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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 19


Page 19 of 44

Small but mighty: new superconducting amplifiers deliver high performance at lower power consumption

Researchers have developed a new concept for superconducting microwave low-noise amplifiers with significantly lower power consumption. The SIS amplifier has been successfully demonstrated with high-performance gain below 5 GHz and comparable noise temperature to cooled semiconductor amplifiers, with potential applications in radio ast...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Gigapixel 3D microscope captures life in unprecedented detail

Researchers have developed a high-speed, 3D gigapixel microscope that stitches together dozens of cameras to capture life in unprecedented detail. The device enables the recording of differences in pitch and depth, allowing scientists to study zebrafish behavior and developmental biology without harming the animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Managers exploit loyal workers over less committed colleagues

A new study found that managers target loyal workers for exploitative practices, such as unpaid work and extra job tasks. The study suggests that loyalty can lead to a vicious cycle where loyal workers are more likely to be exploited and then become even more loyal, making them more susceptible to exploitation in the future.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Inbreeding contributes to decline of endangered killer whales

Research found that inbreeding is a major factor contributing to the decline of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. The study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, indicates that inbred individuals have lower survival rates and birth rates compared to those with lower levels of inbreeding.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

Harnessing incoherence to make sense of real-world networks

A new approach to describing network connections can help predict system strong and weak points, crucial for understanding disease spread and communication networks. Researchers found that mapping hierarchies and incoherence within a system enables prediction of strong and weak connections.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2023

Human-caused mortality is the leading source of death for mountain lions in California

A study found that human-caused mortality is the leading source of death for mountain lions in California, primarily driven by conflicts with humans over livestock and collisions with vehicles. The research also suggests that human tolerance plays a crucial role in conserving large carnivores in landscapes shared with humans.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

Financial landlords own four times more rental units than previously thought

Research reveals that financial landlords, including private equity firms and institutional investors, own nearly one in eight rental units in Montreal. This trend is linked to gentrification, displacement, aggressive rent increases, and eviction practices, particularly affecting precarious, racialized, and student groups.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateMar 20, 2023

UCLA-led study uses base editing to correct mutation that causes rare immune deficiency

Researchers at UCLA successfully used base editing to correct a mutation causing rare immune deficiency CD3 delta SCID. The treatment corrected an average of 71% of patient stem cells and allowed them to produce fully functional T cells, suggesting long-term persistence of corrected blood stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Parasites alter likelihood of fish being caught by anglers

A recent study published in The Science of Nature found that parasites and body condition are crucial factors in determining the vulnerability of fish to angling. The research revealed that fish with high body condition and parasites, as well as those with low body condition but no parasites, were less likely to be caught by anglers.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Science of Nature·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

Increase in gestational diabetes rates linked largely to screening

A new study from British Columbia found that an increase in gestational diabetes rates can be largely attributed to changes in screening practices. After adjusting for screen completion and population factors, diagnoses of gestational diabetes increased by less than one-quarter over a 15-year period.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

Ultrafast beam-steering breakthrough at Sandia Labs

A team of researchers has demonstrated the ability to dynamically steer incoherent light pulses using a semiconductor device, paving the way for applications such as holograms, remote sensing, and self-driving cars. The technique uses metasurfaces to manipulate light waves, offering a low-power alternative to traditional laser beams.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Stigma-coping intervention empowers people with HIV and drug use to engage in health, substance use care

A new stigma-coping intervention was found to increase engagement in substance use treatment and improve ART adherence among people with HIV who inject drugs. The intervention reduced avoidance of healthcare settings, leading to higher chances of starting ART and engaging with treatment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeSurvey·DateMar 20, 2023

Researchers uncover a protein deficiency in neurons of patients with neurodegenerative diseases that could be targeted by new gene therapy approach

A team of researchers has discovered a protein deficiency in the neurons of patients with neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS and Alzheimer's disease. They have developed an approach to fix this deficiency using antisense oligonucleotides that can correct abnormal RNA processing and restore stathmin-2 protein levels.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 2023

Daily step counts before, after onset of COVID-19

A study found a consistent and widespread decline in activity following the onset of COVID-19 in the US, with vulnerable populations at higher risk. The researchers discovered that even after most COVID-19-related restrictions were relaxed, daily step counts persisted at a lower level.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 20, 2023

Promoting healthy longevity should start young: pregnancy complications lift women’s risk of mortality in the next 50 years

Research found that pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes are associated with increased risk of mortality. Women who experienced these complications had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, with some complications linked to specific causes of death like cardiovascular diseases.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

Researchers study the impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers

A recent review article highlights the significant impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers, citing communication barriers, financial difficulties, and sociocultural issues. The study estimates 126,000 new cancer cases diagnosed yearly in Hispanics, placing a substantial burden on family members and friends.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalCancers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

Enhanced ion acceleration from transparency-driven foils demonstrated at two ultraintense laser facilities

Researchers have developed a technique for accelerating ions with lasers using transparent targets, resulting in ultra-short beams ideal for cancer treatment and radiobiology studies. The method has been successfully replicated at two independent laser facilities, showcasing its robustness and potential applications.

Cats’ non-fearful and sociable personality as well as a clean litterbox appear to decrease litterbox issues

A study by the University of Helsinki found that non-fearful and sociable cat personalities, as well as clean litterboxes, can decrease litterbox issues. The research identified 34 variables associated with two behavioural traits: house soiling and litterbox fussiness.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

How do we make farming better for the planet? Ask women

A recent study led by Boston University researchers found that payments designed to motivate eco-friendly behavior often don't reconcile the tension between agricultural production and the planet's health. However, including more women in decision-making boosted cooperation between farmers on environmental issues and increased output.

SourceBoston University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Cases and transmission of highly contagious fungal infections see dramatic increase between 2019 and 2021

Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

Thinking big and dark by starting small and light

Scientists at Kyoto University have established a new experimental method to examine ultra-light dark matter, addressing the challenging problem of detection. By applying millimeter-wave sensing technology in cryogenic conditions, they were able to detect dark photons with a mass range previously unexplored.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

University of Limerick, Ireland research: Back pain treatment for teens ‘ignores big picture issues’

Most treatments offered to teenagers with persistent back pain are outdated and focus solely on physical factors, ignoring the impact of mental health and lifestyle on back pain. The study calls for a more holistic approach to treating back pain in teens, considering sleep, mood, stress, and relationships.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

Patients overwhelmingly prefer immediate access to test results, even when the news may not be good

A recent survey found that patients overwhelmingly support receiving test results immediately, even if their provider has not yet reviewed them. Most respondents (90%) preferred receiving results through the patient portal as soon as they were available, and nearly all (96%) indicated a preference for timely release.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 20, 2023

Green hydrogen: How photoelectrochemical water splitting may become competitive

Researchers have developed a method to reduce the energy payback time of photoelectrochemical water splitting, making it more sustainable and competitive. The approach involves producing not only green hydrogen but also methyl succinic acid, which can be used as an intermediate product.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2023

Federal-local immigration enforcement policies designed to reduce crime found to raise victimization among Latinos

Researchers found that federal-local immigration enforcement policies significantly increase violent victimization risk among Latinos, contradicting their purpose of enhancing public safety. The study analyzed NCVS data from 2005-2014 and confirmed individual-level factors as major sources of variation in violent victimizations.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateMar 20, 2023