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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 12


Page 12 of 40

Canadians’ feelings about the causes of obesity are often harmful to self-esteem, new Concordia study shows

A Concordia University study found that Canadians of all sizes hold negative attitudes towards individuals with overweight and obesity, often internalizing these feelings and blaming their own behavior. The study also showed that females are more likely to report weight bias internalization than males.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023

New clues into the head-scratching mystery of itch

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel mechanism behind itch, revealing that Staphylococcus aureus single-handedly causes itch by instigating a molecular chain reaction. The study found that the bacterium's enzyme protease V8 activates protein PAR1 on skin neurons, leading to the sensation of itch.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

“Not dead yet” - Oxford experts identify interventions that could rescue 1.5°C

A new paper from climate economists at the University of Oxford identifies sensitive intervention points that could unlock significant progress towards the Paris Agreement with the least risk and highest impact. These include critical tipping points in renewable energy, networks of powerful political figures, and windows of opportunity...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalOxford Review of Economic Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023

Researchers obtain promising results against capacity loss in vanadium batteries

A computational study conducted by Brazilian researchers found that current density and active species concentration are the main variables affecting capacity loss. The approach successfully mitigated cross-contamination, providing an optimal flow between electrolyte tanks under different operating conditions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateNov 22, 2023

Low-pH-dependent RNA binding and oligomerization of SID-1 transmembrane family proteins: implications for their RNA transport activity

Human SIDT1 and SIDT2 proteins form dimers and higher-order oligomers to bind small RNAs in a pH-dependent manner, enabling their transport into the cytoplasm. This study elucidates the molecular basis of RNA uptake by these proteins, shedding light on their functional regulation.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalCell Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Unraveling paddy soil secrets: Surprising contribution of nonmicrobial mechanisms to CO2 emissions

Researchers found that non-living processes involving reactive oxygen species play a significant role in paddy soils' CO2 emissions. The study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between organic carbon and both living and non-living contributors to devise effective strategies against global warming.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateNov 22, 2023

Lidocaine may be able to kill certain cancer cells by activating bitter taste receptors

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that lidocaine activates the bitter taste receptor T2R14, which triggers apoptosis in cancer cells. This mechanism could lead to improved treatment options for patients with head and neck cancers, particularly those associated with human papillomavirus.

Pangenomic study of water caltrop — structural variations play a role in speciation and asymmetric subgenome evolution

A pangenomic study of water caltrop has identified structural variations that contribute to its speciation and asymmetric subgenome evolution. The study found that gene clusters related to organ development, organic substance metabolism, and response to stimulus were differentially expressed between the two diploid species.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Autonomous excavator constructs a 6-meter-high dry-stone wall

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an autonomous excavator called HEAP to construct a 6-meter-high and 65-meter-long dry-stone wall. The excavator uses sensors, machine vision, and algorithms to place stones in the desired location, achieving a high level of precision and speed.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Halting a malformation of the heart

A team of scientists has identified the molecular switches involved in halting heart malformations, which could lead to new treatments for tetralogy of Fallot. By targeting the BBLN protein, they aim to prevent defects in four critical areas of the heart.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

A computer model of the ear developed at IOCB Prague may help to improve cochlear implants

Researchers from IOCB Prague and MED-EL have created a complete computer model of the ear, allowing for detailed simulation of sound conversion and hearing processes. This model may help improve cochlear implants and better compensate hearing impairments.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalHearing Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 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