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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 29


Page 29 of 36

Plastic debris in the Arctic comes from all around the world – including Germany

Citizen science project in Arctic reveals 1/3 of plastic debris comes from Europe, with significant contributions from Germany. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved local waste management and reduced global plastic production to tackle pollution in remote ecosystems like the Arctic.

U.S. COVID Study: Asians, lower-income households reported less confidence in access to services

A national COVID-19 study found that Asians and lower-income households reported less confidence in accessing community resources crucial for their health and wellbeing during the pandemic. The study also revealed disparities related to sociodemographic characteristics and health-related characteristics, emphasizing the need for target...

SourceLehigh University·JournalHealthcare·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 7, 2023

WVU study shows number of West Virginia infants exposed to drugs in the womb is 10 times higher than national rate

A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 7, 2023

Biosensor could lead to new drugs, sensory organs on a chip

A synthetic biosensor created at Cornell University enables the study of proteins in ways previously impossible, leading to potential applications in drug development and environmental sensing. The system uses cell-free synthesis to produce proteins directly into an artificial membrane, allowing for dual optical and electronic readouts.

SourceCornell University·JournalSynthetic Biology·DateFeb 7, 2023

How to reverse unknown quantum processes

Physicists from the University of Vienna successfully demonstrated a universal rewinding protocol that can reverse certain quantum processes, including the time evolution of a single photon. The protocol uses an intricate optical setup and demonstrates reversibility without knowing the interactions with the quantum system.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalOptica·DateFeb 7, 2023

SwRI models explain canyons on Pluto moon

Researchers used computational simulations to model Charon's internal ocean freeze and its effects on the moon's surface. The study found that the freezing of an internal ocean may have formed deep depressions along Charon's girth but was unlikely to lead to cryovolcanoes erupting with ice and water in its northern hemisphere.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalIcarus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023

Tag team: a tale of two Antarctic blue whales

The study of two Antarctic blue whales tagged in the east Antarctic sector of the Southern Ocean reveals significant logistical challenges and provides initial insights into foraging ecology, habitat preferences, distribution, movement rates, and feeding patterns. The satellite tracks will assist the International Whaling Commission's ...

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateFeb 7, 2023

Researchers focus AI on finding exoplanets

New research from the University of Georgia reveals that artificial intelligence can be used to find planets outside our solar system. Machine learning can analyze environments where planets are still forming, helping scientists overcome difficulties such as distance and data thickness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 7, 2023

Use of methotrexate is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer

A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found a significant association between methotrexate use and an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and cutaneous malignant melanoma. The study suggests that higher doses of methotrexate may increase the risk of SCC and BCC, while no dose-response relationship...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

Antarctica’s ocean brightens clouds

A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that phytoplankton productivity in the Southern Ocean contributes to dense clouds that reflect sunlight. The high density of water droplets in these clouds helps regulate global temperatures and precipitation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Scientists report differences in dopamine signals in patients with history of alcohol use disorder

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine has demonstrated altered dopamine signals in the brain's striatum region related to counterfactual information and relief. Dopamine levels were lower in participants with a history of alcohol use disorder, suggesting impaired decision-making processes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2023

Surprises in sea turtle genes could help them adapt to a rapidly changing world

An international team of researchers has created a detailed genetic map of two sea turtle species, revealing surprising similarities and differences. The study finds that green turtles have evolved more immune-related genes, while leatherbacks have historically lower population levels and reduced genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2023

Why icicles are rippled

Researchers found that salt concentration is crucial for icicle ripple formation. With increasing salt levels, ripples become stronger and more visible. This discovery explains the rippled patterns on gutters and car bumpers during winter.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateFeb 7, 2023

Two worlds, one material

A Chinese research team has successfully synthesized a stable polymer with a nickel backbone that exhibits conductive, thermally stable and interesting optoelectronic properties. The new material can be processed in solution and demonstrates strong length-dependent light absorption with narrow band gaps.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Colombia, a biodiversity hotspot, holds lessons for other countries trying to balance development with conservation, Stanford-led study shows

A new Stanford-led study highlights the importance of coordinated policies governing biodiversity in Colombia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries. The research found that biodiversity is governed by nearly 200 distinct policies covering various ecosystems and conservation approaches.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2023

Common heartburn drugs could speed up TB treatment

Researchers have discovered that over-the-counter heartburn drugs can shorten the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and reduce the chances of drug-resistant bacteria. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, may mean TB can be cured with shorter treatments.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Keanu Reeves - the molecule

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered keanumycins in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, effective against plant fungal diseases like grey mould rot and human-pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. The natural product could be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

It takes two: cooperating catalysts provide new route for utilizing formate salts

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method using cooperating catalysts to perform challenging dearomative carboxylation reactions. This process enables the production of α-amino acids, which are potentially useful for drug development, and offers greater freedom in designing and synthesizing molecules with carboxyl ...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Upconversion of infrared photons enables rapid organic synthesis under sunlight

A research group has reported efficient near-infrared photon upconversion sensitized by lead-free semiconductor nanocrystals, demonstrating its novel application in solar synthesis. The study achieves external quantum efficiency of 16.7% and enables rapid organic synthesis under indoor sunlight.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 6, 2023

Will revitalizing old blood slow aging?

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found that an anti-inflammatory drug can turn back time in mice and reverse some of the effects of age on the hematopoietic system. By targeting the aging niche, the study suggests a new strategy for maintaining healthier blood production in older adults.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Study highlights nationwide reliance on emergency departments for mental health care

Researchers found that some states, such as Ohio and Nevada, have the highest per-capita visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions, while others, like Colorado and West Virginia, have the lowest. Heavy reliance on emergency departments is problematic due to a lack of suitable care in these areas.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Study suggests the brain works like a resonance chamber

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that the brain functions like a resonance chamber, with distant areas exhibiting correlated activation patterns. The researchers used ultrafast MRI to detect these patterns in rats and found that they are driven by resonant waves, explaining correlations observed in slow imaging.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

New immunotherapy holds promise for ovarian cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new type of CAR T-cell therapy that effectively attacks and destroys ovarian cancer cells, significantly prolonging the lives of mice with the disease. The treatment has shown promising results in reducing tumor size and curing several mice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2023

Researchers call for prescription charge to be cut

A study by University of Otago researchers found removing the $5 prescription charge significantly reduces hospital admissions and length of stays, especially for those with high health needs and low incomes. The authors recommend eliminating or reducing charges to address health inequities.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2023

Coal exit can happen only with stronger policies – and with China

A new study suggests that current coal exit efforts are unlikely to succeed without stronger policies, including carbon pricing and phase-out of coal mining. China plays a critical role in achieving this goal, as it produces and consumes over half of global coal, and its swift action can help propel Paris-aligned momentum.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 6, 2023

Global pharmaceutical sales data reveal that as COVID-19 cases increased, so did purchases of antibiotics

A global analysis of pharmaceutical sales data reveals that as COVID-19 cases rose, so did antibiotics prescribed to patients, averaging less than 10% bacterial coinfection rates. This study emphasizes the importance of responsible antibiotic use during pandemic treatment.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

A chat may help convert a peer to a pro-sustainability stance

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that exposure to a pro-sustainability opinion in conversation can persuade people with anti-sustainability views to support environmentally friendly initiatives. In contrast, individuals with a pro-sustainability viewpoint remain unpersuaded by opposing viewpoints.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

How waste-eating bacteria digest complex carbons

Researchers decipher metabolic mechanisms of Comamonas testosteroni to digest complex carbons, enabling potential for biotechnology platforms that recycle plastic waste. The study reveals a novel approach to upcycle plastic waste into industrially relevant polymers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Scientists pinpoint protein that helps cancer-causing viruses evade immune response

Researchers have discovered that KSHV and EBV use the human protein barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (BAF) to evade the innate immune response. This allows the viruses to spread and cause disease. Disrupting BAF activity with targeted therapies could prevent virus replication and transmission.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Understanding laser accelerated electron radiation through terahertz emissions

A team of scientists developed a new model for high-power terahertz emissions from laser pulses, observing multi-mJ THz emission from 100-TW-laser-driven LWFA. The correlation between electron beam properties and THz output energy reveals that low-energy but high-charge electrons can produce stronger terahertz radiation.

Rare genetic disease may protect Ashkenazi Jews against TB

Research by University of Cambridge scientists reveals that a rare genetic disorder, Gaucher disease, provides protection against TB due to an unusual fatty chemical that acts as a microbicide. The study suggests that Ashkenazi Jews, who are more susceptible to Gaucher disease, may be less likely to contract TB infection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Changing climate conditions likely facilitated early human migration to the Americas at key intervals, research suggests

Researchers found two distinct climate intervals where sea ice and ice-free summer conditions likely supported early human migration along the Pacific coastal route. These conditions, occurring from 22,000 to 24,500 years ago and again from 14,800 to 16,400 years ago, may have facilitated movement by providing a more traversable surfac...

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023