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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 26


Page 26 of 29

Toxicity at Wikipedia

A study by Ivan Smirnov and colleagues found that toxic comments on user talk pages lead to a reduction in editor activity, with newcomers being 1.8 times less likely to continue contributing. Toxicity may also contribute to the site's lack of diversity among Wikipedians.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 5, 2023

Exposure to soft robots decreases human fears about working with them

A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers' safety concerns and feelings of job insecurity. Soft robots have a potential psychological advantage over rigid robots, as proximity does not increase negative reactions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalIISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateDec 5, 2023

Unlocking the secrets of the brain’s dopaminergic system

A new organoid model replicates the dopaminergic system's structure, connectivity, and functionality, shedding light on its intricate functionality and potential implications for Parkinson’s disease. The model also uncovers the enduring effects of chronic cocaine exposure on the dopaminergic circuit, even after withdrawal.

Glyphosphate: a silver-bullet weed killer no more

Decades of relying on glyphosate for weed control has led to the development of resistance in multiple weed species, compromising its efficacy. However, combining post-emergence and pre-emergence herbicides can provide consistent weed control, highlighting the need for diverse management programs.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 5, 2023

Harvesting water from air with solar power

Researchers have developed a promising new solar-powered technology to harvest water from air, capable of increasing daily water supply needs in dryland areas. The system uses a super hygroscopic gel to absorb and retain large amounts of water, with the potential for large-scale practical applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateDec 5, 2023

DeepDrug: A general graph-based deep learning framework for drug-drug interactions and drug-target interactions prediction

The DeepDrug framework leverages graph-based deep learning to predict drug-target interactions and optimize drug discovery. It achieves optimal performance across various tasks, including binary-class DDI and DTI classification, multi-class/multi-label DDIs, and regression tasks.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalQuantitative Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Study proposes new explanation for California anchovy booms and busts

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the length of a food chain supporting newly hatched anchovies correlates strongly with population booms and busts. Shorter food chains are more efficient, resulting in more energy reaching anchovy larvae, while longer chains lead to less energy availability, causing busts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2023

Shuqing Xu receives ERC Consolidator Grant for his research on the evolution in ecological communities in response to climate change

Professor Shuqing Xu's research aims to investigate the connections between species interactions and evolutionary responses to climate change. He will create aquatic pond systems with hundreds of species to study how organisms respond to temperature increases, with potential findings on coevolution and ecosystem functions.

When do brains grow up?

Researchers have discovered that short-lived mice and longer-living primates develop brain synapses on the exact same timeline, sparking a reevaluation of human brain development. This finding challenges existing knowledge and may have significant implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2023

Pregnant women are missing vital nutrients needed for them and their babies – and situation could worsen with plant-based foods

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 90% of pregnant women in high-income countries lack key vitamins necessary for healthy pregnancies and fetal development. The situation is expected to worsen as more people adopt plant-based diets, leading to increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2023

Study demonstrates improved nutrition and taste of plant-based milks thanks to pretreatment methods

Researchers at ITMO University improved the nutritional value and taste of plant-based milks by using pre-freezing and ultrasound treatment methods. These methods boosted the extraction of beneficial microelements like iron, potassium, and zinc, as well as polyphenols, resulting in improved antioxidant activity.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateDec 5, 2023

‘Friendly’ hyenas are more likely to form mobs

Research from Michigan State University reveals that spotted hyenas form mobs based on strong social relationships and can cooperate even when there's no obvious benefit. The study found that female hyenas were more likely to join mobs when there were no male lions present.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2023

The silver bullet that wasn't: Glyphosate's declining weed control over 25 years

Researchers found a significant decline in glyphosate's ability to control seven major weed species, with most showing signs of adaptation within two to three years. The study suggests that using a pre-emergence herbicide can significantly improve control and reduce variability of glyphosate over time.

Replacing bone saws with smart lasers

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a system that combines three functions: cutting bone, controlling depth, and differentiating tissue types. This autonomous system uses three lasers to make precise incisions with minimal human interference.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateDec 5, 2023

Glial tone of aggression

Researchers at Tohoku University found that Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellar vermis regulate the volume of aggression in mice. The study suggests that adjusting glial activity in the cerebellum could lead to therapeutic strategies for managing anger and aggression.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNeuroscience Research·DateDec 5, 2023

Powerful financial giants could play vital role in preventing the next pandemic

A new study identifies public and private companies operating in economic sectors associated with increased risks of emerging infectious diseases. Financial actors can mitigate these risks through investments that promote ecological restoration, pathogen surveillance systems, and community health care.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Tracking undetectable space junk

Researchers propose a new method to track small pieces of space debris by detecting electric signals emitted when they collide. This approach could help protect satellites and spacecraft from damage, as tiny pieces of debris can cause significant harm at high orbital speeds.

CNIC and the i+12 Institute participate in the most ambitious EU project to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

The Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI) aims to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in EU member states through 143 pilot projects. The project will test and offer solutions throughout the patient journey, focusing on prevention, early detection, treatment, care, and self-management.

Recycling concrete using carbon can reduce emissions and waste

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a method to upcycle old broken concrete using graphene, producing strong and durable concrete. The approach is gaining traction as new graphene deposits are discovered and mined, bringing down costs and improving the environmental footprint of concrete production.

SourceFlinders University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Leukemia cells activate cellular recycling program

A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt has identified a mechanism that could be a suitable starting point for developing novel drugs against leukemia cells. The researchers discovered that the mutated NPM1 gene variant drives pro-autophagic activity, enabling cancer cells to recycle their structures and meet their needs.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Digital marketplace: The role of probabilistic selling strategies in the travel industry

A novel strategy, probabilistic selling, has proven effective in driving revenue, attracting new users, and managing inventory efficiently in the travel industry. The study finds that this approach enhances market demand and boosts consumer satisfaction, benefiting both the platform and sellers.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Economy and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

Tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon, graphene, using terahertz pulses. The graphene discs briefly turned into strong magnets, with magnetic fields in the range of 0.5 Tesla, and showed promise for developing future magnetic switches and storage devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits

A new study by Edith Cowan University found that military recruits who undergo longer training programs are less likely to suffer injuries compared to those with shorter training periods. The research also showed that female recruits and those with a high body mass index (BMI) were at higher risk of injury.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 4, 2023

Mortality and morbidity among individuals with hypertension receiving a diuretic, ace inhibitor, or calcium channel blocker

A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that cardiovascular disease mortality was similar among individuals with hypertension receiving diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or ACE inhibitors. However, ACE inhibitors were associated with an increased risk of stroke outcomes by 11% compared to diuretics.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 4, 2023