Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 22


Page 22 of 36

The 'flip-flop' qubit: Realization of a new quantum bit in silicon controlled by electric signals

Researchers have demonstrated a new type of quantum bit, called 'flip-flop' qubit, which combines the properties of single atoms with easy controllability using electric signals. The qubit is made up of two spins belonging to the same atom and can be programmed by displacing an electron with respect to the nucleus.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2023

The surprising similarities of packed particles

Scientists develop a statistical model to describe how particles of different sizes jam together, revealing a common structure that can improve spatial efficiency in various industries. The study's findings have significant implications for applications involving particulate matter, such as construction, medicine, and food manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2023

NUS researchers find differential impacts of Blastocystis strains on gut health

Researchers identified two Blastocystis strains, ST4 and ST7, with contrasting effects on the gut microbiome, promoting or disrupting a healthy balance. The study's findings suggest that geographical prevalence may influence the strain's impact on intestinal disease.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalTheranostics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2023

New study reveals pregnant people who deliver large babies are at increased risk of developing diabetes later in life

A new study found that pregnant individuals who give birth to large-for-gestational-age (LGA) babies are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes 10-14 years after childbirth. Researchers analyzed data from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Follow-up Study, which revealed a significant association bet...

New tobacco product marketing depends on demographics

Researchers at Rutgers University found that disposable e-cigarettes were more likely sold in specialized stores, while nicotine pouches were available in convenience stores and areas with non-Hispanic white residents. The study suggests that these products are targeted to different audiences and informs potential policy actions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 10, 2023

New models shed light on life’s origin

Researchers studied lithospheric fluids billions of years ago to infer the presence of metals that could have supported life. Manganese was found to be a likely candidate, while copper was not detected in high concentrations. The study provides new insights into the origin of life and will inform future experiments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2023

Researchers reveal new competition mechanism in vacuum ultraviolet photoionization of dichloromethane

A study by Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics reveals two competitive channels for the photoionization of dichloromethane under VUV light irradiation. The dominant photodissociation channel produces Cl radicals that react with CH2Cl2 to form CHCl2+.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 10, 2023

UNDER EMBARGO: Mount Sinai doctors present new research at 43rd Annual Pregnancy Meeting

Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented studies on the association between obesity and adverse outcomes in forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries, as well as the utility of cervical length surveillance after cerclage placement for predicting preterm birth. Additionally, a new tool for managing postpartum hemorrhage was showca...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 10, 2023

A second chance to protect wetlands

A recent study published in Nature highlights the underestimation of global wetland loss over the past 300 years. The research found that temperate river floodplains and tropical regions are disproportionately affected, while remote boreal-arctic peatlands remain relatively unharmed.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2023

Mapping molecular funnels with X-rays: precise timings of non-adiabatic excited state dynamics

Scientists at Stockholm University propose a nonlinear spectroscopic technique to investigate coupled nuclear electronic dynamics in photo-excited molecules. This approach allows for the observation of conical intersections, which are 'funnels' connecting different electronic states, and provides insight into non-adiabatic dynamics.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Fiber sensing scientists invent 3D printed fiber microprobe for measuring in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cell

Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) to measure in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cells. The high-precision mechanical sensing system enables accurate measurements with spring constants as low as 2.1 nanonewtons.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 10, 2023

β-damascone: Aroma component of rose fragrance as a novel immunomodulator

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered β-damascone, a natural aroma compound found in rose fragrance, modulates dendritic cell functions and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. The study showed β-damascone inhibits antigen-dependent activation and Th1 cell development, as well as ear inflammation in mice models.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Extracts from two wild plants inhibit COVID-19 virus, study finds

A study by Emory University researchers found that extracts from two wild plants, tall goldenrod and eagle fern, inhibited the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to infect living cells. The active compounds are present in miniscule quantities, making it ineffective for self-treatment, but may hold promise as medicines against COVID-19.

SourceEmory University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Deep-sea black carbon comes from hydrothermal vents

Research reveals hydrothermal vents as a previously undiscovered source of dissolved black carbon in the oceans, transporting it thousands of kilometers away. This discovery sheds light on the ocean's role as a carbon sink and provides insights into the formation of recalcitrant dissolved organic carbon.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2023

How protein-rich droplets form

Scientists have developed a new method to measure calorimetric quantities at the molecular level with picosecond time resolution. By tracking water's spectroscopic fingerprints in the THz range, researchers can accurately predict protein-rich droplet formation and its dependency on external parameters like temperature.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Recalls of fresh meat products may lower customer demand

Fresh meat recalls can significantly reduce customer demand, with large recalls causing a larger loss in meat demand. The study suggests that companies can take action to prevent food recalls by increasing mandatory inspection of fresh meat products and developing standard regulations.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Policy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2023

New major international study finds thrombectomy highly effective treatment for large strokes

A large international clinical study found that patients with large strokes had significantly better recovery after endovascular thrombectomy plus medical management. The SELECT2 study showed almost 20% of patients who received thrombectomy regained functional independence, compared to 7% on medical treatment only.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 10, 2023

Understanding Japan’s earthquakes: New insight into the relationship between slow slip events and the build-up and release of tectonic strain

Researchers investigated the relationship between slow slip events and tectonic strain in Japan's Bungo Channel, Tokai, and Boso-Oki regions. They found that not all accumulated strain is released during SSEs, but rather builds up in shallower areas before a megathrust earthquake can occur.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2023

Tracing the origin of life

Researchers discover abiotic peptide chain formation from glycine in space conditions, shedding light on the origin of life. The study shows that small clusters of glycine molecules exhibit polymerization upon energy input.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

How does biodiversity change globally? Detecting accurate trends may be currently unfeasible

A global picture of local species richness trends is hindered by incomplete and biased data, with regional imbalances leading to a distorted impression. The study advocates for prioritizing local assessments and standardized monitoring programs to address measurement errors and spatial biases.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalEcography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2023

Access matters: Lack of resources is associated with increased mortality in childhood cancer survivors

A recent study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that socioeconomic deprivation and frailty are independently associated with increased late mortality in childhood cancer survivors. The research highlights the importance of policies to improve local environments and access to interventions that may improve health conditions.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 10, 2023

Researchers detail never-before-seen properties in a family of superconducting Kagome metals

Scientists have detailed the atomic structure of superconducting RbV3Sb5 at 103 degrees Kelvin, revealing a unique lattice pattern and charge-density wave. This breakthrough provides a new understanding of exotic states of matter and brings researchers closer to developing higher-temperature superconductors.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023