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Science News for January 27, 2023


Volcano-like rupture could have caused magnetar slowdown

A study published in Nature Astronomy suggests that a volcano-like rupture on the surface of a neutron star could have caused its sudden slowdown. The research used X-ray data from orbiting telescopes to analyze the magnetar's rotation and found evidence supporting this theory.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Additional anesthesiology residency positions may help hospitals save costs, address projected workforce shortages of anesthesia care professionals

A study suggests that adding extra anesthesiology residency positions can be financially beneficial for hospitals, with cost savings ranging from $440,000 to $1.9 million over three years. This expansion may help address the projected shortage of anesthesia care professionals and reduce staffing costs.

Non-invasive neurotechnology reduces symptoms of insomnia and improves autonomic nervous system function

A new study using closed-loop, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology shows significant improvements in sleep quality and autonomic nervous system function in adults with insomnia. The intervention, called CR-SOP, was found to reduce insomnia symptoms and improve heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2023

KIMM develops the world’s first electrode design for lithium-ion battery that improves smartphone·laptop battery performance

A joint research team developed a new battery technology using a bilayered anode to enhance reliability and performance. The design allows for high energy density and uniform reaction stability even in thick electrodes, benefiting electric vehicles and electronic devices.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 27, 2023

Columbia researchers find link between serotonin and heart valve disease

A new study led by Columbia researchers discovered a link between serotonin and heart valve disease, specifically degenerative mitral regurgitation. The study found that patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were more likely to develop severe mitral regurgitation and require surgery at a younger age.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

A new way to identify stresses in complex fluids

Purdue University researchers have discovered a new mathematical framework that measures stress and stretching field topologies for complex fluids. This breakthrough applies to polymeric fluids used in groundwater remediation and other industries, enabling more accurate predictions of fluid transport.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2023

COVID calculations lead to unexpected solution to long-standing problem in theoretical computer science

A UAB researcher discovered a new definition of Petri nets that reconciles two longstanding mathematical approaches, allowing for the reconciliation of geometric and algebraic semantics. This breakthrough has been used in epidemiological modeling, including COVID-19 research.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of the ACM·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2023

New study debunks the assumption that menstrual cycles disqualify women from exercise research

A new study from Brigham Young University researchers found no variability in endurance thresholds or performance among women across their menstrual cycles. Women's performance was consistent with men's, challenging the long-held assumption that hormonal changes during menstruation affect exercise capability.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Afternoon chemotherapy proved to deliver more desirable results for female lymphoma patients

Researchers found that female lymphoma patients who received afternoon chemotherapy had a 12.5 times reduced mortality rate and a 2.8 times decreased cancer recurrence rate compared to morning treatment. This is due to the body's natural circadian rhythm, which affects white blood cell counts and bone marrow proliferation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJCI Insight·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Small, convenient mosquito repellent device passes test to protect military personnel

A new, portable mosquito repellent device has been tested successfully in a four-week semi-field study, showing effectiveness in preventing multiple species of mosquitos from entering the testing site. The device uses transfluthrin as a spatial repellent and eliminates the need for applying topical repellents or insecticides.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCurrent Research in Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Looking back at the Tonga eruption

A new analysis of seismic data recorded after the Tonga eruption has revealed two distinct sequences of events, including quasi-periodic explosions and a massive final event. The study used back-projection techniques to tease out details from teleseismic P waves, shedding light on the volcano's internal dynamics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023