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Science News Archive February 2023


Page 1 of 36

Wastewater sector emits nearly twice as much methane as previously thought

New research reveals that municipal wastewater treatment plants release significantly more methane into the atmosphere than previously estimated. The findings suggest that existing guidelines underestimate emissions equivalent to 5.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Anaerobic digesters, used in some facilities, are particularly s...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 28, 2023

Breathing is going to get tougher

A new study finds that rising temperatures will increase harmful plant emissions and dust, leading to a 14% boost in air pollution. The degradation in future air quality from natural sources is predicted to be significant, with two-thirds of the pollution coming from plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 28, 2023

Profiling abortions in low- and middle-income countries

A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that factors such as marriage status, age, and education are associated with pregnancy termination in 36 low- and middle-income countries. The study used data from over 1.2 million women aged 15-49 and found that married women, those over 30, and those with higher education were ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Study reveals improvements in workplace support and leadership training will improve the mental health and potentially reduce burnout in healthcare professionals

A study published by Queen Mary University of London found that feeling supported at work reduces the risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Improving workplace aspects such as manager approachability, consistent information, and staffing levels can significantly protect mental wellbeing in healthcare professionals.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCMAJ Open·DateFeb 28, 2023

Hollings researchers develop small molecule to stimulate natural killer cells against neuroblastoma

Hollings researchers create small molecule that targets CD38 enzyme activity, stimulating proliferation of natural killer cells and enhancing anti-cancer activity. The compound has potential as an adjuvant therapy to boost effects of existing treatments and reduce resistance to monoclonal antibodies.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Parental investment may have aided evolution of larger brains

A review of evidence suggests that increased parental energy investment in young offspring may have facilitated the evolution of larger brains in some species. This is particularly true for warm-blooded species, which tend to invest more energy in their young through actions such as egg production and lactation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

COVID-19: Bacterial co-infection is a major risk factor for death, ICU admission and mechanical ventilation

A recent study found that bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 patients significantly increased the risk of death, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation. The study reviewed 13,781 COVID-19 inpatient encounters and identified laboratory trends associated with COVID-19 bacterial co-infection.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCritical Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

New insights from an ancient asteroid

Researchers at Tohoku University analyzed samples from Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft and identified what they believe may be the oldest solids from the solar system. The grains were likely transported outward from the inner regions of the early solar system to their current location in the outer reaches.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2023

Sexting found to be associated with negative mental heath

A recent study found that sexting is associated with negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Participants who only sent sexts reported more mental health issues than others. The study highlights the need for further research into the correlations between sexting and mental health.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeCase study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Young snapping shrimps’ tiny claws accelerate in water like a bullet

Researchers discovered that young snapping shrimp's upper claws can accelerate at speeds of up to 580,000m/s², surpassing their parents' abilities and producing powerful cavitation bubbles. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Biology, highlights the impressive mechanical capabilities of these tiny crustaceans.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023

School-based wellness initiative shown to reduce average student BMI

A school-based wellness initiative led by MUSC's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness has been shown to reduce the average student BMI over time. The program, which targets policy, systems and environmental change, uses evidence-based strategies such as physical activity, nutrition and social-emotional wellness.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of School Health·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Precarious work associated with high BMI

A UIC study published in Obesity links precarious work to increases in body mass index, particularly among Latino and Black women with lower education. The researchers analyzed 20 years of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and found a 2.18-point increase in BMI for every 1-point increase in precarious employment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalObesity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

How to predict city traffic

A new machine learning model can predict city traffic activity in different zones of cities, enabling targeted responses from policymakers. Understanding people's mobility patterns is crucial for improving urban traffic flow, and the model provides insights into urban interactions.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2023

Scientists find that bison are impacting streams in Yellowstone National Park

A new study finds that bison herds in northern Yellowstone National Park are negatively impacting riparian plant communities, leading to biotic impoverishment and loss of ecosystem services. The effects of increased bison numbers are exacerbating climate change, shifting plant communities towards warmer and drier conditions.

SourceConservation Biology Institute·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Millet and sorghum cultivation may provide an answer to rising levels of aridity linked to climate change

Researchers from UPF's CaSEs research group have developed sustainable agricultural strategies using traditional small-scale rainfed agriculture for drought-tolerant crops like finger millet and sorghum. The study provides novel information on the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge and academic knowledge.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2023

The largest genomic study of rare cancer metastathic pheochromocytoma identifies patients at highest risk of metastasis and those who would respond to immunotherapy

Researchers have identified markers associated with an increased risk of metastasis in patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma, allowing for personalized clinical management. The study also identifies patients who could benefit from immunotherapy treatments, paving the way for potential new therapies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Activation of peroxymonosulfate and photothermal for removal of phenolic organic pollutants and lignin derivatives

Researchers developed a new method for removing bisphenol pollutants and lignin derivatives using activated peroxymonosulfate and photothermal technology. The material, C-defects/C-O band-modified ultrathin porous carbon nitride, has shown faster reaction rates and improved oxidizing ability compared to conventional materials.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Obesity makes it harder to diagnose and treat heart disease

A new review paper from Mayo Clinic outlines how obesity impacts common tests used to diagnose heart disease, such as ECG, CT scan, MRI, and echocardiogram. The study highlights the need for alternative approaches to prevent weight gain in patients with heart disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 2023

Making drinking water bacteria-free

Researchers have created a simple and inexpensive method to disinfect drinking water using silver sulfide quantum dots encased in a peptide coat. When exposed to near-infrared light, these nanoparticles kill bacteria with high efficiency, making them a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023

A motion freezer for many particles

A team from TU Wien has developed a method to cool several particles simultaneously by adapting the spatial structure of a laser beam to particle motion. The technique uses far-field wavefront shaping to optimize cooling and can be achieved without knowing the exact location or movement of the particles.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2023