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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 9


Page 9 of 36

Human body proven to predict mealtimes

A recent study published in Current Biology found that the human body can predict regular mealtimes based on physiological changes. The research team discovered that daily blood glucose rhythms may be driven by both meal size and timing, suggesting a physiological drive for some people to eat at certain times.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 22, 2023

What makes the immune systems of prematurely born babies susceptible to deadly infections

Researchers have found that prematurely born babies' immune systems are vulnerable to deadly infections due to an imbalance in immunoregulatory signaling pathways. This imbalance affects the proper functioning of important immune cells, leading to inadequate inflammatory responses and increased susceptibility to infection.

Keck School of Medicine study finds “forever chemicals” disrupt key biological processes

A Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Writing on glass and silica indicates novel direction for chiral optical property tailoring

Researchers create novel method for chiral optical property tailoring by employing fs laser 3D direct writing on glass, enabling localized modifications without surrounding damage. The technique utilizes form birefringence and stress field to induce optical chirality, offering a new approach for 3D laser manufacturing.

Changes of Tibetan religious activities during the past millennium revealed from lake sediments

Researchers analyzed lake sediments to track changes in Tibetan religious activities over the past millennium, identifying three periods of enhanced activity during the mid-Ming Dynasty, late Qing Dynasty, and Republic of China. The study suggests that regional religious practices have a significant impact on ecological environments.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2023

Clever orchard design for more nuts

A study by the University of Göttingen found that arranging rows of trees at right angles to semi-natural habitats increases pollination performance and nut production. The design also promotes easy movement of bees through the plantation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Artificial intelligence conjures proteins that speed up chemical reactions

Researchers used machine-learning algorithms to design new light-emitting enzymes called luciferases that can efficiently recognize specific chemicals and emit light. This breakthrough could lead to custom enzymes for a wide range of applications in biotechnology, medicine, environmental remediation, and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2023

Climate change, urbanization drive major declines in L.A.’s birds

A new study reveals that climate change and urbanization have dramatically impacted bird populations in Los Angeles and the Central Valley. In L.A., more than one-third of bird species have declined over the past century, while the Central Valley saw a mix of winners and losers. The study used current and historical bird surveys to ana...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Charity begins at home as far as international aid is concerned

A new study by the University of Portsmouth found that UK development policy has shifted from focusing on poverty and conflict to prioritizing national security interests. This shift has led to reduced aid to Africa and a narrower focus on the national interest.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCanadian Journal of Development Studies/Revue canadienne d études du développement·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2023

Economic crises can accelerate decarbonization

Researchers found that economic crises can trigger long-lasting decarbonization processes through increased energy efficiency, structural changes, and shifts towards renewable energy sources. Countries that have already implemented ambitious climate policies have been particularly adept in times of crisis.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2023

RIPE researchers put plant protein mechanism into bacteria to help move forward 50 years of effort

A team from Australian National University has modified the protein folding properties of bacteria by adding multiple components from plant chloroplasts. This enables them to study and speed up plant Rubisco, a slow protein that requires 'chaperones' for operation.

After 25 years of AI health tech research computers are slowly beginning to listen to patients

A review of 25 years of AI health tech research found that only 24% of studies include patient-reported outcomes, but there has been an increase in recent years. Experts emphasize the importance of integrating patient voices into AI models to support personalized care and prevent digitalization of healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 22, 2023

How Iceland could have a starring role as a sustainable alternative protein exporter to Northern Europe

A feasibility study suggests that Iceland can produce enough Spirulina to feed six million Europeans every year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater withdrawals. The country's industrial-scale biomass cultivation system powered by renewable energy could support Northern European countries in achieving protein self-sufficie...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFoods·DateFeb 22, 2023

Scientists warn: When restoring historical paintings, be careful with polar solvents

Researchers warn conservators about the risks of polar solvents containing water in historical oil paintings. Traces of water accelerate the formation of metal soap crystals, reducing mechanical stability and causing paint to crack and flake. The study provides a new spectroscopic method to estimate zinc soap crystallization risk.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Shock to the system

A University of Utah study shows that certain wearable gadgets with bioimpedance technology can interfere with implantable cardiac electronic devices, potentially leading to incorrect functioning or electric shocks. The research highlights a need for further clinical studies to assess the risks and ensure patient health.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateFeb 22, 2023

Does a child’s mathematical ability have a genetic basis?

A new study published in Genes, Brain and Behavior found that genetic variants in LINGO2, OAS1, and HECTD1 are associated with different mathematical abilities in Chinese children. The study refined genome-wide association studies of math skills and added population diversity to the literature.

SourceWiley·JournalGenes Brain & Behavior·DateFeb 22, 2023

Simulations show aftermath of black hole collision

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have conducted simulations of two black holes colliding near the speed of light, producing a remnant black hole and gravitational waves. The study reveals nonlinear effects that cannot be studied with linearized equations, suggesting current models need to be revised.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2023