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Science News for October 5, 2023


Groundbreaking study shows defects spreading through diamond faster than the speed of sound

A groundbreaking study reveals that linear defects in diamond can spread at speeds exceeding the speed of sound, which could impact our understanding of material strength, failure, and manufacturing. This discovery may lead to new insights into earthquake ruptures, structural failures, and precision manufacturing.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

AI helps reduce online harassment by enhancing conversation courtesy

Researchers at BYU and Duke University found that AI can improve conversation quality and promote civil dialogue in online interactions. By using AI-generated rephrasings of users' messages, participants exhibited greater willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints and reported higher conversation quality.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Physiology: Classical symphonies may lead to synchronised physical responses

A study of 132 people found that classical music induces synchronisation in physical responses among concert audience members. Personality traits such as agreeableness and openness are associated with increased likelihood of synchronisation. Synchronisation was observed in movement, heart rate, breathing rate, and skin conductivity.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

How much are you willing to pay for a product or service? It depends on your other options and the given context

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing presents the Comparative Method of Valuation as a more accurate way to measure customers' willingness to pay. The study finds that existing methods can provide vague and inaccurate results due to their inability to capture relevant comparisons or context.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 5, 2023

Green hydrogen could reach economic viability by co-production of valuable chemicals

Researchers have discovered a way to make solar hydrogen production economically viable by co-producing high-value chemicals like methylsuccinic acid. By coupling the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process with hydrogenation, the cost of hydrogen drops significantly, making it competitive with fossil gas.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Esketamine nasal spray effective against depression

A Phase IIIb study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that esketamine nasal spray achieved higher remission rates (27.1%) compared to quetiapine extended-release (17.6%) in patients with treatment-resistant depression, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for this population.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2023

First epidemiological study links popular weight-loss drugs to stomach paralysis, other serious gastrointestinal conditions

A large epidemiological study found a higher incidence of stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction in patients taking GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss. The study, published in JAMA, highlights the need for updated warning labels to inform patients of these potential risks.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2023

New, independent ages confirm antiquity of ancient human footprints at White Sands

Ancient human footprints discovered in White Sands National Park have been confirmed to be over 20,000 years old. Multiple independent age estimates from radiocarbon and optically simulated luminescence methods support the previous study's claims, showing humans inhabited southern North America during the Last Glacial Maximum.

Can masculine marketing convince more men to eat vegan?

Researchers investigated whether marketing can influence men's perceptions of vegan food. They found that while short-term interventions may not change consumption habits, long-term approaches could lead to improved attitudes towards veganism.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Fear of humans pervades the South African savanna

A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2023

Generating circularly polarized light

The Heidelberg team developed a hybrid metal-halide perovskite semiconductor with high photoluminescence quantum efficiency and strong chirality, generating bright circularly polarised light. This breakthrough material combines the best of inorganic and organic semiconductors, enabling applications in optoelectronics and information pr...

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 5, 2023

The medicine of the future could be artificial life forms

Researchers have created artificial hybrid molecules combining DNA and peptides, paving the way for the development of viral vaccines and artificial life forms. These building blocks can be used to create nanomachines that drill through cell membranes or target cancerous tumors, holding promise for combating difficult-to-cure diseases.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 5, 2023

Study shows enhanced pandemic-related infection prevention and control practices reduced incidence of healthcare-associated infections

A new study published in AJIC found that enhanced pandemic-related infection prevention and control measures significantly decreased healthcare-associated infections, including C. difficile, CLABSI, and RVIs. The findings suggest prioritizing evidence-based IPC practices can reduce HAIs even among vulnerable populations during extreme ...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2023

What are the risks of radioactive wastewater release – the next of which is October 5th – from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant?

The planned releases of radioactive wastewater from Fukushima Daiichi will have negligible effects on the environment, according to a study published in Science. The predicted radiation doses from the discharges are smaller than exposure to natural radiation or medical x-rays, posing no real threat to local seafood consumers.

How to protect self-esteem when a career goal dies

A new study found that people who viewed career goal failures as a steppingstone to new opportunities never lost self-esteem, while those who thought their failures left them worse off showed a drop-off in self-esteem. The study suggests that people should approach failure in a way that can help them learn and grow.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Adult Development·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Don’t feel appreciated by your partner? Relationship interventions can help

A study from the University of Illinois found that relationship interventions can increase perceived gratitude among low-income couples, which declined over time due to factors such as age and lack of appreciation. The interventions improved communication, satisfaction, but not gratitude, suggesting a unique effect on this dimension.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBehavior Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2023

Shining a light on tiny, solar-powered animals

A study by Hokkaido University researchers has discovered a wide diversity of symbiotic, photosynthetic microalgae associated with small, worm-like animals called acoels. Acoels form relationships with single-celled microalgae, storing them below their outer surface and creating energy using sunlight.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

“They yell and I yell back”

A new study by Uppsala University found that pre-school children aged 3–6 years can describe their feelings and family relationships in detail. The research suggests that children seek comfort from others when experiencing conflicts with parents, but also have positive experiences of making up after a fight.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2023

Discovery made by University of Warsaw scientists may enable network interface for quantum computers

Scientists at the University of Warsaw have developed a device that can convert quantum information between microwave and optical photons, enabling a crucial part of quantum network infrastructure. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in quantum computing, radio-astronomy, and high-speed internet connections.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 5, 2023

Comfort with a smaller carbon footprint

Osaka University researchers have developed an AI-driven algorithm to control indoor heating and cooling systems, achieving significant energy savings of up to 30%. The system learns the symbolic relationships between variables, including power consumption, based on a large dataset, ensuring comfortable temperatures despite winter cond...

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Discovery of mechanism involved in dental inflammation paves way to therapies against bone loss

Researchers have discovered a key mechanism involved in dental pulp inflammation and root apex damage, which could lead to the development of medications against bone loss due to endodontic infections. The study found that tumor necrosis factor-α receptor-1 (TNFR1) plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from inflammatory processes.

Increased deep sleep benefits your heart

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that targeting deep sleep with brief tones increases heart contractions, improving cardiovascular function. This leads to increased blood flow and a more efficient pumping mechanism.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

In checking chess’s gender bias, researchers find parents and mentors shortchange girls’ potential

A NYU study reveals that parents and coaches of youth chess players consistently peg the highest potential rating for girl players lower than that of boy players. Coaches also believe that female mentees are more likely to stop playing due to a lack of ability, despite not recognizing their own biases.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2023

New study at the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple casts light on protein that could help defeat Alzheimer’s disease and increase productive lifespan

Scientists at Temple University's Alzheimer's Center have identified a promising new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease: the protein ABCA7. The study found that cholesterol depletion and inflammation suppress ABCA7 levels in human brain cells, potentially contributing to disease onset.

Bio-inspired battery design

A team of Chinese researchers has developed a bio-inspired approach to improve the performance of flexible sodium-ion batteries. By methylating the structural polymer in the hydrogel electrolyte, they significantly increase the salt stability, leading to better battery capacity and cycling performance. The modified hydrogel can absorb ...

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Human vascular organoids reveal clues for a potential COVID treatment

Researchers have developed a human vascular organoid model that accurately mimics the damage caused by SARS-CoV-2, revealing clues for a potential COVID-19 treatment. The study identified a long-acting monoclonal antibody targeting factor D as a promising approach to mitigate severe vascular damage and thrombosis associated with COVID-19.

Bumblebees drop to shake off Asian hornets

A new study reveals that bumblebees can effectively fend off Asian hornets by dropping to the ground, a strategy that has not been observed in other pollinators. However, despite this successful defense mechanism, bumblebee colonies still experience reduced growth rates in areas with high numbers of Asian hornets.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2023

Roots of Bloody Mary

Scientists have identified a bacterial strain that can break down the toxic tomatine in tomato roots, providing new understanding of how soil microbes interact with plants. This discovery could lead to the development of new bioactive compounds for human applications.

SourceKyoto University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

New insights into the prognostic power of gene expression signatures in breast cancer

The study analyzed 10,000 gene expression signatures to assess their prognostic ability, finding that they lead to accurate patient prognosis in no more than 80% of cases. The researchers emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach incorporating molecular, clinical, histological, and other factors to ensure an accurate prognosis.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2023

UK study shows hybrid closed-loop technology improved maternal glucose levels during pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes

A new study published in Diabetologia found that hybrid closed-loop technology improved maternal blood sugars during pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes. The technology, which adjusts insulin doses every 10-12 minutes, helped reduce maternal blood sugar levels and weight gain, while also improving baby health outcomes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2023

Mays Cancer Center: Targeting certain molecular interactions could yield new strategies for treating prostate cancer

Scientists at Mays Cancer Center found that altering androgen receptor multivalent interactions may lead to new treatments for prostate cancer. The study suggests that precise levels of these interactions are crucial for proper hormone-induced gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

AI-driven earthquake forecasting shows promise in trials

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed an AI algorithm that accurately predicted 14 earthquakes within about 200 miles of their location and strength, with only one false warning. The system detected statistical bumps in real-time seismic data and paired them with previous earthquakes to make predictions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeCase study·DateOct 5, 2023

Novel procedure reduces the risk of mitochondrial disease transmission

A novel procedure using a refined technique and narrower tube has reduced the risk of transmitting mitochondrial disease during assisted reproduction. The study found that the new protocol resulted in normal development of embryos and healthy offspring, with minimal transfer of maternal mitochondria to the offspring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Twisted science: NIST researchers find a new quantum ruler to explore exotic matter

Researchers at NIST have created a new quantum ruler to measure and explore the properties of moiré quantum matter, which can generate magnetic fields, become superconductors, or turn into perfect insulators. The findings promise to shed light on how electrons in twisted graphene sheets give rise to new magnetic properties.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023