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Science News for November 21, 2023


The highly efficient removal method of phosphate from wastewater of aquaculture: Adsorption-membrane separation-coordinated strategy

Researchers developed a Zr-modified-bentonite filled polyvinyl chloride membrane for efficient phosphate removal from low-concentration phosphate solutions. The membrane achieved high removal rates of up to 98.5% in SCAW, making it a promising solution for combating eutrophication and alleviating phosphorus shortages.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Highly active and durable PdFe/Cu nanocatalysts prepared by liquid phase synthesis for ethanol electrooxidation reaction

Researchers designed PdFe/Cu nanocatalysts using a stepwise co-reduction method, exhibiting enhanced oxidation properties and durability. The addition of Cu to the precursor transformed spherical PtFe nanoparticles into chains with improved methanol oxidation capabilities.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateNov 21, 2023

Skin bacteria can save lives

Researchers at UiT The Arctic University of Norway have discovered a new bacteriocin, Romsacin, produced by Staphylococcus haemolyticus, which inhibits the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This breakthrough could potentially lead to a new medicine for infections with no effective treatment.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Toward sustainable energy applications with breakthrough in proton conductors

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity and stability of perovskite-type proton conductors, overcoming the 'Norby gap' issue. Donor doping into materials with disordered intrinsic oxygen vacancies enables high proton conduction at intermediate and low temperatures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Unearthing how a carnivorous fungus traps and digests worms

A new study examines how a carnivorous fungus senses, traps, and consumes a worm. The research reveals key biological processes involved in the predation process, including increased DNA replication and secretion of proteins that aid in trap development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Dynamic z-scanning for ultrafast auto-focusing in laser processing

A team of researchers has developed a fast method to track surface location and adjust optical focus simultaneously without mechanical movement. The dynamic z-scanning technique reduces defocused laser pulses and increases processing speed when processing non-flat or changing samples.

‘Manosphere’ community is misusing scientific research to support its beliefs

A new study by the University of Kent's School of Anthropology and Conservation has found that members of the 'manosphere' community are misusing academic research to justify anti-feminist and sexist beliefs. The research highlights a double standard, where women's behavior is scrutinized while men's behavior is overlooked.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 21, 2023

BU study finds long-term acute care hospital closures associated with changes in hospital care practices

A new study from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that hospital discharge patterns changed after long-term acute care hospital closures, with patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation discharged to skilled nursing facilities more often. Overall spending on mechanically ventilated patients decre...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 21, 2023

New fossil assemblage highlights complexity of classifying silesaurid phylogeny

A new fossil assemblage in Brazil has added to the complexity of classifying silesaurid phylogeny, a family of dinosauriforms that lived during the Triassic period. The study suggests that these animals were part of the evolutionary history of dinosaurs, but their classification remains uncertain due to ambiguous anatomy.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateNov 21, 2023

Hydrogen detected in lunar samples, points to resource availability for space exploration

Scientists have detected solar-wind hydrogen in lunar samples, indicating that water on the Moon's surface may provide a vital resource for future lunar bases and longer-range space exploration. Hydrogen has the potential to be used directly on the lunar surface when there are more regular or permanent installations.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Discovery of structural regularity hidden in silica glass

Researchers discovered a mixture of ring shapes unique to glass and those resembling crystals, with specific areas showing degree of order or regularity despite apparent disorder. The findings contribute to understanding phase-transitions and provide mathematical descriptions for controlling material structures and properties.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateNov 21, 2023

Most-cited scientists: Still mostly men, but the gender gap is closing

The gender gap among top-cited scientists is narrowing, with women now representing 32% of top-cited authors in certain fields, according to a study analyzing 5.8 million international scientific authors. However, significant disparities remain, and efforts to address promotion pathways for gifted female researchers are still needed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2023

Syngas photocatalysis made easy

Researchers have developed a novel photocatalyst system that enables the production of syngas from methane steam reforming under atmospheric pressure. The system harnesses sunlight to split methane and water into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, forming syngas.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 21, 2023

How AI could help optimize nutrient consistency in donated human breast milk

Researchers developed an AI model to optimize the macronutrient content of pooled human donor milk recipes, decreasing production time by 60%. The model improved protein and fat levels in milk bank products without compromising bacterial safety, benefiting preterm and sick babies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateNov 21, 2023

Could eating turkey ease colitis?

Researchers found that supplementing tryptophan in mice diet increased inflammation-suppressing T-reg cells and reduced colitis symptoms. The findings suggest a potential non-invasive method for improving long-term colitis management.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

High temperatures may have caused over 70,000 excess deaths in Europe in 2022

A new study developed a theoretical framework to re-evaluate the impact of record summer temperatures on European mortality. Using daily temperature and mortality records from 147 regions, researchers found that weekly, 2-weekly, and monthly models underestimated heat-related mortality, with errors increasing with aggregation period.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2023

New design for rechargeable hydrogen−chlorine battery in wide temperature range

A team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China has designed a rechargeable hydrogen-chlorine battery that operates in a wide temperature range, from -70°C to 40°C. The battery boasts high Coulombic efficiency and stability, with improved reversibility thanks to a hierarchically porous carbon cathode.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 21, 2023

Written in blood

Forensic scientists have discovered that the protrusions from bloodstains, known as 'tails', contain valuable information about a blood drop's origin. By analyzing these tails, analysts can reconstruct the impact angle and speed of the drop, helping to determine whether a victim was standing or sitting at the time of injury.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 21, 2023

Chlorine disinfectant is no more effective than water at killing off hospital superbug

A new study by the University of Plymouth reveals that chlorine disinfectants used in hospitals are no more effective at killing off hospital superbugs than water. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to tackle Clostridioides difficile, which causes diarrhoea, colitis and other bowel complications globally.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMicrobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

KERI's metamaterial, stretchable and efficient wearable thermoelectric energy harvester!

KERI's team created a stretchable thermoelectric generator using a partially air-filled gasket with metamaterial, achieving high efficiency and elasticity. The device can produce power density more than 20 times higher than existing flexible thermoelectric generators, making it suitable for IoT and AI-based wearable devices.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 21, 2023

Novel research unveils methodological approach to study why some individuals are prone to weight gain, while others are protected from weight gain

A new study using adult Finnish twins has identified protective and detrimental factors that precede weight gain, providing valuable insights into how people can maintain a healthy weight. The researchers found that individuals who deviated from their genetically-informed BMI had a higher risk of obesity.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateNov 21, 2023

Forest modeling shows which harvest rotations lead to maximum carbon sequestration

Oregon State University scientists used forest modeling to determine that a site's productivity is the main factor in maximizing above-ground carbon sequestration. The study found that 60-year rotations with low-intensity thinning are optimal for highly productive stands, while longer rotations of 80-120 years are better for less produ...

SourceOregon State University·JournalForests·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 21, 2023

Long COVID happens in nursing homes, too

A new study reveals that COVID-19 can leave a lasting impact on older adults living in nursing homes, causing them to need more help with daily activities and experience a decline in brain function. The study found that those who tested positive for COVID had effects that lasted up to nine months.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2023

Biomaterial developed at São Paulo State University proves capable of accelerating bone regeneration

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a novel biomaterial that speeds up osteoblast differentiation, mimicking a low-oxygen environment. The cobalt-doped calcium phosphate material has the potential to be used in future bone regeneration procedures, reducing surgery risks and hospital stays.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateNov 21, 2023

How gut microbes help alleviate constipation

Scientists have identified a key genetic factor, abfA cluster, responsible for improving gut motility and alleviating constipation. The study found that Bifidobacteria longum strains with the abfA cluster can enhance arabinan utilization, leading to improved gastrointestinal transit time.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Crowdsourced fact-checking fights misinformation in Taiwan

A new study from Cornell University reveals that crowdsourced fact-checking platforms like Cofacts can effectively combat misinformation online. The research found that Cofacts users responded faster than journalists to queries, with their responses often being just as accurate, and clearer in presentation.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Online Trust and Safety·DateNov 21, 2023

Immunotherapy drug is well tolerated in lung cancer patients with limited physical function, study suggests

A phase 2 trial found that durvalumab is safe and may benefit overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients with borderline performance status. The study also showed stable quality of life and a lower incidence of severe treatment-related adverse events compared to platinum doublet chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 21, 2023

E2E-BPF microscope: Extended depth-of-field microscopy using learning-based implementation of binary phase filter and image deconvolution

The E2E-BPF microscope overcomes traditional microscopes' limitations by extending depth-of-field using a learning-based binary phase filter and image deconvolution. This enables high-resolution imaging over larger spatial scales, reducing the need for refocusing.

Gender stereotypes embedded in natural language

Research by Clotilde Napp found that gender biases in language are stronger in more economically developed and individualistic countries. The study used natural language processing to analyze text corpora from over 70 countries, revealing a phenomenon known as the gender equality paradox.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 21, 2023

Bone growth drug may reduce sudden infant death syndrome in children with common form of dwarfism

A new study found that vosoritide treatment increases height, facial volume, and foramen magnum size in young children with achondroplasia, reducing sudden infant death syndrome, sleep apnea, and surgery needs. Vosoritide may improve quality of life and potentially save lives by addressing the root cause of the condition.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 21, 2023

New target identified for pulmonary hypertension treatment

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for pulmonary hypertension treatment by discovering an epigenetic pathway mediated via the protein SPHK2 that can reduce and potentially reverse vascular remodeling. This discovery offers new hope for treating pulmonary hypertension, which is a complex and often fatal condition.

SourceIndiana University·JournalCirculation Research·DateNov 21, 2023

Getting to the root of visceral gut pain

Researchers at Michigan State University found that glial cells in the gut can sensitize nearby neurons, causing them to send pain signals more easily during inflammation. This discovery could help develop new therapies to alleviate visceral pain by counteracting the glia's sensitizing efforts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 21, 2023

Chinese scientists produced a four-decade (1980–2020) inventory of full-scale N2O emissions in China

China's total N2O emissions increased from 889.6 Gg yr-1 in 1980 to 2295.0 Gg yr-1 in 2020, with agriculture making the largest contribution until 2015. However, industrial and energetic sources exceeded agriculture and became the fastest-accelerating N2O sources due to increasing demand for adipic acid and fossil fuels.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 21, 2023

CRONT: Empowering optical tweezers with "biometric eyes"

Researchers developed CRISPR-powered optothermal nanotweezers (CRONT) that can trap and enrich bio-nanoparticles, including gold nanoparticles and DNA molecules. The technique achieves single molecule level SNP detection with ultra-low detection volume, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnosis and biophotonics.

Study highlights need to keep an eye on the ozone hole

A recent study found that the Antarctic ozone hole is not only larger in area but also deeper throughout most of spring. The researchers believe changes in air arriving at the polar vortex above Antarctica are contributing to the growth of the ozone hole, which may be caused by factors beyond just CFCs.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2023

Tiny beads preserve enzymes for biocatalysis

Researchers used tiny beads to immobilize enzymes from edible fungus Agrocybe aegerita, protecting them from plasma treatment and increasing stability up to 44 times. The study paves the way for new biocatalytic applications combining enzymes with technical plasmas.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Obesity may not be the only factor to link ultra-processed foods to higher risk of mouth, throat and oesophagus cancers

A new study found that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract cancers. The study analysed data from 450,111 adults and found that eating more UPFs was linked to a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer and a 24% higher risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2023

Microautophagy is essential for preventing aging

A study published in EMBO Reports reveals that microautophagy is crucial for repairing damaged lysosomes, which helps prevent cellular aging. The researchers identified key regulators of this process, including STK38 and GABARAPs, and found that their depletion increases the rate of senescent cells and shortens lifespan in C. elegans.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

How we play together

Scientists studied how players' brains react when working together in a computer game called Pacman. They found that the brain's response is linked to the player's role during cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPsychophysiology·DateNov 21, 2023