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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

Two-of-a-kind strike oil

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered two novel yeast species with high oil-forming potential, which could be used to produce alternative biofuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The study also explores the relationship between climate and microbial ecology in Shiga Prefecture.

SourceKyoto University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Ocean acidification makes ecologically important seaweed species fragile

A study found that ocean acidification reduced the strength and density of fleshy seaweed tissues, making them more fragile and susceptible to damage. The research suggests that this could have drastic effects on coastal ecosystems, leading to a decrease in seaweed coverage and negatively impacting organisms dependent on these habitats.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Researchers at UMass Amherst show how a small strand of RNA is key to fighting cancer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a small strand of microRNA called let-7 as crucial in governing the formation of cellular memories that enable T-cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. This discovery offers new insights into how vaccines work and could lead to improved cancer therapies by boosting cellular memory.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2023

People with long COVID have distinct hormonal and immune differences from those without this condition

Researchers identified specific blood biomarkers that can accurately identify patients with long COVID, revealing distinct immune and hormone function differences. The study also found abnormal T cell activity, reactivation of latent viruses, and reduced cortisol levels in patients with long COVID.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 25, 2023

Autistic individuals have increased risk of chronic physical health conditions across the whole body

A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that autistic individuals are more likely to experience a broad range of chronic physical health conditions across various organ systems. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring and adaptation of healthcare systems to meet the complex needs of autistic people.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2023

Researchers identify important strategies for diabetes care and quality improvements in the primary care setting

High-performing primary care practices use similar strategies to manage change and improve diabetes care, including standardizing the care process, enhancing care teams, and engaging staff and clinicians. These practices also focus on proactive care, pre-visit planning, and improving patient relationships.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Understanding parents’ care expectations for a child with gastroenteritis could prevent after-hours care requests

Researchers found that parents who felt misunderstood or not listened to by their doctors were more likely to request out-of-hours consultations. Greater awareness and understanding on the part of GPs about parental feelings and expectations could improve satisfaction with primary health care and reduce after-hours care requests.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Naming and shaming can be effective to get countries to act on climate

A new UC San Diego study suggests that the transparency rules in the Paris Agreement can keep many countries on track to meet their climate goals. The study found that naming and shaming is particularly effective for countries with strong democratic institutions and ambitious climate commitments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Drug discovery on an unprecedented scale

A recent study published in the Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling presents a significant breakthrough in accelerating giga-scale virtual screens using machine learning. The researchers successfully reduced processing time by 10-fold for 1.56 billion drug-like molecules, identifying top-scoring compounds in under ten days.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2023

Rivers contain hidden sinks and sources of microplastics

Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Exercise-mimicking drug sheds weight, boosts muscle activity in mice

A new exercise-mimicking drug, SLU-PP-332, has shown promising results in obese mice, leading to weight loss and increased muscle activity without increasing physical activity. The drug works by boosting a natural metabolic pathway, making the body act like it is training for a marathon, resulting in faster metabolism of fat.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Study finds immune cells in older adults resemble those in newborns and children, but fall short in virus detection

Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Modelling of adhesive technology sheds new light on prehistoric cognition

A study using computational modelling reveals that Neanderthals required advanced cognitive traits to produce birch bark tar, including understanding, information processing, and communication. The findings suggest that prehistoric tar making likely involved complex upscaling techniques and group collaboration.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 25, 2023

Did life exist on Mars? Other planets? With AI's help, we may know soon

Scientists have discovered a simple test for signs of past or present life on other planets, using artificial intelligence to distinguish between biological and abiotic samples with high accuracy. The method has the potential to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life and deepen our understanding of Earth's earliest life.

SourceCarnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Annals of Family Medicine: researchers describe clinical experiences of transgender people, recommend strategies to reduce negative health consequences

A new paper describes clinical experiences of transgender people and identifies four themes: voyeuristic questions, pathologization, stigma, and ineffective care. Researchers recommend strategies to improve safety and quality of care for this patient population.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Automatic weighing without grabbing chickens

A real-time and accurate weight monitoring system was developed based on perching behavior, achieving an average accuracy of 99.5% and a variance in line with standard weights. The system demonstrated stability across different growth stages and rearing seasons.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 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