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Science News for September 22, 2023


Visualizing the current distribution inside fuel cells and achieving stable operation via non-destructive diagnostics using magnetic sensors

This study uses magnetic sensors to detect and control fuel cell malfunctions. By visualizing the current distribution in real-time, the system can stabilize voltage while controlling bias, enabling stable fuel cell operation. The team aims to develop a comprehensive diagnostic and control system for real-world applications.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Energy·DateSep 22, 2023

Five factors that assess well-being of science predict support for increasing US science funding

A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center researchers identifies five factors assessing science's self-presentation and their impact on public support for increasing US science funding. The factors capture differences between conservatives' and liberals' perceptions of science, highlighting key differences in what matters to each group.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2023

New study unveils direct synthesis of FCMs via solid-state mechanochemical reaction between graphite and PTFE

Researchers developed a novel solid-state mechanochemical reaction to synthesize FCMs from PTFE and graphite, producing materials with enhanced storage capacity and electrochemical stability. The new method bypasses toxic reagents and offers a safer alternative for practical applications.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 22, 2023

Study finds connection between gut microbiome and bone density

Researchers found that certain bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Clostridiales DTU089, were associated with lower bone density and microarchitecture in older adults. The study suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could lead to better bone health and potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2023

Jellyfish shown to learn from past experience for the first time

Scientists demonstrated that Caribbean box jellyfish can acquire the ability to avoid obstacles through associative learning, a process in which organisms form mental connections between sensory stimulations and behaviors. The study suggests that combining visual and mechanical stimuli is required for associative learning in jellyfish.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2023

Efficient fuel-molecule sieving using graphene

Researchers developed a graphene-based proton-exchange membrane that successfully suppresses the crossover phenomenon, allowing for high proton conductivity while blocking fuel molecule penetration. This study contributes to the development of advanced fuel cells as an alternative to hydrogen-type fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 22, 2023

Tiny bubbles could reveal immune cell secrets and improve treatments

Penn State researchers develop a bubble-based technique to visualize macrophages in mammal tissue, offering insights into immune system regulation and potential therapies. The approach enables real-time monitoring of immune cells, which could lead to more effective cell-based treatments for conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

SourcePenn State·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2023

Kinase-targeted therapy in subsets of colorectal cancer

Researchers explore kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies for specific CRC subsets, offering hope for improved treatment options. Key findings suggest that uncovering essential kinases for tumor growth can lead to more effective treatment strategies in metastatic or later-stage CRC patients.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 22, 2023

Migratory birds can be taught to adjust to climate change

Researchers in Sweden and the Netherlands have found that migratory birds can synchronize with food resources by flying a shorter distance, resulting in better breeding success. By giving these birds a helping hand, they may be able to maintain robust populations of small birds despite earlier springs.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 22, 2023

New research reveals gut microbiota link to colitis: intestinal epithelial axin1 deficiency offers protective effects

A new study reveals that Axin1 deficiency offers protective effects against colitis by regulating intestinal epithelial development and microbial homeostasis. The loss of intestinal Axin1 leads to reduced susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, while the presence of Akkermansia muciniphila further reduces severity.

SourceEngineering·JournalEngineering·DateSep 22, 2023

Fruit flies offer clues to how brains make reward-based decisions

Researchers studied fruit flies to understand how their brains assign value to rewards, finding that expectations play a crucial role in decision-making. By observing the flies' behavior, the team pinpointed the site in the brain where these value adjustments are made, enabling them to test a theoretical framework on neural circuits.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2023

Is there more to palm oil than deforestation?

A study in Germany found that consumers struggle to grasp the environmental consequences of their buying choices, even with extra information. The research suggests introducing an eco-label could guide shoppers towards more informed decisions about sustainable palm oil production.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateSep 22, 2023

Phototherapy of Alzheimer’s disease during sleep

Phototherapy during sleep effectively increases lymphatic excretion of beta-amyloid from brain tissues, cleansing the brain of toxic metabolites. This technique also demonstrates significant therapeutic effects over wakefulness, potentially offering new hope for Alzheimer's treatment.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2023

Sylvester Research: Socioeconomic status linked with outcomes and survival in patients treated for non-small cell lung cancer

Researchers developed a scoring system analyzing income, education, geographical location, access to care, and other factors to identify patients at increased risk of poor outcomes. The study found significant socioeconomic disadvantage associated with a 21% decrease in textbook outcomes and a 32% decrease in overall survival.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateSep 22, 2023

Innovative climate data product reveals humidity's role in temperature extremes

The UK Met Office Hadley Centre introduces a new globally gridded monitoring product, HadISDH.extremes, which provides valuable insights into temperature extremes and their humidity characteristics. The dataset covers the period from January 1973 to December 2022 and features wet and dry bulb extremes indices.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 22, 2023

Astronomers discover newborn galaxies with the James Webb Space Telescope

Scientists have observed 16 newly formed galaxies that exhibit significantly less heavy elements than expected, indicating a lack of time for element creation. The findings suggest that these galaxies are still in the process of being created, contradicting the long-held equilibrium model of galaxy formation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2023

Efficient training for artificial intelligence

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute present a method for training artificial intelligence using physical processes, reducing energy consumption and computing time. The new approach relies on non-linear processes, such as optics, to mimic the human brain's parallel processing, potentially leading to more efficient neural networks.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 22, 2023

Earth’s crust, tectonic plates gradually formed, geoscientists find

A Penn State-led research team found that the Earth's crust has continued to rework over billions of years, rather than rapidly slowing its growth. The study used the rock record database to chart the crustal growth curve and suggests a correlation between the Earth's crust and mantle.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2023

New findings on hair loss in men

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified five rare genetic variants associated with male-pattern hair loss. The researchers analyzed the genetic sequences of 72,469 male participants from the UK Biobank project and found associations between rare variants in genes such as EDA2R, WNT10A, HEPH, CEPT1, and EIF3F.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2023

AI increases precision in plant observation

Researchers at the University of Zurich developed PlantServation, a method that enables scientists to observe plants with great precision using AI and machine learning. The technique allows for the analysis of millions of images taken from various weather conditions, providing insights into how plants respond to environmental factors.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 22, 2023

New program helps health professionals and community members determine health risks and create medical interventions for people experiencing homelessness

The CARE program, a rapid risk assessment tool, gathered data on immunization status, general health risk, and support needs of people experiencing homelessness. Automated dashboards provide secure, real-time information on resident needs, enabling health professionals to mitigate risks associated with homelessness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 22, 2023

Elderly patients receiving high-quality primary care are more likely to receive varicella-zoster virus vaccination on doctor's recommendation

A study by University of Tsukuba found that elderly patients receiving better services from their primary care providers are more likely to receive the varicella-zoster virus vaccination. The study suggests that providing adequate services needed by patients during primary care may improve shingles vaccine coverage.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·DateSep 22, 2023