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Science News for October 18, 2023


A newly hierarchically porous pyrolysis-free bifunctional catalyst to boost ultralong lifespan zinc-air batteries

Researchers have created a hierarchically porous bifunctional catalyst that enhances the transport of reactants and products in zinc-air batteries. The pyrolysis-free strategy allows for improved durability and efficiency, making it an important step towards commercializing this technology.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2023

New model provides window into Alzheimer’s disease development

Researchers have developed a new model that replicates key facets of Alzheimer's disease progression in the brain, enabling better understanding of how the disease develops and affects the brain. The model uses induced pluripotent stem cells to study human brain cells with the same genetic background as patients, revealing critical cha...

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateOct 18, 2023

Researchers unveil fire-inhibiting nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have created a fire-inhibiting, nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries, increasing ion conductivity by 33% and improving life characteristics by 110%. The electrolyte prevents radical chain reactions during combustion, effectively inhibiting battery fires.

AI and 10 seconds of voice can screen for diabetes, new study reveals

A new study by Klick Labs reveals that AI technology can screen for Type 2 diabetes using six to 10 seconds of a person's voice, with high accuracy rates. The research used acoustic features to analyze recordings from over 18,000 participants and identified significant vocal variations between individuals with and without the condition.

SourceKlick Applied Sciences·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

Strength training may reduce health risks of a high-protein diet

A new study suggests that progressive strength training using resistance can protect against the detrimental effects of a high-protein diet. The research found that exercise protected mice from gaining excess fat mass, but did not affect blood sugar control. This paradoxical finding has implications for athletes and individuals with se...

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 18, 2023

Striking the right tune

A study by Jonathan Middleton demonstrates how digital data can be transformed into sounds, enhancing engagement with complex data points. The custom-built 'data-to-music' algorithm validates a 'fourth dimension' in data interpretation through musical characteristics.

SourceEastern Washington University·JournalFrontiers in Big Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2023

Do humans get lazier when robots help with tasks?

Researchers found that humans who worked with robots were more likely to catch fewer defects later in the task, indicating a 'looking but not seeing' effect. This could lead to safety implications and negative impacts on work outcomes if not addressed in real-world environments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2023

Immunogenicity and safety of an Escherichia coli-produced human papillomavirus (types 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) L1 virus-like-particle vaccine: a phase 2 double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

The study found that the 9-valent HPV vaccine candidate was well-tolerated and immunogenic, with all participants seroconverting to antibodies against HPV types. The vaccine's robustness and low cost make it an attractive option for national immunization programs in countries with limited resources.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateOct 18, 2023

UMass Amherst research finds adult vaccination rates increase when out-of-pocket costs decrease

A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that adult vaccination rates increase when out-of-pocket costs decrease. The study analyzed data from the shingles vaccine and found a significant increase in vaccination rates after the Affordable Care Act required private insurers to cover vaccinations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2023

Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals linked to childhood growth changes

A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is linked to accelerated BMI gain in children from birth to nine years old. The study found that certain mixtures of these chemicals increase the risk of childhood obesity and its related health consequences.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2023

Three's company in burrows

Researchers at Kyoto University have found three new species of animals living together in harmony with worms in dead coral rocks. The discovery highlights the importance of community structure and biodiversity patterns in cryptofauna, suggesting that symbiotic relationships are omnipresent in the ocean.

SourceKyoto University·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2023

Nondestructive measurement realized in ytterbium qubits, aiding the development of scalable neutral atom quantum computing

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a procedure for measuring ytterbium-171 qubits that preserves them for future use, enabling long multistage calculations and multistage operations. This breakthrough paves the way for scalable neutral atom quantum computing.

How did the initial COVID-19 wave affect mental health in the UK?

The study found significant increases in psychological distress among females, younger individuals, Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, and those experiencing financial worries or loneliness. Mental health deterioration was also linked to overcrowded dwellings during the first wave of the pandemic.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateOct 18, 2023

Is it ok to press the snooze button?

A study of 1,732 adults found that 69% used the snooze function or set multiple alarms. Snoozing resulted in lost sleep but prevented awakening from slow-wave sleep. In a second study, 30 minutes of snoozing improved cognitive performance.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 18, 2023

Collaborative study focuses on using computer algorithms to find molecular adaptations to improve COVID-19 drugs

A collaborative study published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters uses computer algorithms to generate molecular adaptations for COVID-19 medications. The researchers identified a functionalized molecule that showed promise against SARS-CoV-2, with enhanced potency compared to its parent compound.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateOct 18, 2023

Surgery more effective than nasal sprays for symptoms of a crooked septum

Researchers from the BMJ Group conducted a UK trial comparing septoplasty to medical management in adults with at least moderate symptoms of a crooked septum. Septoplasty was found to be more effective in improving SNOT-22 scores and quality of life outcomes, suggesting it should be offered to adults with at least moderate symptoms.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 2023

Does SARS-CoV-2 infection have urological effects?

A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 infection may worsen lower urinary tract symptoms in men. The research involved 17,986 men with medication for LUTS, half of whom had COVID-19, and showed a significant increase in urine retention, UTIs, and enlarged prostate issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2023

Promising new options for treating aggressive prostate cancer

Cedars-Sinai Cancer investigators have identified two promising new treatment options for men with recurrent prostate cancer, improving metastasis-free survival and quality of life. The combination therapy reduced the risk of metastasis or death by 58%, while enzalutamide alone was effective in preventing cancer spread or death.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 2023

Clinical Quality Registries revolutionize clinical research and healthcare in Intensive Care Units

Clinical quality registries collect and store health information to optimize healthcare and management in ICUs, providing valuable data for scientific research and epidemiological maps. The review highlights the role of CQRs in benchmarking strategies between hospitals and improving resource management.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateOct 18, 2023

Research spotlight: validating an MRI biomarker for early onset Alzheimer’s disease

A new study validates an MRI biomarker for early onset Alzheimer's disease, identifying a signature pattern of cortical atrophy that replicates across independent samples. The EOAD signature demonstrates clinical validity and accurately differentiates patients with EOAD from healthy controls and those with other cognitive impairments.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateOct 18, 2023

Does COVID-19 affect Alzheimer’s disease risk?

A review in the Journal of Neurochemistry suggests a link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease, with age being the largest contributing factor. Emerging evidence may further support this association, with research assessing influences on AD neuropathology.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateOct 18, 2023

UBC Okanagan researchers hope to prevent catastrophes with next-generation sensors

UBC Okanagan researchers have developed sensors that can detect erosion and breaches in protective coatings, reducing inspection time and error risk. The AI-enabled sensors can also distinguish individual layer erosion within multi-layer coatings, enabling proactive monitoring and addressing of equipment degradation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

Unlocking the secrets of cell behavior on soft substrates: A paradigm shift in mechanobiology

A new method for studying cancer cells' behavior on soft and stiff tissue environments has been developed, revealing crucial survival cues for cell growth. The study challenges the long-held assumption that cells prefer stiffer surfaces, opening up new possibilities for research in cancer biology and tissue engineering.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2023

You don’t lose if you snooze

Regular snoozers who get an extra half hour of sleep show no negative effects on night sleep, mood, or cognitive abilities. In fact, they tend to wake up feeling more alert and quick-thinking.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2023

Germicidal UV lights could be producing indoor air pollutants, study finds

New research from MIT found that germicidal UV lights can produce potentially harmful compounds in indoor spaces. The study suggests that the lights should be used with appropriate ventilation to minimize health risks. Researchers emphasize that the new UV lights are not a replacement for ventilation but rather a complement to it.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 18, 2023

Grasping the three-dimensional morphology of kilonovae

Researchers have created a three-dimensional computer simulation of the light emitted following a neutron star merger, producing results similar to an observed kilonova. The simulation takes into account various processes and material interactions, enabling predictions for any viewing direction.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

Study focusing on Black cancer survivors documents how exposure to racial discrimination impacts care

A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Black cancer survivors experience slowdowns in diagnosis and delivery of care due to exposure to racial discrimination. Positive interactions, such as ready access to providers and displays of empathy, were identified as key factors in improving care.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2023

HKUST researchers develop an innovative microscope platform to unveil the intricacies of skeletal muscle regeneration

The study found that satellite cells possess an inherent capacity to sense and respond to regenerative cues independent of external signals from non-myogenic cells. Macrophages played a crucial role in regulating MuSC proliferation and differentiation, but their reduction led to impaired cell division and increased fibrosis.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2023

Revealing structural secrets of a key cancer protein

Scientists have discovered two 'switch' regions in the structure of the K-Ras protein that are affected by dangerous mutations. These regions, located near a protein loop, can amplify cell division and lead to cancer. Researchers say their findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of these mutations and potential drug targets.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 18, 2023

How to build greener data centers? Scientists say crank up the heat

Scientists propose new temperature guidelines for data centers that may help reduce energy consumption and save money. Researchers found that raising the temperature to around 41°C could lead to significant savings, with some areas able to rely entirely on free-cooling, reducing energy costs by up to 56%.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

New study uncovers profound impact of diet and genetically induced obesity on ovarian microenvironment at single-cell resolution

Researchers identified key regulatory mechanisms and cell types in follicle development, finding a critical role for FOXO1 in mediating differences between obese mice. Alterations were also seen in extrafollicular cells, including tumor-like cells, which warrant attention given obesity's link to ovarian cancer.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateOct 18, 2023

Asynchronous distributed PEV charging protocol: powering the future of electric vehicles

A new asynchronous distributed PEV charging protocol has been developed to manage the charging patterns of scattered electric vehicles, ensuring network reliability and seamless user experience. The protocol preserves user privacy by not disclosing individual user-state information, addressing concerns in previous studies.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Economy and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

Association of antepartum and postpartum air pollution exposure with postpartum depression in southern California

A study of 340,000 pregnant women in southern California found a significant association between long-term exposure to antepartum and postpartum air pollution and increased risks of postpartum depression. The findings highlight the importance of identifying modifiable environmental risk factors to improve maternal mental health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 18, 2023