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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 9


Page 9 of 40

It’s a small world after all

A recent study by Bar-Ilan University researchers proves that six degrees of separation exist in social networks due to human behavior and cost-benefit analysis. Social networks tend to favor this pattern as individuals seek strategic connections to gain prominence, balancing drive for prominence with limited budget for new friendships.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 26, 2023

Prolonged inflammation associated with long COVID restored to healthy levels within two years post-infection: Singapore study

Researchers found that patients with persistent symptoms of long COVID experienced sustained inflammation and abnormal immune responses. However, after receiving a vaccine dose 12-16 months post-infection, these markers recovered to levels comparable to healthy vaccinated individuals.

Opting to freeze eggs can help women have babies when they are older, but many do not use their frozen eggs

A study found that more than 40% of women who froze their eggs in their 30s were able to have babies when they returned to the fertility clinic. However, many didn't return or used other fertility treatments. Women who used frozen eggs had a lower miscarriage rate compared to those using fresh eggs.

Genomics- and image-guided subtyping refines characterization of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers developed a computational technique combining genomic and tau PET imaging data to identify four subtypes of Alzheimer's disease. The integrated approach also revealed top genes associated with each subtype. This personalized diagnostic technique has potential for broad utility across various diseases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 26, 2023

Zhurong rover detects extremely weak magnetic fields on surface of Mars’ Utopia Basin

The Zhurong rover's first 1-km traverse revealed extremely weak magnetic fields on the Martian surface, contradicting previous orbital measurements. This finding suggests that either the crust remained unmagnetized or was demagnetized by a massive impact, providing new insights into early Mars' magnetic, climatic, and interior history.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 26, 2023

Worse than diesel and gasoline? Bioenergy as bad as fossils if there is no pricing of CO2 emissions from land-use change

A new study finds that bioenergy may not be a climate-neutral alternative to fossil fuels without effective pricing of CO2 emissions from land-use change, leading researchers to call for comprehensive carbon pricing schemes and international agreements to protect natural lands.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 26, 2023

Synthesis of peripherally annulated phenanthroporphyrins

New synthesis approach yields arylbenzoporphyrins and phenanthroporphyrins via retro Diels–Alder reaction and intramolecular Scholl reaction. The optical and electronic properties of the unusual porphyrins are analyzed using magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory calculations.

SourceEhime University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJun 26, 2023

IUPUI Geology professor researches groundbreaking bacterial discovery

A team of researchers led by Dr. William Gilhooly III found that viruses are infecting sulfur bacteria, altering their genetic code and influencing their behavior in oxygen-deficient lakes. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the impact of viral infections on bacterial ecosystems.

UNF professor & Bureau of Land Management team discover ancient marine reptile fossil, publish ground-breaking evolutionary insight

A research team led by the Bureau of Land Management and University of North Florida faculty member Dr. Barry Albright has discovered a 94-million-year-old mosasaur fossil in southern Utah. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of ancient marine reptiles, including their unique cranial blood supply.

SourceUniversity of North Florida·JournalCretaceous Research·DateJun 26, 2023

New research finds that more than 90% of global aquaculture faces substantial risk from environmental change

A landmark study reveals that more than 90% of global aquaculture and capture fisheries face substantial risks from environmental change. The study highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for transboundary collaboration, diversification, and stakeholder engagement to adapt to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 26, 2023

Scientists develop a high-energy-density and ultralong-life aqueous zinc-ion battery

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed a high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery with an ultralong cycle lifespan in a weak magnetic field. The team created a VS2 material with rich defects that reduced electrostatic interaction between zinc ions and improved rate capability.

New study reveals brain's potential to regulate fentanyl consumption, offering hope in the fight against opioid addiction

A recent study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has unveiled crucial insights into the brain's ability to regulate fentanyl consumption. The research discovered that claustral neurons can modulate fentanyl intake, suggesting a potential target for intervention in fentanyl addiction.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Recent progress of Ni-based catalysts for methanol electrooxidation reaction in alkaline media

Ni-based catalysts have shown promising performance in the electrooxidation of methanol in alkaline media due to their anti-poisoning ability and high oxidation kinetics. The development of new Ni-based catalysts with varied structures has improved catalytic performance, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional noble meta...

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateJun 26, 2023

Act now to prevent uncontrolled rise in carbon footprint of computational science, say Cambridge scientists

Researchers propose GREENER framework to promote sustainable research practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing benefits to humanity and environment. Key considerations include estimating energy consumption of algorithms, tackling embodied impacts through new collaborations, and relocating computations to low-carbon s...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJun 26, 2023

How coral reefs can survive climate change

The Tara Pacific expedition's dataset reveals that global microbial biodiversity is ten times higher than previously thought, and environmental impacts on evolutionary adaptation are species-specific. Duplication of important genes in corals may be the key to their long lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2023

Progesterone decreases night sweats & improves sleep in perimenopausal women

A new study has found that Progesterone (micronized, oral) is effective in decreasing night sweats and improving sleep in perimenopausal women. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, involved 93% of participants completing the three-month trial with no serious adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

Arsenic levels decline for most highly exposed U.S. communities served by public water systems following final arsenic ruling

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that the Final Arsenic Rule successfully reduced water arsenic exposure for many US communities, particularly those with high initial exposure levels and marginalized populations. The rule, implemented in 2006, reduced the maximum contaminant level to 10 μg/L.

Collect race, Indigenous identity on health card renewal to address health inequities

Collecting self-reported racial and Indigenous identity data on health card applications and renewals could facilitate the measurement of racial inequities in healthcare. This approach could aid in tracking progress and ensuring accountability, particularly for Indigenous and Black patients who face significant barriers to care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 26, 2023

New understanding of why kidney cancers become metastatic discovered by MD Anderson researchers

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have engineered a new model of aggressive renal cell carcinoma, highlighting molecular targets and genomic events that trigger chromosomal instability. The loss of interferon receptor genes plays a pivotal role in allowing cancer cells to become tolerant of chromosomal instability.

People in power who are guilt-prone are less likely to be corrupt

A study by UC Santa Barbara psychology professor Hongbo Yu found that individuals prone to guilt in their everyday lives are less likely to take bribes. The research suggests that anticipatory guilt may make people think twice before engaging in corrupt behavior, particularly when they can see the potential harm to others.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 26, 2023

Advanced detection technology developed for aerosol single scattering albedo vertical profile

A new custom optical system and high-precision controllers enabled the detection of aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA) vertical profiles for the first time. This innovation provides accurate observation data for understanding aerosol radiation interaction and atmospheric boundary layer feedbacks.

New research describes troubling abortion infodemic

A team of UConn researchers finds that misinformation about abortion has proliferated on social media, including false claims about fetal pain and maternal health. The study warns that this infodemic could exacerbate a public health crisis and restrict access to accurate information.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2023