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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

Scepticism about Microsoft results

Researchers at the University of Basel have questioned Microsoft's claims of detecting Majorana particles, suggesting alternative explanations for the anomaly and superconducting properties detected in experiments. The team's calculations show that disorder in the nanowire could be responsible for the observed effects.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 26, 2023

Bird brains can flick switch to perceive Earth’s magnetic field

Research on white-throated sparrows reveals that the cluster N brain region is activated at night when motivated to migrate and goes dormant during rest periods. This study expands understanding of how animals use the Earth's magnetic field for navigation, shedding light on the impact of human activities on bird migration.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

Effective as a collective: Researchers investigate the swarming behavior of microrobots

A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz studied the collective behavior of small robots and found that they can solve tasks that a single machine cannot. The study uses statistical physics to analyze how the robots interact and move, revealing potential applications in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 26, 2023

First death in the UK associated with Xylazine

A 43-year-old male's death in May 2022 is the first UK case associated with Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative and painkiller. The drug, commonly used in veterinary medicine, has been linked to widespread problems in North America due to its ability to lower breathing and heart rate.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Forensic and Legal Medicine·DateMay 26, 2023

Basis for skin and organ production: Researchers from Graz University of Technology revolutionize production of biocompatible microfibers

A new method for producing biocompatible microfibres with controlled size and shape has been developed at Graz University of Technology, significantly accelerating production and reducing costs. This breakthrough enables the potential for accelerated production of autologous skin and organs, which could be a game-changer for burn victi...

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

Breast, rectal, kidney, and brain cancer phase 3 trials headline Dana-Farber research at ASCO Annual Meeting

Dana-Farber researchers present promising results for patients with rectal, brain, and kidney cancers in phase 3 trials. The PROSPECT trial shows neoadjuvant chemoradiation versus FOLFOX chemotherapy offers improved survival benefits for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Additionally, the INDIGO trial demonstrates vorasidenib's ...

Absolute vs. relative efficiency: How efficient are blue LEDs, actually?

Researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that the absolute internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of InGaN-based blue LEDs can be as low as 27.5%, drastically lower than the standard assumption. The study's results suggest a new approach to measuring IQE, providing a more accurate picture of LED performance.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 26, 2023

Harnessing large vision-language models

Researchers are exploring the use of large-scale pre-trained vision-language models (PT-VLM) to develop a new methodological framework for harnessing their power. The project aims to identify basic skills required by VisualQA and design methods to augment pre-trained models with additional skills, such as object recognition and spatial...

How eating natto might help to distress

Research suggests that consuming natto can enhance lifespan and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans worms by activating key signaling pathways. This fermented soybean product has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to its potential health benefits.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

Tree islands bring biodiversity to oil palm plantations

An international research team has found that tree islands in oil palm plantations can significantly increase biodiversity within five years. This method also does not affect the yield of the plants. The study was conducted on an industrial-scale plantation in Indonesia and showed promising results for ecological restoration.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

Innovative endoscopic imaging system can detect multiple fluorescent tracers

Researchers developed a novel endoscopic imaging system with a bioinspired sensor that can detect multiple fluorescent probes, enabling more accurate fluorescence-guided cancer surgery. The system showed improved spatial resolution and sensitivity in detecting tumors, paving the way for the adoption of multi-tracer FGS.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 26, 2023

Networks in the dog brain

A recent study on canine brain networks has provided insights into the evolution of human brain function, revealing that the cingulate cortex played a central role in mammalian brain development. The research used fMRI to analyze brain activity in dogs and identified functional networks that differ from those in humans.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateMay 26, 2023

Oregon State study provides foundation for protecting rare fox in Cascades, Sierra Nevada

A new study by Oregon State University provides a framework for protecting the endangered Sierra Nevada red fox, which is struggling due to habitat loss and climate change. The research uses computer modeling based on 12 years of data to estimate the fox's population distribution in the Cascades and Sierra Nevada regions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 26, 2023

Intravenous plus periarticular corticosteroids improve rehabilitation measures after knee replacement

A combination of intravenous and periarticular corticosteroids improves rehabilitation measures after knee replacement, but not pain relief. The study found that patients who received both IV and PA corticosteroids had better knee movement and walking distances compared to those who received either medication alone.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 25, 2023

Iron-rich rocks unlock new insights into Earth’s planetary history

New research from Rice University suggests that ancient microorganisms helped cause massive volcanic events by facilitating the precipitation of minerals in banded iron formations. The study provides insight into processes that could produce habitable exoplanets and reframes scientists' understanding of Earth's early history.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Internal job candidates have a leg up

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that internal job candidates are more likely to be promoted, even if they're less qualified than external candidates. The research showed that managers prefer to reward past effort and perceive it as a 'gift' that should be reciprocated.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Robots and Rights: Confucianism Offers Alternative

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University argue against granting rights to robots, instead suggesting a Confucian approach of assigning roles to promote teamwork and harmony. This alternative perspective recognizes the moral status of robots as entities capable of participating in rites and contributing to society.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateMay 25, 2023

The Roman Empire smelled of patchouli

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have identified the composition of a Roman perfume over 2,000 years old, with patchouli being the primary scent. The perfume was found in a vessel made of quartz and sealed with dolomite and bitumen, allowing for its preservation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalHeritage·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Why high school kids are saying no to alcohol

A study found that high school students' attitudes towards drinking have shifted over the past 20 years, with a decrease in youth drinking attributed to changes in social media and spending time online. Today's teens view not drinking as more socially acceptable than it used to be.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2023

Energy industry apps to improve accuracy and efficiency

University of Houston researchers have created digital applications to enhance energy efficiency, including calculators for hydrocarbon MMP, carbon dioxide MMP, and viscosity. These tools offer significantly higher accuracy than current methods, helping engineers save time and resources.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGeoenergy Science and Engineering·TypeNews article·DateMay 25, 2023

Quotas alone will not solve the problem

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub recommends aligning quotas with an inclusive culture to improve women's representation in science. The research finds that even extreme quotas are not sufficient to increase minorities' visibility in top ranks, highlighting the need for behavioral interventions and regulation to overcome biases.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2023

CU researchers weave deeper understanding of diverse ancestry and gene expression

A new study published in Nature Genetics examines the relationship between gene expression and ancestry, revealing ancestry-specific patterns of genetic architecture. The research analyzed whole genome and RNA sequencing data from African American and Hispanic/Latino children, exploring ancestry-related differences in gene expression.