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Science News Archive July 2023 - Page 25


Page 25 of 36

Warmer ocean temperatures increase risk of salmon bycatch in Pacific hake fishery

Research found that warmer ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves lead to increased overlap between Chinook salmon and Pacific hake, raising the risk of salmon bycatch. The study used 20 years of data and modeled behavioral changes to show how salmon move lower into the water column during higher temperatures.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFish and Fisheries·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2023

Sea snakes may have evolved to see colors again

Researchers found that the annulated sea snake possesses four intact copies of the opsin gene SWS1, two with ancestral ultraviolet sensitivity and two with evolved sensitivity to longer wavelengths. This suggests that sea snakes have regained color discrimination to distinguish predators, prey, and mates in their marine habitats.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 12, 2023

Researchers at Leipzig University visualize activity of CRISPR genetic scissors

Researchers at Leipzig University have developed a new method to visualize the activity of CRISPR-Cas protein complexes, allowing for precise observation of gene recognition. The study reveals that base pairing with RNA is not energetically advantageous, but becomes stable only after the entire sequence is recognized.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Better and faster design of organic light-emitting materials with machine learning and quantum computing

A joint research team has developed a novel approach combining machine learning with quantum-classical computational molecular design to accelerate the discovery of efficient OLED emitters. The optimal OLED emitter discovered is a deuterated derivative of Alq₃, which is both extremely efficient at emitting light and synthesizable.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateJul 12, 2023

Sex lives of orchids reads like science fiction

A recent study published in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society revealed that orchids exhibit highly specialised pollination strategies, with over 75% of species dependent on pollinators for reproduction. Many orchid species use deceit to attract pollinators, including food deception and sexual deception.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalBotanical Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 12, 2023

Greenhouse gas supplement increases warming and alters circulation patterns on Earth and Earth-like exoplanets

The study found that adding CO2 to temperate terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres intensifies warming in non-irradiated regions, altering global circulation patterns. This effect is seen on both Earth and the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e, with implications for habitability and climate research.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2023

The good advice that could lift people out of poverty

A University of East Anglia study finds that providing access to housing, debt, and benefit advice within food banks can help lift people out of poverty. The 'Making a Difference' initiative sees representatives from Citizens Advice and Shelter posted within food bank services, offering personalized support to vulnerable individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2023

Butterfly species’ big brains adapted giving them a survival edge, study finds

Scientists at the University of Bristol found that Heliconius butterflies' brains grew as they adopted a novel foraging behaviour, allowing them to collect and digest pollen, which gives them an adult source of protein. The findings suggest that brain structure and function are closely linked to ecological niche and behaviour.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2023

Three ways to fight invasive Prosopis juliflora tree in Eastern Africa all proved very effective, new study shows

A new study conducted by CABI scientists reveals that cut stump and basal bark herbicide application, as well as manual uprooting, were highly effective in killing the invasive tree, with success rates of 85-100%. Restoration interventions also showed promise, particularly those involving divots, mulching, and grass seed sowing.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Hidden details of Egyptian paintings revealed by chemical imaging

Researchers use portable devices to analyze paint composition and layering on ancient Egyptian paintings, revealing alterations made over time. Two paintings from the Theban Necropolis were studied, uncovering changes to a figure's arm and royal items depicted on a portrait of Ramesses II.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2023

Could drops replace eye injections for retina disease?

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that an experimental eye drop treatment can reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the retina of mice with retinal vein occlusion, a common eye disease affecting up to 2% of people over age 40. The study found that the eye drops prevented neurons from deteriora...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Solar hydrogen: Barriers for charge transport in metal oxides

Researchers investigated the diffusion lengths of charge carriers in metal oxides and found that they are poorly understood. The study analyzed ten metal oxide compounds and found that their mobilities were very low compared to conventional semiconductors. However, heat treatment improved mobility in some materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Investigating interactions at molecular junctions for novel electronic devices

A recent study by Tokyo Tech researchers explores the structure and electron transport properties of molecular junctions. The findings reveal three distinct structures at the junction, corresponding to high- and low-conductivity states, which hold promise for designing novel electronic devices with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia reduces alcohol-related harm among veterans in treatment

A study by Dr. Mary Beth Miller found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia effectively reduced negative outcomes associated with excessive drinking among veterans. CBT improved insomnia symptoms, which in turn decreased cravings and negative behaviors related to alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2023

The correlation between the structures of bimetallic tartrate complexes in solutions for laser-induced synthesis and sensor characteristics of microbiosensors materials

Researchers discovered bimetallic tartrate complexes with unique structures, formed by insufficient ligand, leading to improved sensor characteristics for microbiosensors. The study showcases the potential of laser-induced chemical liquid phase deposition for creating nanostructures with various applications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organocatalysis·DateJul 11, 2023

Caesarean birth injury rates have risen for mums and babies but training and a new device could change that

A significant rise in caesarean sections in late labour has led to an increase in impacted fetal head (IFH) injuries, resulting in minor damage, lifelong consequences, or even death. New devices like the Tydeman tube and training approaches aim to improve management of this obstetric emergency.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 11, 2023

Navigating underwater inspired by migratory animals

A team of scientists has developed a novel underwater geolocation technique inspired by migratory animals' navigation methods. They trained a deep neural network to predict geolocation from underwater angle of polarization images collected with an omnidirectional lens, achieving superior accuracy in low-visibility waters and at night.

New study finds U.S. military veterans living in discriminatory ‘redlined’ areas suffered higher rates of cardiovascular disease

A new study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that US military veterans living in historically discriminatory 'redlined' areas had a higher risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. The study used data from 80,000 veterans with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, revealing a 14% increased likelihood...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2023

A better understanding of turbulence

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization have challenged long-held assumptions about turbulent flows, finding deviations from established scaling laws in highly idealized environments. This discovery has implications for understanding turbulence in engineered flows, weather forecasts, and climate models.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

Sticky, slippery, water repellent channels form maze-like, gravity-powered biomedical devices

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new approach to building point-of-care diagnostic devices that uses gravity to transport and mix liquid droplets. The device relies on commercially available surface coatings that can tweak the wettability and slipperiness of the channels, allowing for complex fluid paths to be designed.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

University of Limerick, Ireland research reveals that lower levels of physical activity can protect against depression among older adults

Research from University of Limerick reveals that even moderate daily physical activity can lower the risk of depressive symptoms and major depression among older adults. Studies showed that doses equivalent to 20 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity were associated with reduced risk of depression, highlighting the imp...

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2023

Scientists developed 180% relative bandwidth microwave absorber by ultrafast UV laser

Researchers developed a new approach to create a wideband microwave absorption metamaterial using ultraviolet lasers, achieving high absorption performance and control over electrical and magnetic properties. The process enables mass production of complex structures without post-treatment.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 11, 2023

The materials of future transistors

Researchers have successfully developed a new oxide material that can control its conductivity at an atomic level, a significant advancement towards creating more efficient switches. This breakthrough aims to tackle the challenges of miniaturizing transistors and improving their performance.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

Machine learning helps identify the cause of an old phenomenon in meat tenderness

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to explain how calpain-1 activity is modified on the molecular level, finding that lipid peroxidation products like MDA and HNE can increase or decrease activity. The study provides new insights into protein modification and its role in meat tenderness.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

Insomnia affecting younger worker productivity

A new study by Flinders University found that 22-year-old workers with clinical sleep disorders, primarily insomnia, suffer up to 40% greater productivity loss in the workplace. This translates to a lost productivity of about four weeks compared to those without sleep disorders.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2023

The incredible journey of clownfish larvae: Mini athletes, maximum performance

Researchers investigated the role of thyroid hormones in coordinating the metamorphosis of clownfish, discovering a strong interaction between metabolic processes and hormone regulation. Thyroid hormones play a critical role in timing the transformation and supporting energy demands during the journey.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023