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Science News for July 4, 2023


How the ear can inform the brain of whether hearing is impaired

A study by Pierre Hakizimana at Linköping University found that the DC signal in the cochlea can provide an indication of ear health status, allowing the brain to decode faint sounds. The discovery may contribute to new research on diagnosing noise-induced hearing loss and has implications for preventing permanent damage from loud sounds.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2023

Development of a ”network slicing” technique applicable to 6G core technology ”low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications”

The study proposes a novel network slicing planning and handover technique applicable to next-generation low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. The developed technique can provide flexible services according to user needs, enabling the adoption of 6G-era demands such as VR/AR and autonomous driving.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine·DateJul 4, 2023

HKUMed in collaboration with the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, establishes the positive clinical impact of the Multidisciplinary Molecular Tumour Board among patients with advanced solid cancer in the era of Precision Cancer Medicine

The Multidisciplinary Molecular Tumour Board (MTB) has been shown to improve treatment response rates for patients with advanced solid cancer, with 64% of patients benefiting from the MTB-guided approach. The board provides a systematic precision oncology strategy for treatment selection, combining expertise in multiple disciplines.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2023

Joint research team from Korea and Germany seeks to enhance production efficiency of fuel cells with laser machining technology

A joint Korean-German research team has developed a new laser machining technology for fuel cells that enables simultaneous welding and cutting of thin bipolar plates. The technology uses a scanner with real-time cross-coupling control to improve machining accuracy and reduce costs.

Insert an ID card into hair-thin optical fiber with femtosecond laser direct-writing fiber Bragg grating array

Fiber sensing scientists from Shenzhen University have developed an encrypted fiber optic tag that can be used for all-optical labeling and recognition of optical transmission channels. The team proposed a method using fiber Bragg grating arrays prepared by femtosecond laser direct writing to flexibly store different coding sequences.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 4, 2023

Older adults who remain more active have a better quality of life, study finds

A recent study published in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes found that older adults who maintain moderate-intensity physical activity experience a higher quality of life. The researchers tracked the health-related quality of life of over 1,500 participants aged 60 and above, finding that those who spent more time physically active ...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalHealth and Quality of Life Outcomes·DateJul 4, 2023

Warmer and murkier waters favour predators of guppies, study finds

Changes in water conditions impact how Trinidadian guppies protect themselves from predators. The interaction of increased temperature and reduced visibility causes fish to form looser protective shoals. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics between prey and predators in a rapidly changing world.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

During Operation Guardian of the Walls, residents of the south suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than the rest of the population

Residents of southern Israel suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than others, with spikes in heart rate and stress, reduced sleep duration, and decreased physical activity. Women, young people, and those living near Gaza paid the heaviest price, with notable differences in screen time, mood, and quality of sleep.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJul 4, 2023

Screen time not harmful for academic skills of preschoolers

A recent study by Ohio State University found that low to moderate levels of screen time do not negatively impact preschoolers' language, literacy, and math skills. However, high levels of screen use at nighttime were linked to smaller gains in social skills, particularly for those who used more than two hours of media daily.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Scientists reveal the remote atmospheric signals ahead of an intense Siberian High and how their impacts differ

Researchers identify three distinct teleconnection patterns that precede intense Siberian High events, impacting surface air temperatures in East Asia. The Scandinavian, West Pacific, and Polar-Eurasian patterns trigger varying cold anomalies with distinct timing and persistence.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJul 4, 2023

The Ising on the cake

A team of researchers from Kyoto University and international institutions has developed a mathematical solution to the temporal asymmetry of nonequilibrium disordered Ising networks. This breakthrough offers insights into the behavior of biological systems, machine learning, and AI tools.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 4, 2023

Escaping exploitation with nowhere to go: Barriers in accommodating survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery

The research found that immigration status and inability to secure an ongoing income are significant barriers for human trafficking and modern slavery survivors to access accommodation. The wait time for social housing is often more than 10 years, and strict guidelines limit eligibility.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAnti-Trafficking Review·TypeSurvey·DateJul 4, 2023

Endometriosis linked to reduction in live births before diagnosis of the disease

A new study published in Human Reproduction found that women with endometriosis are more likely to experience a reduction in live births before receiving a definitive diagnosis. The research, which included over 18,000 women with surgically-confirmed endometriosis, showed that the number of first live births among these women was half ...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Finding the solution to the global environment and economic crisis with the commons as a business model!

The study found that open innovation-based business models, created through stakeholder participation in the commons, drive continuous economic and social innovation and sustainable growth. The 'Comedy of Commons' concept, developed by Elinor Ostrom, is applied to explore the evolution of the commons as a business model.

Meet a team of scientists working to prevent interplanetary pollution that could pose a threat to life on Earth and other planets

An international group of experts has developed a planetary protection policy to safeguard Earth from potential threats and avoid compromising the search for lifeforms on other celestial bodies. The policy aims to prevent biological and organic contamination of space missions, ensuring the safety of our planet.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 4, 2023

Potentiating cancer vulnerability to ferroptosis: Off-targeting effects of DHODH inhibitors

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discovered that DHODH inhibitors sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis by inhibiting ferroptosis suppressor protein-1 (FSP1), not DHODH itself. This finding confirms the crucial role of FSP1 in ferroptosis surveillance and opens up new avenues for developing effective cancer therapies.

Similar to humans, elephants also vary what they eat for dinner every night

A new study reveals that elephants' dietary habits are more varied than previously thought, with individual preferences playing a significant role. The research used DNA metabarcoding to analyze fecal and hair samples from two groups of elephants in Kenya, finding that even family members may eat different plants on the same day.

SourceBrown University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Apex predator of the Cambrian likely sought soft over crunchy prey

Researchers reveal that Anomalocaris canadensis was likely a speedy swimmer targeting soft prey in the open water, rather than pursuing hard-shelled creatures on the ocean floor. The study's findings contradict previous assumptions about the predator's feeding behavior and highlight the complexity of Cambrian food webs.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJul 4, 2023

Mitigating the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty: The role of fintech in enhancing commercial banks' risk-taking

A Chinese study found that fintech development effectively reduces the negative effect of macroeconomic uncertainty on commercial banks' proactive risk-taking behavior. The study also revealed that commercial banks with high capital adequacy ratios exhibit a weaker response to the mitigating effect of financial technology.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChina Economic Quarterly International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 4, 2023

Long COVID not caused by COVID-19 immune inflammatory response, new research finds

Researchers at University of Bristol found that Long Covid is not caused by an immune inflammatory reaction to COVID-19. Instead, persistent immune activation and inflammation may persist for months after COVID-19, correlating with severe disease. The study suggests a new direction for understanding and potentially treating this debili...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Gadusol: Nature's sunscreen

A new study reveals that fish produce a chemical sunscreen called Gadusol to protect their eggs from UV radiation, which is essential for their survival. The compound, encoded in the DNA of female fish, prevents damage and mutations caused by UVR exposure.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

“Digital twin technology” advancement: Analyzing battery characteristics in virtual space for optimal design recommendations

Researchers developed a novel battery electrode degradation diagnosis technology using digital twin technology, accurately diagnosing internal structure changes in virtual environments. This breakthrough innovation aims to identify root causes of performance degradation and offers precise measurements of electrochemical properties.