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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 34


Page 34 of 36

Metalloradical catalysis guides new cobalt-based system that exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction

Researchers at Boston College have developed a new catalytic approach that enables concurrent control of multiple convergences and selectivities in intermolecular amination of allylic carbon-hydrogen bonds in alkenes. The cobalt-based system exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction to form desired amine products in a high...

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Black youth aren’t isolated in segregated neighborhoods

A study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that urban Black youth living in segregated neighborhoods spent a substantial amount of time in areas with mostly white residents. They often traveled to predominantly white neighborhoods to access better-resourced schools, stores, and organizations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Astronomers observe light bending around an isolated white dwarf

A team of astronomers has directly measured the mass of a dead star using gravitational microlensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The measurement, made for an isolated white dwarf called LAWD 37, provides new insights into star evolution and testing current theories of how white dwarfs evolve.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 2, 2023

Despite concerns over antimicrobial resistance, global antimicrobial use in animals could increase by 8% by 2030 if stronger restrictions are not applied worldwide

A new study predicts global antimicrobial use in food-producing animals will increase by 8% by 2030 if stronger regulations are not implemented worldwide. The findings highlight the need for stricter controls on antimicrobial use, which has raised concerns over antimicrobial resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateFeb 1, 2023

Illinois Tech professors’ paper challenging classical view of muscle contraction could lead to new cardiac treatments

Researchers discovered that myosin motor proteins must be activated before muscles can contract, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating inherited cardiac conditions. This new understanding could lead to medical remedies for diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Molecular machines could treat fungal infections

Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Reading out RNA structures in real time

Scientists have developed a technique to detect RNA structures in live cells, shedding light on the role of G-quadruplexes in neurodegenerative diseases. The method uses fluorescent spectroscopy and resolves existing limitations in studying these structures in real-time.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Is poorer blood sugar control associated with a reduced capacity to lose heat during exercise in hot conditions for people with type 2 diabetes?

Researchers found that poorer blood sugar control, as measured by haemoglobin A1c, was associated with higher core body temperature and increased heart rate during exercise in a heated chamber. This suggests that people with type 2 diabetes may be at greater risk of heat-related stress and heat-related injuries.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Deep-learning filter improves precision of cell mutation detection, accuracy of cancer diagnoses

A new deep-learning based filter, DeepFilter, was proposed to effectively sift through false positive variants generated by VarDict, improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The experimental results showed promising outcomes, outperforming other filters in terms of false positive variant filter tasks.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalTsinghua Science & Technology·DateFeb 1, 2023

Immunocompromised patients remain at higher risk of COVID-19 death in hospital

A UK study using data from over 150,000 hospitalized patients found that immunocompromised individuals had a 44% higher risk of death compared to those with normal immune systems. The gap in mortality rates widened for immunocompromised patients over time, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as antiviral treatments an...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Communities that suffered rapid manufacturing job losses fare worse on sustainability

A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Uncovering the secrets of electron-eating microorganisms

Researchers at Aarhus University are studying electro-trophic microorganisms that convert green electricity and CO2 into high-value products. The project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of these microbes, which could lead to breakthroughs in microbiological Power-to-X and novel tools for microbial corrosion prevention.

Wildfires are increasingly burning California’s snowy landscapes and colliding with winter droughts to shrink California’s snowpack

A new study shows that midwinter dry spells accelerate snowmelt in burned areas, as wildfires increase sun exposure and reduce the snowpack's ability to reflect sunlight. This can lead to earlier snowmelt, affecting water availability and forecasting, with cascading impacts on hydrology.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 1, 2023

Plasma-Structural Coloring: A new colorful approach to an inkless future

Scientists at Shinshu University have created a new method for achieving structural coloring through plasma irradiation of graphite, eliminating the need for harmful color dyes. The technique produces erasable and stable colors that can be manipulated using various factors, offering a sustainable solution for the art world.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Lubricants for stainless steel

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that epoxy-functionalized nanoparticles can significantly reduce friction on stainless steel surfaces. The nanoparticles adhere strongly to metal surfaces due to chemical adsorption, leading to a notable reduction in friction. This finding has potential implications for next-ge...

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Academic medical centers are linked to better health outcomes at neighboring hospitals, researchers find

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients treated at non-teaching hospitals had lower mortality and more healthy days at home when care was provided in markets with academic medical centers. The presence of AMCs was associated with a spillover effect, improving outcomes for neighboring community hospitals.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 1, 2023

New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems

New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems by developing a model that bridges scales between molecular dynamics simulations and experiments. The model resolves limitations and uncertainties in experimental data, gaining insight into critical phenomenon and surface morphology over time.

Looking beyond microplastics, Oregon State researchers find that cotton and synthetic microfibers impact behavior and growth of aquatic organisms

A new study from Oregon State University found that both cotton and synthetic microfibers have negative impacts on the behavior and growth of aquatic organisms. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that increasing awareness and control over fiber release can help mitigate these effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 1, 2023