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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 25


Page 25 of 37

Experiencing record-breaking heat days affects perception of weather trends

A new study finds that experiencing record-breaking heat days increases perceptions that the weather is getting hotter, but has little effect on beliefs in climate change. Record-heat days can drive changes in the general perception that the weather is worsening, regardless of season or media coverage.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateOct 11, 2023

Deep self-learning enables volumetric microscopy with 3D isotropic resolution

A new deep learning approach called Self-Net improves volumetric fluorescence microscopy's 3D resolution isotropy, enhancing image quality and enabling accurate analysis of complex biological structures. This method enables fast training and inference speed, promoting discoveries in life sciences.

Doubling down on known protein families

A new study doubles the number of protein families known up until now and identifies many novel structure predictions using a massive analysis of 1.3 billion proteins. The researchers leveraged AI methodologies to unravel the roles of previously unknown protein sequences, expanding the horizons of potential functions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2023

Is less more? Or is less sometimes less? Examining the consumer trend toward minimalist packaging in consumable products

A new study finds that simple packaging design is positively associated with price, but not always enhances consumers' willingness to pay. The research team discovers that store-brand products and health-oriented consumers benefit from simplicity, while indulgent consumers prefer complex packaging.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 11, 2023

Healthcare access is not preventing deaths among pregnant and postpartum people

A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birthing people who died during pregnancy or postpartum had received significant amounts of hospital care. The study identified factors such as severe maternal morbidity, opioid use, and prior hospitalization as linked to pregnancy-associated deaths.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2023

High-speed electro-optic modulation in topological interface states of a one-dimensional lattice

Researchers have developed an ultracompact, high-speed, and energy-efficient electro-optic modulator using topological interface states in a 1D microstructure lattice. The device features a large modulation bandwidth of 104 GHz and low power consumption of 5.4 fJ/bit.

Not lazy at all: Honey bee drones

Researchers found that honey bee drones exhibit synchronized hyperactivity periods, coinciding with their flight periods, and adapt their behavior to reduce energy consumption. This study reveals the complexity of drone behavior in the hive.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateOct 11, 2023

Blocking an immune molecule reduces tumor growth and prolongs survival in animal models of the most aggressive childhood cancer

Spanish researchers successfully inhibited TIM-3, an immune checkpoint molecule, promoting a proinflammatory microenvironment that boosts the antitumor response. This breakthrough could guide clinical trials for diffuse intrinsic stem glioma (DIPG), the leading cause of death in pediatric cancer.

SourceCentro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023

Suppression of cancer stemness and drug resistance via BRAF/EGFR/MEK inhibition in colorectal cancer cells

Researchers discovered that inhibiting the BRAF/EGFR/MEK pathway significantly reduced cancer stemness and drug resistance in primary colorectal cancer cells. The study also identified a triple combination treatment against BRAF, EGFR, and MEK as a promising approach to block these activities and develop effective treatments.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023

A UB study identifies the remains of artificial turf as an important source of pollution of the aquatic environment

Researchers found artificial turf fibers in most marine and river samples, with concentrations up to 50 times higher on surface waters. The study highlights the serious environmental impact of these fibers, including blockage of intestinal tracts and decrease in growth rates in aquatic animals.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2023

Warm summers and wet winters yield better wine vintages

Researchers analyzed 50 years of Bordeaux wine critic scores with weather data to show that warmer temperatures, higher rainfall, and earlier seasons yield better vintages. Climate change is predicted to increase these conditions, potentially improving wine quality, but water scarcity poses a risk.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2023

Researchers at CNIO and IDIBELL shed light on the role in lactation of a protein also crucial in breast cancer

A new study reveals that RANK protein suppression affects mammary gland functionality differently depending on pregnancy experience. In female mice, RANK suppression led to successful lactation only during the second pregnancy, suggesting a 'rescue action' by basal cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023

New research unveils intricate mechanism behind immune system’s ability to differentiate between self and non-self antigens

A groundbreaking study sheds light on the intricate mechanism behind the immune system's ability to differentiate between self and non-self antigens. Continuous activation of self-reactive T cells is essential for maintaining equilibrium and self-tolerance through regulatory T cells.

Private renting is making you age faster

A study by the University of Adelaide found that renting leads to faster biological ageing, with negative health impacts comparable to unemployment or being a former smoker. The researchers suggest policies like ending 'no-grounds' evictions and improving conditions could mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 11, 2023

Cow manure to synthetic gas: How can we optimize the process?

The study uses Aspen Plus software to establish a biomass gasification model for cow manure, finding optimal conditions for syngas production. The researchers evaluated parameters such as temperature, steam-to-biomass ratio, and pressure to enhance hydrogen content, while minimizing carbon dioxide and methane emissions.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the University of California San Diego receive $8.5 million award to establish a data integration hub for NIH Common Fund supported programs

Researchers from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the University of California San Diego will lead a new data integration hub aiming to accelerate novel therapeutics and cures for diseases. The grant, worth $8.5 million, is part of the NIH Common Fund's efforts to enhance data findability, accessibility, interoperability, an...

Novel drug, NFX-179, inhibits MEK activity, prevents cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma development

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have identified a new drug, NFX-179, that can prevent the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with minimal side effects. The topical application of NFX-179 gel was shown to reduce tumor formation by up to 92% in pre-clinical models.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023

Groundbreaking achievement as bionic hand merges with user’s nervous and skeletal systems, remaining functional after years of daily use

A Swedish woman with a below-elbow amputation received a novel human-machine interface that integrates her residual limb with a bionic hand. The technology enables comfortable attachment and reliable control, relieving pain and improving daily life.

SourceSant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023

Removal of magnetic spacecraft contamination within extraterrestrial samples easily carried out, researchers say

Scientists have found that magnetic contamination in lunar samples can be easily removed using standard techniques, disproving previous theories. The study's findings suggest that paleomagnetism is a powerful tool for understanding core processes and planetary evolution, enabling the long-term preservation of atmospheres.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 11, 2023

Monitoring African copper and cobalt mining emissions from space

Researchers at NCAR use satellite monitoring to quantify air quality impacts of increased copper and cobalt mining in Africa's Copperbelt. The study provides valuable information on the impact of mining operations on local air quality, enabling remote monitoring of increases and decreases in mining activities.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023