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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 32


Page 32 of 38

Accurate measurement of permittivity advances radio telescope receivers and next generation telecommunication networks

Researchers developed a novel method to measure permittivity 100 times more accurately than before. This technology contributes to efficient development of sensitive radio receivers for radio telescopes and high-frequency materials for next-gen communication networks.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalIEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Inside job: Finding exposes unexpected killer of immune cells lacking self marker

Dendritic cells have been found to directly kill T cells lacking CD47, providing a new insight into the immune system's ability to distinguish self from non-self. This discovery has potential implications for cancer treatment and raises questions about the therapeutic application of this novel mechanism.

SourceKobe University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Sports media use linked to belief in rape myths

A recent study found that young men who regularly consume sports media are more likely to accept rape myths, even after accounting for negative masculine norms. The researchers suggest that the production of sports media around athletic events contributes to this connection, portraying men as hyper-masculine aggressors and women as tro...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateAug 7, 2023

New treatment method reduces size and increases stability of atherosclerotic plaque on arterial walls, preventing heart diseases: NUS study

Researchers at NUS have developed a new treatment method that reduces the size and increases the stability of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial walls. The treatment involves injecting omega-3 fatty acids into the bloodstream via nanomedicine, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevent plaque rupture.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2023

New PNAS study from ESMT Berlin reveals ideal first offer in negotiations

Researchers analyzed 26 million eBay negotiations to determine optimal low first offers. Lower first offers effectively bring down final sale prices, while a linear anchoring effect benefits buyers. The study identifies three zones: safety, acceleration, and saturation zones, where impasse risk decreases or increases.

SourceESMT Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2023

Increased risk of dementia diagnosis, benzodiazepine exposure in seniors with anxiety

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a significant association between anxiety and an increased risk of dementia diagnosis in seniors. Benzodiazepine exposure was also associated with a 28% higher risk of dementia, but only when prescribed to patients without an anxiety disorder.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 7, 2023

New metalens lights the way for advanced control of quantum emission

A new multifunctional metalens has been developed to structure quantum emissions from solid-state single photon emitters. The metalens can simultaneously tailor directionality, polarization, and orbital angular momentum degrees of freedom, enabling the generation of high-dimensional single-photon hybrid quantum states.

Adapting to water temperature changes: the smart "coat" of Yangtze finless porpoise

The Yangtze finless porpoise has evolved a specialized subcutaneous blubber layer that serves as an intelligent thermal coat, regulating body temperature in response to changing water temperatures. The blubber thickness changes with the water temperature, becoming thicker in colder waters and thinner in warmer waters.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2023

Go with the flow

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a continuous-flow manufacturing method for producing cefazolin, an essential antibiotic. This new approach reduces time, cost and waste, making it ideal for flexible production and improving global health access.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2023

Out with the life coach, in with the chatbot

Researchers at the University of South Australia found that chatbots significantly improved physical activity, diet and sleep. Chatbots were effective across different age groups and more conducive to achieving positive outcomes than speech-based AI. A blended approach with human coaching may be the most beneficial.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalDigital Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 6, 2023

Advancing intelligent railway systems: GNSS-based applications and field demonstration validation

Researchers developed a novel train control system with dynamic configuration, reduced track-side equipment, and improved maintainability to achieve cost savings and increased transportation efficiency. The study promotes the integration of GNSS-based positioning and navigation technologies to enhance railway operations.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalHigh-speed Railway·DateAug 6, 2023

Let the robot insect land and take off on the wall Utilizing hybrid power layout with flying–climbing transition control to complete biological behavior

A team of researchers from Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics developed a bionic robot that can complete smooth movement, including landing on a vertical wall, climbing along the wall, and taking off from the wall. The robot uses a flapping/rotor hybrid power layout to mimic insect's control of body posture.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2023

Prenatal diagnosis matters: Linked to earlier surgery for congenital heart disease

A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that prenatal diagnosis is associated with earlier surgery for babies with congenital heart defects, leading to improved outcomes. Prenatally diagnosed babies had surgery on average one week sooner than those with postnatal diagnosis.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateAug 4, 2023

How good is that AI-penned radiology report?

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that automated scoring systems for AI-generated radiology reports fail to reliably identify clinical errors. The team designed a new method and composite evaluation tool to better evaluate the performance of AI tools in generating clinically useful and trustworthy reports.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPatterns·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2023

New study shows increase in Welsh breastfeeding rates during pandemic

A Swansea University-led study found that Welsh breastfeeding rates increased during the pandemic, with a significant correlation between mothers' intention to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study proposes targeted interventions during pregnancy and policies to support families to improve breastfeeding duration.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBMJ Paediatrics Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2023

Study aims to assess impact of physical activity intervention on cognitive development of young children in low socioeconomic areas

A University of Massachusetts Amherst kinesiologist is implementing a physical activity program for young children in preschools with low socioeconomic status. The pilot study aims to measure the impact on cognitive development and gross motor skills, with potential long-term implications for health disparities.

HSE researchers question the correctness of experiments denying free will

Researchers from HSE University challenged the famous Libet studies on free will, revealing a lack of correlation between brain activity and decision-making. The study used advanced EEG techniques to investigate the timing of intention awareness and final decision, finding that the latter could be influenced by experimental procedures.

How the hospital pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii quickly adapts to new environmental conditions

Researchers find that Acinetobacter baumannii can achieve significant functional modifications in protein complexes over short evolutionary time spans, particularly in hair-like cell appendages. This diversity may affect the pathogen's interaction with its environment and inform personalized therapies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2023

Powerful gene editing approach boosts rotifers in pantheon of laboratory animals

Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have devised a method to precisely alter rotifer genomes using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling the study of fundamental biology and evolution. The new approach will allow scientists to investigate various aspects of biology, including aging, DNA repair mechanisms, and mitochondrial function.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Department of Natural Resources Eric Quaempts selected as the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award Winner

Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.

They got more than me! The brain circuit for socially subjective reward valuation

A recent study published in Nature Communications identified an important brain circuit for socially subjective reward valuation, finding that temporarily disconnecting the medial prefrontal cortex from the lateral hypothalamus reduces susceptibility to others' rewards but not individual expectations. This research has significant impl...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Sick of sports? WVU study shows flu deaths rise when pro sports teams move into cities

A WVU study found that U.S. cities with new professional sports teams saw increased influenza mortality rates, with the NHL teams causing the largest increase. The researchers analyzed data from 122 cities and controlled for factors like population and temperature to find a significant correlation between team arrival and flu deaths.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalSports Economics Review·DateAug 4, 2023

A new technique offers improved diagnostic precision and a route to personalized therapy for a common arrhythmia that affects more than 10 million people in Europe

A new diagnostic method assesses electrical and mechanical activity in the heart during atrial fibrillation, providing personalized assessment of atrial remodeling. This can help predict disease progression and guide treatment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Gas streamers feed triple baby stars

Astronomers have observed and simulated the feeding of gas to three protostars in a trinary system, revealing how spiral arms, or 'streamers,' form and contribute to protostar growth. This study provides new insights into multi-star system formation, an important aspect of overall star formation theory.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2023