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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 23


Page 23 of 37

Study finds global climate change adaptation actions are too uncoordinated

A new study reveals that climate adaptation efforts are lacking in global coordination, with individuals and households shouldering the majority of the burden. Comprehensive collaboration between actor groups is necessary for effective adaptation, especially in rural areas where state actors play a more significant role in urban areas.

Around the globe, climate adaptation lacks coordination

A recent study reveals that climate adaptation efforts globally are largely isolated and uncoordinated, with a lack of cohesion in task distribution among various actors. Comprehensive, just, and forward-thinking adaptation requires involvement from multiple groups, including governments, organizations, and individuals.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

LSU Health’s fish study finds clinic-based community program improved food security and health

A clinic-based community program improved food security scores, healthy eating behaviors, and depression scores in a vulnerable, food-insecure population. The Geaux Get Healthy Clinical Program provided comprehensive education and access to resources, leveraging community partnerships.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNutrients·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science

Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Stress wrecks male big brown bat fertility during breeding season

A study found that acute stress has a sudden and dramatic effect on the fertility of male big brown bats during breeding season, with testosterone levels plummeting by ~50% and sperm production reduced. The team also discovered that stressed bats released more of a key hormone that can reduce fertility and ability to reproduce.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

"Two-factor" screening of newborns enhances congenital hearing loss management

A study involving 119,606 Chinese newborns found that concurrent hearing and high-throughput genetic screening significantly enhances congenital hearing loss management. The detection rate of certain gene mutations was also reported, highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors for accurate diagnosis.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 2023

Association for molecular pathology publishes best practice recommendations for liquid biopsy assay validations

The Association for Molecular Pathology published guidelines for validating and reporting clinical circulating tumor DNA assays. The recommendations aim to promote standardization and quality improvement in liquid biopsy assays, which have emerged as a key technology in molecular diagnostics.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateOct 12, 2023

Flagship individuals can boost conservation

A new study suggests that individual animals, like Lua the Antillean manatee, can be used as flagships to encourage engagement and behavioural change in conservation. These charismatic species often have unique characteristics that make them appealing to humans and can inspire policy changes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 12, 2023

Omega watch: Researchers develop new blood test for measuring levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids

A new blood test has been developed to measure the levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream, providing a convenient way to assess cardiovascular and cognitive health. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is derived from two key fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which can be obtained only from certain dietary sources.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Latest findings of recent positive selections in the immunoglobulin heavy chain genes and alcohol metabolism-related genes in the Han Chinese population

Researchers identified 24 genetic loci under recent selection in Han Chinese, including a risk allele for systemic lupus erythematosus that may have improved survival in extreme environments. The study also found novel genes related to alcohol metabolism and olfactory perception under selection.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateOct 12, 2023

Common drug can improve hand osteoarthritis symptoms: Study

A Monash University study found that methotrexate, a low-cost and effective treatment for inflammatory joint conditions, can reduce pain and stiffness in patients with symptomatic hand OA. The study's results suggest that methotrexate may be a viable treatment option for people with hand osteoarthritis and inflammation.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 2023

Programmed cell death may be 1.8 billion years old

A recent study found that apoptotic factors in eukaryotes have a bacterial or mitochondrial origin, suggesting conservation over 1.8 billion years. The researchers proposed an alternative scenario where early protoeukaryotes domesticated bacteria to produce toxins, which eventually evolved into apoptotic factors.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Enlightening insects: Morpho butterfly nanostructure inspires technology for bright, balanced lighting

Researchers at Osaka University developed a water-repelling nanostructured light diffuser that surpasses the functionality of other common diffusers. The diffuser uses randomly arranged self-cleaning nanopatterns to produce high transmittance and wide angular spread, making it useful for visual displays and energy-saving windows.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Valence conversion and site reconstruction in near-infrared-emitting chromium-activated garnet for simultaneous enhancement of quantum efficiency and thermal stability

Researchers developed a new garnet material with enhanced quantum efficiency and thermal stability, using chemical unit cosubstitution. The material shows promising applications in bio-tissue imaging, night-vision, and information encryption.

Red blood cell transfusion in the ICU

Red blood cell transfusions were common in ICU patients globally, with overlapping reasons for use despite differing clinical contexts. The three most common triggers for transfusion (hypotension, tachycardia, hemodynamic instability) were largely consistent across regions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 12, 2023

Self-correcting quantum computers within reach?

A Harvard team has successfully developed a self-correcting quantum computer using neutral atom arrays, achieving near-flawless performance with extremely low error rates. The breakthrough enables the creation of large-scale, error-corrected devices based on neutral atoms.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

HKU and HKUST physicists unlock controllable nonlinear hall effect in twisted bilayer graphene - promising for diverse application in new materials and quantum information industries

A team of international researchers has discovered a controllable nonlinear Hall effect in twisted bilayer graphene, which holds promise for applications in new materials and quantum information industries. The nonlinear transport behaviour can be easily controlled and manipulated by adjusting the dispersion of flat bands and twist ang...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

New catalyst could provide liquid hydrogen fuel of the future

Researchers at Lund University have demonstrated a method for converting isopropanol into hydrogen using a solid catalyst, paving the way for a liquid fuel that can be delivered at a pump. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could be used in larger vehicles such as buses and aircraft.

SourceLund University·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateOct 12, 2023

DNA methylation: The hidden mechanism enabling plants to adapt in a warmer world

A recent study found that temperature variations during asexual propagation induce significant hereditary epigenetic and phenotypic modifications in Fragaria vesca ecotypes. DNA methylation patterns play a crucial role in this process, with noticeable differences between 18℃ and 28℃ conditions.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Unlocking the secrets of cold tolerance: a deep dive into tomato plants' molecular responses to chilling stress

This study examines the molecular dynamics of tomato seedlings under cold stress, revealing transcriptional reprogramming and cryoprotectant biosynthesis. The results highlight the importance of understanding plant responses to environmental stressors and their impact on crop health.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Polyoxometalates and ionic liquid enhance solid-state lithium-ion electrolyte performance

Researchers have developed a composite solid electrolyte membrane that increases the ion conductivity of solid-state electrolytes, enabling safer and more efficient lithium-ion batteries. The addition of polyoxometalates and an ionic liquid enhances lithium ion movement, achieving three times higher conductivity than membranes prepared...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalPolyoxometalates·DateOct 12, 2023

What can we learn from the Great Resignation?

A study by the Complexity Science Hub analyzed work discourse on Reddit between 2018 and 2021, finding that mental health concerns significantly contributed to the surge in quit rates. The study suggests that companies can improve working conditions by prioritizing employees' relational and self-fulfillment needs.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalEPJ Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Hostile sexism linked to less responsive parenting

A new study finds that fathers and mothers who hold sexist attitudes towards men's power and authority exhibit less responsive parenting behavior, which can lead to behavioral issues and lower academic achievement. The research highlights the need for addressing hostile sexism to improve child well-being and reduce gender inequality.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateOct 12, 2023