Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 17


Page 17 of 37

Laser-based ice-core sampling for studying climate change

A new laser-based sampling system allows for higher depth resolution, enabling scientists to reconstruct continuous annual temperature changes thousands of years ago. The LMS system overcomes previous limitations in sampling ice cores, preserving critical oxygen and hydrogen isotopes needed to infer past temperatures.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateSep 19, 2023

Irish secondary schools among the most socio-economically equal for reading literacy

A new study by Trinity College Dublin found that Irish secondary schools are among the most socio-economically integrated in Europe for reading literacy. Despite varying levels of privileged and underprivileged students, Irish schools have relatively small gaps in literacy scores between these groups.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalBritish Educational Research Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

IPK’s PhenoSphere brings functional plant science much closer to real field environments

The PhenoSphere enables detailed analyses of performance-related trait expression and causal biological mechanisms in plant populations exposed to weather conditions. It simulates clouds, wind speed, and direction, and applies water and fertilization automatically, allowing for systems biology analyzes and hypothesis testing.

Ability to drive a car influences quality of life of older adults in Japan

A study by Waseda University researchers found that car ownership among older Japanese adults is associated with higher self-rated health status, greater independence, and a more positive attitude towards receiving help. The study suggests that autonomous driving may play a key role in improving mobility for older adults.

SourceWaseda University·JournalTransportation Research Part A Policy and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Job strain combined with high efforts and low reward doubled men’s heart disease risk

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal reveals that men who experience job strain combined with high efforts and low reward have doubled the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the pressing need to proactively address stressful working conditions to create healthier work environments.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateSep 19, 2023

Predictive model could improve hydrogen station availability

A new predictive model could help reduce unscheduled maintenance at hydrogen stations, increasing availability and consumer confidence. The model uses prognostics health monitoring to predict component failures and estimate remaining useful life, allowing station operators to schedule maintenance when demand is low.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Genetics influence the risk of blood clots in oral contraceptive users

A new study from Uppsala University has found that women with a high genetic predisposition for blood clots are six times more likely to develop a blood clot during the first two years of using contraceptive pills. This knowledge could be used to identify women at risk and counsel them on alternative methods of contraception.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Rutgers scientists develop method to detect deadly infectious diseases

Rutgers researchers have developed a method to detect the early onset of deadly infectious diseases using a test that can flag 'quiet infected' patients who don't exhibit symptoms. The ultra-sensitive biosensor combines nanoballs and advanced electronics to detect viral nucleic acid material, enabling early infection detection.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2023

Where do we feel love?

Researchers at Aalto University mapped the physical sensations of different types of love, finding a continuum from weaker to stronger loves. The strongest forms of love were felt most widely throughout the body, while others were more localized.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhilosophical Psychology·DateSep 19, 2023

Pediatric endocrinologists concerned for safety amid divisive political climate

A new study found pediatric endocrinologists are concerned about threats to their personal safety and the impact of transgender health bans on medical practice. The researchers surveyed 223 pediatric endocrinologists, with 56% providing gender-affirming care, and identified safety concerns, pressures on hospitals, and threats against p...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateSep 19, 2023

Machine learning analysis of research citations highlights importance of federal funding for basic scientific research

A machine learning algorithm identified patterns in citations to prioritize important contributions, revealing NIH-funded basic science accounts for 30% of substantive research. Federal funding for basic research is crucial for stimulating clinical research, according to the analysis.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2023

New evidence indicates vitiligo-associated autoimmunity may contribute to reduced morbidity and mortality risk

Patients with vitiligo show a 25% decreased risk of mortality compared to controls, suggesting an autoimmune protective effect. The study found lower mortality rates for patients with vitiligo due to cancer and other causes, offering new avenues for research into mechanisms underlying this protective effect.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Carnegie Mellon University sensor objectively measures scratching intensity

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a wearable device that can objectively measure the intensity of scratching, which could help evaluate the efficacy of medications meant to reduce itching. The device uses a contact microphone and accelerometer to detect high-frequency vibrations and correlates them with scratch i...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateSep 19, 2023

Zero-waste synthesis of new supramolecular materials with remarkable mechanical properties

Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a zero-waste process to synthesize hydrogels containing tannic acid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene oxide, resulting in highly stretchable and self-healing materials. These supramolecular materials exhibit excellent mechanical properties and potential eco-friendly applications.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalResults in Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

At which age we are at our happiest

A study of over 460,000 participants found life satisfaction decreases between puberty and old age, but remains stable until 70. Positive emotional states decrease from childhood to late adulthood, while negative emotional states fluctuate less.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Understanding and treating pain in children

Pediatric patients experience pain that can be detrimental to their brain structure and lead to emotional and behavioral problems. Validated tools such as the Wong-Baker FACES scale and COMFORT scale help healthcare providers assess pain effectively.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCritical Care Nursing Clinics of North America·DateSep 19, 2023

New insight into crosstalk between cancer cells and their environment

A new study by University of Illinois researchers has collected gene expression data in response to mechanical stiffness in tumors, providing insights into the crosstalk between cancer cells and their environment. The study found that colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts can sense changes in stiffness and adapt, leading to dramatic...

China global Merged Surface Temperature dataset (CMST) reveals 2023 on Track to Be Hottest Year Ever

The China Global Merged Surface Temperature dataset 2.0 reveals 2023 is likely the hottest year on record due to unprecedented monthly highs and El Niño's impact. The dataset, developed by Professor Qingxiang Li's team, provides a comprehensive global surface temperature benchmark.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 19, 2023

Researchers unveil new flexible adhesive with exceptional recovery and adhesion properties for electronic devices

Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2023

COVID-infected adults with 4 or more underlying diseases or advanced age, face higher risk of ICU stay, death

A 10-state study from the CDC's VISION Network identified risk factors for critical COVID-19 outcomes in adults hospitalized with the virus. Adults with four or more underlying disease risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, are at higher risk of ICU admission and death.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 19, 2023

Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) and Research Institutes of Sweden AB (RISE) Ink MoU to Advance Cooperation in Science and Technology

KERI and RISE aim to strengthen joint research in national strategic technologies through initiatives such as joint research projects, collaborative workshops, and talent exchanges. The partnership is expected to unlock synergies driven by RISE's expertise in silicon carbide power semiconductors.

Deep learning reveals valuable clues about kidney cancer in pathology slides

Researchers developed an AI-based assessment tool to evaluate two-dimensional pictures of tumor samples, identifying previously underappreciated features such as tumor microheterogeneity and immune properties. These features are associated with improved overall survival among patients taking immune checkpoint inhibitors. The tool has t...

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateSep 19, 2023

Yogurt may be the next go-to garlic breath remedy

A new study found that whole milk plain yogurt prevented almost all of the volatile compounds responsible for garlic's pungent scent. The researchers suggest high-protein foods may one day be formulated specifically to fight garlic breath. Yogurt's proteins were effective at trapping garlic odors, making it a potential solution.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

Creation of training data to estimate the states of care robot users

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology has developed a technique to create training data for robots that estimate the state of users using machine learning. The method uses a human body link model without requiring movement analysis, enabling care robots to assist elderly with reduced burden and improved safety.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

Silicon ally: Penn engineers grow full wafers of high-performing 2D semiconductor that integrates with state-of-the-art chips

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have grown a high-performing 2D semiconductor, indium selenide (InSe), to industrial-scale wafers. The team's success hinged on a growth technique that overcame InSe's atomic structure quirks, producing a material with uniform chemical and crystalline properties.