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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 26


Page 26 of 38

Global consortium creates large-scale, cross-species database and universal ‘clock’ to estimate age in all mammalian tissues

A global consortium of researchers has developed a large-scale, cross-species database and universal 'clock' to estimate age in all mammalian tissues. The study found that changes in DNA methylation levels are closely associated with life span and numerous other traits across mammals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Decarbonizing industry

The Energy Bootcamp, developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aims to provide hands-on training for industrial plant managers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The program offers free software tools, diagnostic equipment, and expert guidance to help manufacturers decarbonize their facilities and improve cost savings.

Poverty alleviation breakthrough: How a switch to a 'growth mindset' empowers entrepreneurs in developing nations

A randomized controlled experiment found that growth mindset training significantly improved the confidence of entrepreneurs in Tanzania, leading them to take more action in applying new skills. This breakthrough has implications for entrepreneurship training and teaching more generally.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Bioengineered tool unmasks cancer cells

A biomolecule has been engineered to selectively target and remove mucins from cancer cells, reducing tumor growth and increasing survival in lab-grown human cancer cells and mouse studies. This discovery could play a significant role in future therapies for cancer, as mucins are associated with many diseases.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 10, 2023

NIH zebrafish research included in US Postal Service’s “Life Magnified” stamps

The NIH zebrafish image was taken to study lymphatic vessel development in the brain and has led to a groundbreaking discovery that fish have lymphatic vessels inside their skull. This finding could expedite research into treatments for diseases affecting the human brain, such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

Red blood cell particles reduce fat deposition in arteries, potentially treating atherosclerosis

Researchers discovered that red blood cell particles can reduce fat deposition in arteries by inducing multiple changes in macrophages, including decreased inflammation and increased protection against oxidative damage. This finding offers potential new methods for treating atherosclerosis.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Researchers discover a potential application of unwanted electronic noise in semiconductors

A team of researchers has discovered a way to harness random telegraph noises in semiconductors, generating high-amplitude signals and manifesting inherent quantum states. By introducing vanadium into tungsten diselenide, they created a device that can switch between two stable states using voltage polarity.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

New orally available drug for spinal cord injury found to be safe and tolerable in healthy participants

A new drug treatment, KCL-286, has demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 clinical trial, promoting recovery through activating retinoic acid receptor beta (RARb) in the spine. Researchers are now seeking funding for a Phase 2a trial to study its effects in those with spinal cord injuries.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 10, 2023

Zentropy and the art of creating new ferroelectric materials

Researchers at Penn State have developed zentropy theory to predict the behavior of ferroelectric materials. By integrating top-down statistical and bottom-up quantum mechanics, zentropy provides a quantitative prediction that can narrow down possibilities significantly, allowing for more efficient discovery and design.

SourcePenn State·JournalScripta Materialia·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Floral resources and ground covers can reduce pesticide use while maintaining fruit quality in apple orchards

Researchers found that introducing flowering components, aromatic ground covers, and extensification in orchard management increased natural enemies' abundance and decreased pest insects. Ground covers had the most positive effects on predators, while promoting floral resources and ecosystem-friendly strategies can reduce pesticide use.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 10, 2023

Community health program boosts child vaccinations in remote areas of Madagascar

A community-based health program implemented in Madagascar increased vaccination rates in the country's most remote villages. The study found that households with a Catholic or Protestant affiliation were more reluctant to vaccinate their children, highlighting the need to address these barriers in future programs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWorld Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2023

HKUST researchers pioneers technique to self-assemble high-performance biomolecular films

A HKUST research team has developed a novel technique to self-assemble a thin layer of amino acids with ordered orientation, demonstrating high piezoelectric strength. The technique enables the production of biocompatible and biodegradable medical microdevices, such as pacemakers and implantable biosensors.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Chloride ions from seawater eyed as possible lithium replacement in batteries of the future

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Grassland fragmentation and plant invasion support generalist arthropods and might harm the specialist of forest steppes

Research found that grassland fragmentation and plant invasion support generalist arthropod species, but may harm specialist species adapted to forest steppes. Plant invasions, such as milkweed, alter microclimates and vegetation structure, affecting arthropod diversity.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2023

Ribbons of graphene push the material’s potential

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new fabrication technique to create devices with uniform twist angles and strain profiles in graphene. This allows for the systematic exploration of the material's properties and behavior, potentially leading to breakthroughs in quantum materials science.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2023

Study: fluidity predicts aggressiveness of cancerous tumors

Researchers developed tomoelastography, an imaging technique that maps tumor mechanical properties using MRI. Studies found consistent patterns between changes in tumor stiffness and increasing aggressiveness. The technique allows for precise measurement of tumor fluidity, enabling more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment options.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

NIST demonstrates a new ‘primary standard’ for measuring ultralow pressures

Scientists at NIST have validated a new approach to measuring extremely low gas pressures, called CAVS, which can serve as a primary standard. This technique uses a cold gas of trapped atoms to measure pressure and has been shown to be accurate and reliable for a wide range of applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAVS Quantum Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Research details perils of not being attractive or athletic in middle school

A new study by Florida Atlantic University found that adolescents who lack traits valued by peers are at risk for adjustment difficulties. The study revealed that low attractive youth and low athletic youth became increasingly unpopular over time, leading to subsequent increases in their loneliness and alcohol misuse.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeSurvey·DateAug 10, 2023

New research shows genetic mutation known for Alzheimer’s disease is associated with higher fertility in women

A new study found that Tsimane women with the APOE-ε4 allele had an increase of 0.5 births and shorter interbirth intervals, allowing them to have about half an additional child. This advantageous effect on fertility could help explain why the allele persists despite negative effects in later life.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2023