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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 24


Page 24 of 38

Chromium replaces rare and expensive noble metals

Chemists at the University of Basel have developed chromium compounds that can replace osmium and ruthenium in luminescent materials and catalysts. The new materials are nearly as effective as some osmium compounds and are about 20,000 times more abundant and cheaper than their noble metal counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 14, 2023

Self-driving cars can make traffic slower

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that connected vehicles improve travel time through intersections, but automated vehicles without connectivity actually increase wait times. The study suggests that incorporating vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is crucial for optimizing traffic flow.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

Social determinants of health contribute to higher CVD mortality rates in Black persons

A large US study found that social determinants of health are a major factor contributing to higher cardiovascular disease mortality rates in Black individuals compared to Whites. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 adults and found significant associations between social factors such as unemployment and food insecurity with CVD m...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 14, 2023

Can AI help hospitals spot patients in need of extra non-medical assistance?

A new study shows that a rule-based natural language processing tool successfully identified patients with unstable access to transportation, food insecurity, social isolation, financial problems, and signs of abuse or exploitation. The tool performed better than deep learning algorithms in identifying these social determinants of health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 14, 2023

Bear-human coexistence rethought

A new study by Paula Mayer proposes a practical tool for identifying areas of high human-bear conflict in the Abruzzo region. The model considers factors such as habitat suitability, migration corridors, and human-made food resources to inform local measures promoting coexistence.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

Stem-cell derived organoids secrete tooth enamel proteins

Researchers successfully created stem-cell derived organoids from human stem cells that secrete three essential enamel proteins. These proteins form a matrix that undergoes mineralization to create a hardened enamel structure. The breakthrough offers hope for developing novel treatments to repair and regenerate teeth.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

The anatomy of memory: new mnemomic networks discovered in the brain

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences have identified distinct cortical networks associated with subregions of the human medial temporal lobe. The study used precision neuroimaging to explore the distributed anatomy of the MTL, overcoming previous challenges in studying this region.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalNeuron·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 14, 2023

Making plant-based meat alternatives more palatable

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created plant protein microgels that transform dry plant proteins into hydrated ones, mimicking the sensation of fat. The breakthrough could lead to the development of healthier, palatable, and sustainable plant-based foods.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Source of hidden consciousness in ‘comatose’ brain injury patients found

Researchers have identified patterns of brain injury that underlie hidden consciousness, a phenomenon where brain-injured patients appear unconscious despite having some level of awareness. The study found that all patients with hidden consciousness had intact brain structures related to arousal and command comprehension.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateAug 14, 2023

Study shows promise of gene therapy for alcohol use disorder

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Researchers develop a unique quantum mechanical approach to determining metal ductility

Researchers developed a unique approach to predict metal ductility using quantum mechanics, filling the need for an inexpensive and efficient method. The new approach was tested on refractory multi-principal-element alloys and showed robust results, confirming its effectiveness in distinguishing between ductile and brittle materials.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalActa Materialia·DateAug 14, 2023

`Forever chemicals’? Maybe not

A proof-of-concept study reveals that 'forever chemicals' in soil from firefighting foam can be degraded through a simple and cost-effective method called ball milling. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize the cleanup of contaminated sites worldwide, addressing a significant environmental concern.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalEnvironmental Science Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2023

HKU Engineering team leads global collaboration for universal unit in environmental surveillance of antimicrobial resistance

The University of Hong Kong's research team has proposed a universal unit to standardize data sharing in antimicrobial resistance surveillance. This approach aims to enhance comparability across studies and facilitate globally coordinated efforts against antimicrobial resistance. The team's work has the potential to significantly chang...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2023

Mosquito hearing could be targeted by insecticides

A new study reveals that mosquitoes use a specific receptor in their ears to modulate their hearing, which is crucial for reproduction and mating. This discovery could lead to the development of novel insecticides or mating disruptors to control mosquito populations and reduce human disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2023

Hidden moles in hidden holes

Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Behind the rind: new genomic insights into watermelon evolution, quality, and resilience

Scientists at the Boyce Thompson Institute have constructed a comprehensive 'super-pangenome' for watermelon and its wild relatives, uncovering beneficial genes lost during domestication. This genetic toolkit can be used to develop varieties with enhanced yield, increased disease resistance, and improved adaptability.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2023

CORRECTION: Outdoor air pollution may increase non-lung cancer risk in older adults

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) increases the risk of colorectal and prostate cancers in older adults. NO2 exposure was also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, while PM2.5 exposure had mixed results.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2023