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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 16


Page 16 of 40

In many major crop regions, workers plant and harvest in spiraling heat and humidity

A global study reveals that farmworkers in major crop regions are facing increasing exposure to extreme heat and humidity, which can impair their ability to function. The most affected crops are rice and maize, with nearly half of the world's rice cropland already experiencing extreme conditions during the planting and harvest seasons.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Analysis of cyberstalking research identifies factors associated with perpetration, victimization

A new study analyzing cyberstalking research identified sociodemographic and background factors as the largest contributors to perpetration and victimization. The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies considering overlap between offline violence and cyberviolence. Experts emphasize the importance of allocating ...

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateNov 20, 2023

Potential therapeutic target found to combat tuberculosis, a disrupted NAD(H) homeostasis

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that disrupted NAD(H) homeostasis is a key factor in tuberculosis pathogenesis. The researchers found that the glycolytic pathway can be selectively inhibited using an LDH enzyme with mostly LDHA subunits, which preferentially converts pyruvate to lactate and NADH to NAD+.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

“Triple star” discovery could revolutionise understanding of stellar evolution

Research by University of Leeds scientists has found evidence that massive Be stars may exist in triple systems, challenging current theories on their formation. The discovery could have significant impacts on our understanding of black holes, neutron stars, and gravitational wave sources.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023

What leads people to take action on disease prevention?

A study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction found that individuals' behavior to prevent disease spread depends on their personal information sources and living situation. The researchers discovered a strong link between medical information consumption before the outbreak and mask-wearing behaviors, while s...

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023

Progress in wastewater treatment via organic supramolecular photocatalysts under sunlight

Researchers developed new supramolecular and polymeric organic photocatalytic systems to enhance light utilization efficiency and mineralization under solar light. The new system combines in situ H2O2 generation with in situ Fenton reaction, achieving high-flux mineralization under visible light without additional oxidants.

Massive 2022 eruption reduced ozone levels

The study found that the eruption changed the chemistry and dynamics of the stratosphere, leading to unprecedented losses in the ozone layer. The injection of water vapor and sulfur dioxide increased sulfate aerosols, which drove changes in temperature and circulation, resulting in decreased ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2023

Three-dimensional quantum wavelet transforms

A new multi-level three-dimensional quantum wavelet transform theory is proposed to implement the wavelet transform for quantum videos, offering exponential speed-up over classical counterparts. The proposed wavelet transforms have better compression performance for quantum videos than two-dimension quantum wavelet transforms.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2023

Novel framework for assessing the utilization efficiency of mobile power sources in the power grid

A new theoretical framework evaluates the utilization efficiency of mobile power sources in power grids, considering various failure scenarios and structural resilience. The study emphasizes deploying mobile power sources to improve grid survivability and rapid recovery capabilities during disasters.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Economy and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 19, 2023

Discovering the secrets of plant defense

A team of MSU scientists has identified a key protein in transporting antimicrobial proteins out of plant cells, which could lead to breakthroughs in crop productivity and yield. By understanding how plants defend themselves against pathogens, researchers can develop new strategies to improve crop resilience.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2023

When growth becomes a weakness

Cancer cells' uncontrolled growth leads to a loss of ability to divide due to genetic damage accumulation. Simultaneous treatment with growth and division inhibitors can restore cellular function.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

Fishing chimpanzees found to enjoy termites as a seasonal treat

Researchers found that chimpanzees extract termites from mounds most successfully when rainfall increases, until a threshold of 200mm is reached. This suggests that termite fishing is a seasonal activity for chimpanzees, with the best opportunities during the early wet season.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2023

UChicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering Faculty boost vaccines and immunotherapies with machine learning to drive more effective treatments

Researchers used machine learning to guide high-throughput experimental screening of small molecules, finding ones that improve vaccine response and reduce inflammation. The team discovered a molecule that outperforms the best immunomodulators on the market, with potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 17, 2023

Shedding light on unique conduction mechanisms in a new type of perovskite oxide

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new type of perovskite oxide with remarkable dual-ion conductivity, promising to revolutionize the development of solid-oxide fuel cells and proton ceramic fuel cells. The material's unique ion migration mechanisms, involving the formation of dimers and efficient proton mig...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

The economic damage of a pandemic is inevitable, but targeted interventions can save more lives and lessen its social impact

Research published in Nature Human Behaviour suggests that lockdowns and voluntary behaviour change lead to similar economic damage, with lockdowns saving more lives. The study's model simulates the balance between health and economic impact, predicting health-economic outcomes of political and health measures during a pandemic.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2023

Scientists produce human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells, with significant implications for researching diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully generated human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells using a key protein called ACTIVIN-A. These LC-NE neurons may serve as models for disease in humans, enabling scientists to screen drugs and answer questions about neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2023

BU researchers develop new method to help with analysis of single cell data

Researchers from Boston University have developed a novel tool called DecontPro to identify and remove unwanted background noise in single-cell sequencing data. This approach enables more accurate analysis of cells and their molecular characteristics, offering new insights into diseases and conditions.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2023

HKU Engineering ‘Super Steel’ team develops new ultra stainless steel for hydrogen production

The University of Hong Kong's 'Super Steel' team has developed a novel stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance, enabling its potential application in green hydrogen production from seawater. The new steel exhibits comparable performance to current industrial practices using Titanium while being much cheaper.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalMaterials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

Following a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cognitive decline in older people

A Mediterranean diet has been found to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults, according to a new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. The study, which involved over 840 participants aged 65+, reveals that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with long-term cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

First comprehensive guideline on using biomarkers for monitoring Crohn’s disease

The American Gastroenterological Association released a new guideline recommending the use of biomarkers to help manage Crohn’s disease. Biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin can measure levels of inflammation, helping doctors assess disease activity and guide treatment decisions.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2023