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Science News for November 13, 2023


First 2D semiconductor with 1000 transistors developed at EPFL Switzerland: Redefining energy efficiency in data processing

EPFL researchers have developed the world's first large-scale in-memory processor using 2D semiconductor materials, which could substantially cut the ICT sector's energy footprint. The processor combines data processing and storage onto a single device, reducing energy waste and improving efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Electronics·DateNov 13, 2023

Neighborhood environmental burden and cardiovascular health

A study of US neighborhoods found a strong association between environmental burden and higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. Socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed the strongest associations, highlighting the need for initiatives to address poor environmental conditions and improve cardiovascular health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 13, 2023

Researchers develop gel to deliver cancer drugs for solid tumors

A team of researchers developed a gel delivery system that overcomes challenges in intratumoral therapy. The gel contains an imaging agent and can hold a high concentration of drug for slow release. In preclinical models, the treatment induced tumor regression and improved survival in immunotherapy-resistant colon and breast cancer.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Some increase in cancer after 1986 Chernobyl disaster

A long-term study published in Environmental Epidemiology shows a slightly increased incidence of cancer, particularly colon, pancreas, and stomach cancer in men, as well as lymphoma in women. The researchers used new calculation methods to analyze radiation doses from Chernobyl fallout.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2023

Researchers take new AI approach to analyze tumors

A new AI method combines satellite imaging and ecological analysis techniques to interpret large amounts of data from tumor tissue, providing insights into how cancer works. This approach aims to tailor cancer treatments to individual needs and avoid unnecessary side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

It takes a village: Hunter-gatherer approach to childcare suggests that the key to mother and child wellbeing may be many caregivers

Research with contemporary hunter-gatherer societies found infants receive attentive care from up to 15 different caregivers for about nine hours a day. High levels of sensitive care and personal attention are crucial for mother and child wellbeing, supporting maternal care and reducing risks of neglect and abuse.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 13, 2023

New scientific methods for analyzing criminal careers

The study analyzed over 1.2 million criminal incidents, revealing that specialists tend to operate within a confined geographic area and collaborate with local networks. The method can help law enforcement agencies anticipate criminal developments and tailor measures for prevention, policing, and rehabilitation.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Tulane researchers pioneer new strategy to help low-income patients control blood pressure

A new strategy that trains healthcare providers to deliver team-based care has been found to significantly lower blood pressure in low-income patients compared to usual care methods. Patients treated by the multi-faceted approach saw a mean systolic blood pressure drop of 16 mmHg, while those in the usual care group saw a 9 mmHg drop.

SourceTulane University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2023

‘Cutting the cord’ to advance ocean data collection

A team led by Lehigh University's Yahong Rosa Zheng is developing an Autonomous Observatory Node that can collect and transmit data from underwater sensors wirelessly, without the need for expensive subsea cables. The prototype aims to operate at depths of up to 1000 meters, enabling researchers to study extreme environments and detect...

Researchers propose MOF modular customization strategy for efficient membrane separations

Researchers propose a novel approach to customize metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient membrane separations. The strategy involves modularizing custom defect-free MOF separation membranes, allowing for rapid production of high-performance membranes.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 13, 2023

Template for success: Shaping hard carbon electrodes for next-generation batteries

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Semaglutide delivers 20 percent reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with obesity but no history of diabetes

A 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events has been observed for patients with obesity but no history of diabetes taking semaglutide. This study marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide beyond its weight loss effects.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 13, 2023

Perceived racism leads to greater risk of stroke among Black women

A new study found that Black women who reported experiencing racism in employment, housing, and interactions with police had a 38% increased risk of stroke. Racism may act as a psychosocial stressor, elevating systemic inflammation and impairing endothelial function, contributing to racial disparities in stroke incidence.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Virologic rebound observed in 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir

A study found that 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritavir (N-R) experienced virologic rebound, a phenomenon where viral load increases after initial decline. In contrast, only 1 untreated patient was affected. The researchers suggest considering the risks and benefits of N-R treatment in patients at low risk for severe disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 13, 2023

Ammonia fuel offers great benefits but demands careful action

Researchers at Princeton University found that an ammonia economy can help achieve decarbonization goals, but it poses risks if not managed properly. The widespread use of ammonia could lead to significant emissions of nitrous oxide and nitrogen oxides, affecting air quality, water quality, and ecosystems.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

New theory links topology and finance

A new study published in The Journal of Finance and Data Science introduces the topological tail dependence theory, a methodology for predicting stock market volatility. The approach incorporates persistent homology information, enhancing the accuracy of models and detecting complex correlations.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

"Zoom fatigue": Exhaustion caused by video conferencing proven on a neurophysiological level for the first time

A new study has provided neurophysiological evidence for videoconference fatigue, a feeling of tiredness and alienation caused by prolonged video-based communication. The study found that video conference-based lectures exhausted test subjects more than traditional in-person lectures.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Acupuncture may offer limited relief to patients with chronic hives

Researchers found that acupuncture improved symptoms in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), but the benefits were not significant enough to meet the minimal clinical difference threshold. The study included over 300 participants and suggested that clinicians should consider using acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 13, 2023

Anthropogenic climate change heightens risks of spatially compounding flooding and heatwave events

Researchers found that anthropogenic climate change heightens risks of spatially compounding flooding and heatwave events, with likelihood increasing tenfold by mid-21st century under high-emissions scenario. Adopting low-emissions scenario could reduce this likelihood to seven times more probable.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·DateNov 13, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed new burdens on already disadvantaged groups and left pre-existing social inequalities in place

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened social inequalities in Sweden, particularly among those with low incomes and education. The study found that disadvantaged groups faced higher risks of poor health, economic strain, and reduced access to medical care.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2023

How marine bristle worms use a special protein to distinguish between sunlight and moonlight

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz discovered a unique cryptochrome protein in marine bristle worms that distinguishes between sunlight and moonlight. The protein's structure reveals an unusual light-induced change from dimer to monomer arrangements, allowing it to synchronize reproduction with lunar phases.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2023

New drug-like molecule extends lifespan, ameliorates pathology in worms and boosts function in mammalian muscle cells

Researchers at Buck Institute identified a new drug-like molecule that keeps mitochondria healthy via mitophagy, a process that removes and recycles damaged mitochondria. The compound, MIC, extended lifespan in worms and improved mitochondrial function in mouse muscle cells.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Some of today’s earthquakes may be aftershocks from quakes in the 1800s

A new study suggests that some modern earthquakes in the central and eastern United States could be long-lived aftershocks of past quakes, rather than foreshocks or background seismicity. The researchers analyzed earthquake data from three historic events in the 1800s to determine whether recent earthquakes were likely to be aftershocks.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateNov 13, 2023

New study indicates C4 crops less sensitive to ozone pollution than C3 crops

A new study reveals that C4 crops are significantly less sensitive to ozone pollution than C3 crops, with potential implications for improving crop productivity and resilience. The research suggests that C4 bioenergy feedstocks can maintain performance in regions with high ozone levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Faster Arctic warming hastens 2C rise by eight years

A new modelling study led by UCL researchers finds that faster Arctic warming will breach the global 1.5C and 2C temperature thresholds five and eight years earlier than expected. This accelerated warming adds substantial uncertainty to climate forecasts, highlighting the need for more extensive monitoring of temperatures in the region.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEarth System Dynamics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

Exploring large language model: Construction, multimodal, evaluation and prospects

This study investigates large language model (LLM) construction, optimization, and evaluation, highlighting the importance of open-source models and cost-saving methods. The authors also identify challenges faced by LLMs, including scarcity of datasets and model instability, and propose potential research directions.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalJournal of Image and Graphics·DateNov 13, 2023

Debunking the myth of steady male employment

A new study by Penn State researchers found that only 41% of Baby Boomer men experienced continuous high employment over their prime earning years. Most men instead followed less stable employment paths with increasing unemployment, time out of work, or intermittent work.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·DateNov 13, 2023

North Atlantic’s marine productivity may not be declining, according to new study of older ice cores

A new study by the University of Washington challenges previous findings of declining phytoplankton in the North Atlantic. The researchers analyzed an ice core from central Greenland and found that human-generated pollutants changed the atmosphere's chemistry, offsetting a decrease in marine productivity.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

How climate change could be affecting your brain

Research suggests that global warming can affect brain development and plasticity, as well as lead to changes in cognitive function and overall health. The study calls for further investigation into the impact of extreme weather events on brain structure and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 13, 2023

Reversible adhesive

A team of scientists at Newcastle University has created a novel, water-based adhesive system that can bond surfaces in the neutral pH range but can be detached again in strongly acidic or alkaline environments. The new adhesive exhibits high adhesion strength to difficult-to-bond polypropylene surfaces.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Overdose prevention sites not associated with increase in crime, according to study

A study by Brown University researchers found that government-sanctioned overdose prevention centers in New York City were not associated with a significant increase in crime. The analysis of five administrative datasets showed no changes in violent crimes, property crimes, or calls for emergency services in the surrounding neighborhoods.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2023

One step closer to Mars immigration

A team of scientists has developed an AI chemist that can synthesize an oxygen-producing catalyst from Martian meteorites, enabling long-term survival on the planet. The breakthrough technology could establish an 'oxygen factory' on Mars, producing sufficient oxygen for human survival with minimal solar irradiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Synthesis·DateNov 13, 2023

Refreshing a computer chip to a “chiplet”

A team of researchers from Pitt and Notre Dame have received a $2 million NSF grant to develop 'chiplets' - refurbished integrated chips that can be reused in new products, reducing manufacturing waste and emissions. The project aims to create a more sustainable computing lifecycle by mapping the reuse of decommissioned FPGAs.

Naturally regrowing forests are helping to protect the remaining old forests in the Amazon

New research reveals that secondary forests in the Amazon cover over 190,000 km² but connect more than 2 million isolated fragments of old-growth forest, crucial for biodiversity conservation. These forests also act as a buffer zone, shielding old-growth edges from negative effects like hotter temperatures and wind.

SourceBangor University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher leads project to develop oxygen sensor for premature infants of color

A team led by WPI researcher Ulkuhan Guler has received NIH funding to develop a wearable sensor for premature infants that can mitigate skin-color bias in oxygen level measurements. The four-year project aims to create a convenient and affordable sensor that will enable infants at risk of lung disease to leave hospitals sooner.

An intravenous needle that irreversibly softens via body temperature on insertion​

Researchers developed a new intravenous needle that softens via body temperature on insertion, reducing tissue damage and blood-borne disease risks. The P-CARE needle's variable stiffness characteristics make it flexible upon insertion, allowing for more comfortable injections.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Endangered turtle population under threat as pollution may lead to excess of females being born

A study by Griffith University found that pollution can compound the female-biasing influence of rising global temperatures on sea turtles. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, discovered that exposure to heavy metals and organic contaminants can feminize green sea turtle embryos.

SourceGriffith University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Forming ice: There’s a fungal protein for that

A new study reveals that fungal proteins can facilitate ice formation at temperatures as warm as -10°C, challenging the long-held assumption that pure water only freezes at 0°C. The research also shows that these proteins are incredibly efficient, with some being 25 times smaller than other known ice-nucleating proteins.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

Mount Sinai researchers find more than 4,700 gene clusters crucial for prognosis in 32 cancer types

Researchers at Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling identified 4,749 key gene clusters that significantly influence the progression of 32 different types of cancer. The study provides a comprehensive resource for developing next-generation cancer treatments and diagnostic markers.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalGenome Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Autonomous lab discovers best-in-class quantum dot in hours; it would have taken humans years

Researchers at NC State University developed an autonomous system called SmartDope to synthesize 'best-in-class' materials for specific applications in hours or days. It uses a self-driving lab to manipulate variables, characterize optical properties, and update its understanding of the synthesis chemistry through machine learning.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Artificial intelligence: Unexpected results

Recent study by University of Bonn researchers reveals that machine learning models in drug discovery research are not as effective as thought, relying heavily on memorized data. The findings suggest that AI applications in this field are overrated and should be supplemented with chemical knowledge and simpler methods.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

AI faces look more real than actual human face

A new study finds that AI-generated white faces are perceived as more realistic than human faces, highlighting a potential threat to people of color. The researchers attribute this discrepancy to the disproportionate training of AI algorithms on white faces, which can lead to the reinforcement of racial biases online.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 13, 2023

The Long Jump: Athletic, insect-scale long jumping robots reach where others can't.

A team of engineers from the University of Illinois has developed a long-jumping robot with a lightweight elastomer body and artificial muscle made from coiled nylon fishing line. The robot can jump 60 times its body size in horizontal distance, opening up new possibilities for sensing and exploration applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateNov 13, 2023

Ground-breaking discovery could pave the way for new therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke

Scientists at the University of Leicester have made a groundbreaking discovery about how cholesterol in our diet is absorbed into our cells. The research, published in Science, highlights the role of two proteins called Aster B and Aster C in transporting cholesterol from the intestine to the bloodstream.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023