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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 28


Page 28 of 40

Physicists discover ‘stacked pancakes of liquid magnetism’

Researchers have discovered a new phase of liquid magnetism in layered helical magnets, where magnetic dipoles behave like 'flattened puddles' with varying alignment between layers. This phenomenon, predicted by a computational model, may explain the unusual electronic behavior observed in these materials.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2023

Turning waste into treasure: Second-tier structure matters for regulating liquid spreading dynamics

Researchers have developed a simplified surface design that enables liquid directional steering on the same surface as conventional designs. The new surface topography features dual reentrant curvatures and microgrooves, which regulate liquids' spreading dynamics. This innovation simplifies fabrication and opens up practical applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMay 10, 2023

World’s first standard cladding diameter 19-core optical fiber with record transmission capacity

Researchers have created a 19-core optical fiber with a standard cladding diameter, achieving a record transmission capacity of 1.7 petabits per second over 63.5 km. This design uses randomly coupled multi-core fibers and MIMO digital signal processing to minimize power consumption.

Using AI to predict important measure of heart performance

Researchers developed an AI algorithm called CathEF to estimate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from standard angiogram videos, providing real-time information for clinical decision-making. The tool was trained on a large dataset and demonstrated strong correlations with echocardiographic LVEF measurements.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

Australian bushfires likely contributed to multiyear La Niña

A new study suggests that catastrophic Australian bushfires in 2019-2020 contributed to a rare, three-year La Niña event. The research found that wildfire emissions brightened cloud decks across the Southern Hemisphere, cooling the Tropical Pacific ocean and ultimately shifting climate conditions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2023

UW Medicine scientists among leads of NIH pangenome studies

The Human Pangenome Reference Consortium expands and updates the human genome project with nearly full genomic data from 47 people of diverse ancestry. Researchers at UW Medicine made significant contributions to drafting the pangenome reference and studying variation within repetitive DNA, which could improve equity in human genome re...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Substantial racial inequalities despite frequent health care contact found in treatment for opioid use disorder

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found significant racial inequalities in treatment for opioid use disorder, with White patients receiving medication up to 80% more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Despite similar numbers of healthcare visits, disparities persist.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Social conformity in pandemics: How our behaviors spread faster than the virus itself

A new model for disease transmission takes into account the effects of social dynamics and social norms on behaviors such as mask-wearing. The study found that small changes in certain factors can lead to large changes in disease spread rates, creating distinct infection waves. Social conformity creates a 'stickiness' where individuals...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2023

Mitochondrial ultrastructure regulated by calcium sensor, scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University discover

Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine found that calcium sensor MICU1 regulates mitochondrial ultrastructure, governing inner and outer mitochondrial membrane structure. This discovery provides a framework for understanding cellular energetics and cell death, with implications for diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 10, 2023

Delivery of antioxidants to liver mitochondria

A research team at Hokkaido University has developed a system to deliver antioxidants to mitochondria in the liver, reducing oxidative stress and damaging caused by ROS. The system, called CoQ10-MITO-Porter, was found to be more effective when downsized particles were used.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Pregnant and lactating dogs share patterns of some blood metabolites - including glucose and fatty acid concentrations - with pregnant women, according to study of 27 dogs representing 21 breeds

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that pregnant and lactating dogs share similarities in certain blood metabolites with human pregnancy, including glucose and fatty acid concentrations. The research analyzed 27 dogs from 21 breeds and discovered intriguing correlations between canine metabolism and human physiological processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 10, 2023

Risk of long COVID higher for people living in most deprived areas

Research analysis over 200,000 working-age adults reveals a strong association between area-level deprivation and long COVID risk. Females from least deprived areas had comparable long COVID risk to males from most deprived areas. The study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions to address health inequalities.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateMay 10, 2023

Why buses can’t get wheelchair users to most areas of cities

A recent study in Columbus reveals striking disparities in accessibility for wheelchair users traveling by public bus. Manual wheelchair users have access to only 1% of the city, while powered wheelchair users can reach about 25%. The main obstacle is infrastructure, particularly sidewalks, which are damaged or missing in many areas.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

Three-drug combination slows progression of advanced kidney cancer

A targeted kinase inhibitor added to a two-drug immunotherapy combination slowed the progression of advanced kidney cancer, with patients experiencing significantly improved progression-free survival. The median PFS was 11.3 months for those on nivolumab and ipilimumab alone, compared to not yet reached in the three-drug group.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 10, 2023

New breathalyzer for disease sniffs out COVID in real-time, could be used to detect cancer, lung disease

A new laser-based breathalyzer using artificial intelligence can detect COVID-19 in real-time with excellent accuracy. The technology, powered by frequency comb spectroscopy and machine learning, analyzes the unique chemical fingerprint of each breath sample to identify specific health conditions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Breath Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Copper artefacts reveal changing connections in prehistoric Europe

The study analyzed 45 copper objects from Northern Central Europe and Southern Scandinavia, revealing changes in distribution networks across prehistoric Europe. The findings suggest that copper artefacts originated primarily from southeast Europe before 3500 BC, with later sources including the Eastern Alps and British Isles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

The 15-minute city begins with sidewalks that aid mobility

Researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya studied sidewalk networks in Barcelona and found that even pedestrian-friendly cities like Barcelona struggle with mobility constraints. The study proposes a framework for assessing multi-factor walkability using percolation theory and insights into pedestrian behavior to improve sidewal...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalComputers Environment and Urban Systems·DateMay 10, 2023

Health worker shortages strongly linked to excess deaths

An analysis of 172 countries and territories found that health worker shortages are strongly associated with higher death rates, particularly for neglected tropical diseases and maternal complications. The study highlights the need for targeted action to boost health workforces in priority areas.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Artificial visual perception nervous system using solution-processable MoS2-based in-memory light sensor

Researchers have developed a single sensing-storage-processing node using solution-processable MoS2-based metal–oxide–semiconductor devices, mimicking the human visual system. The device can optically sense, store, and process data, improving response time, area, and energy efficiency.

Making vaccines longer lasting

A recent study by Monash University researchers found that a unique subtype of an immune cell produces long-lasting antibodies in response to certain vaccinations. This discovery may lead to the development of improved vaccines providing life-long protection.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2023