in Africa. This finding suggests that sturgeons may have been more widespread than previously thought, complicating models of their origin.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCretaceous Research·DateApr 26, 2023

Inhaled ethanol may treat respiratory infections and stop pandemics

A new study found that inhaling low concentrations of ethanol vapor can inactivate the influenza A virus in mice without harmful side effects. The researchers believe this method could also treat similar viruses like Covid-19 and potentially stop pandemics. However, further evaluation is needed to ensure its efficacy and safety on humans.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 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