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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 17


Page 17 of 484

Enhancing transverse thermoelectric conversion performance in magnetic materials with tilted structural design

Researchers developed artificial materials with improved transverse magneto-thermoelectric conversion performance through structural design. The findings provide new guidelines for designing materials and new ways to utilize the anomalous Nernst effect for practical applications.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Researchers reveal key factors behind Japan’s plastic waste removal rates in rivers

A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Older Australians turning to cannabis as cigarette prices rise

A study by Curtin University found that when cigarette prices increased, cannabis use among older Australians (aged over 50) rose, with 68,000 people expected to start using cannabis. Researchers used data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey and ran simulations to predict the impact of price increases.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Population Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Durham University scientists unlock secrets of the longest runout sediment flows on earth using seabed seismographs

Researchers successfully monitored turbidity currents in the Congo Canyon-Channel, recording massive flows that travelled over 1,000 kilometres at speeds of up to 7.6 metres per second. The study provided critical new data on the duration and behaviour of turbidity currents, challenging traditional models.

SourceDurham University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 12, 2024

Aldabra Atoll's remarkable shoreline resilience over 51 years

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Aldabra Atoll's shoreline has maintained its net shoreline and total land area over 51 years, with an average change rate of 25 cm per year. The lagoon shoreline underwent more rapid changes than the ocean shoreline, particularly in areas exposed to wind and waves.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Examining gender inequality in academic publishing

A recent study from Syracuse University found a significant gender gap in management science journals, with only 24% of editors and authors being women. The researchers recommend increasing inclusion and recognizing invisible barriers to promote fair representation.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

NUS Medicine's Vincenzo Sorrentino joins EMBO Global Investigator Network to advance healthy longevity research

Dr. Vincenzo Sorrentino's research targets the mitochondria-proteostasis axis to promote healthy longevity, addressing significant challenges in Singapore where life expectancy gap poses a threat. He joins a diverse group of researchers to tackle universal challenges and build towards a healthier future for Singapore.

Innovative biomimetic superhydrophobic coating combines repair and buffering properties for superior anti-erosion

Developed by a research team, the DEA coating boasts strong erosion–corrosion resistance thanks to its multi-layer gradient structure and amylose hydrogel layer. The coating can fully repair cracks up to 50 μm wide, significantly reducing erosion rates and offering enhanced protection for underwater pipeline systems.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalEngineering·DateDec 12, 2024

A dial for tuning the immune system: Discovery sheds light on why COVID makes some sicker than others

Researchers discovered a protein variant acting like a tuning dial to regulate interferon signaling, impacting immune function and disease susceptibility. The balance between this variant and the normal protein may vary from person to person, contributing to individual differences in immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Combined screening can detect liver damage in diabetes patients

A new study published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that a combined screening approach can detect liver damage in people with type 2 diabetes. The method involves elastography, an ultrasound-based technique, which was found to be willing to be adopted by most patients. Early detection of liver fibrosis is crucial, as ...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 12, 2024

Skin photobiological effects induced by blue light

A recent study explores blue light's effects on skin, including pigmentation, barrier damage, and photoaging. The research identifies key mechanisms and recommends a multifaceted approach to BL protection with physical sunscreens, bioprotective ingredients, antioxidants, and anti-photoaging components.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 12, 2024

How the dirt under our feet could affect human health

Researchers found that soil contains antibiotic resistance genes that can be transmitted to humans, making it a pressing public health threat. The study reveals how these genes spread through the environment and highlights the importance of understanding soil ecosystems to control antibiotic resistance.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2024

Breakthrough of the Year: A drug that prevents HIV infection, providing six months of protection per shot

Lenacapavir's remarkable efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical trials, achieving 100% protection in African adolescent girls and women and 99.9% in gender-diverse groups. The drug's capsid-targeting mechanism blocks key stages of viral replication, offering a potential game-changer in HIV prevention.

Cesarean sections during labor appear associated with recurrent preterm birth and mid-trimester loss in subsequent pregnancies, and cervical damage may be an underlying mechanism, suggest the authors of a new Perspective article

A new study suggests that cesarean sections performed during labor are associated with an increased risk of recurrent preterm birth and mid-trimester loss in subsequent pregnancies. Cervical damage may be the underlying mechanism for these findings, highlighting a growing clinical concern.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 12, 2024

Women born prematurely are at greater risk of committing suicide

A new Nordic study found that women born prematurely have a nearly 80% higher risk of committing suicide compared to those born at full term. However, premature-born men do not show the same elevated risk. The researchers analyzed birth data and causes of death for nearly 37,000 individuals in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

India could see more than 62.4 million cases of tuberculosis in the two decades to 2040, with scaling-up of existing treatment regimens potentially generating at least US$28 billion in GDP gains

A new study estimates that India will see over 62.4 million cases of tuberculosis in the next two decades, posing a significant burden on the country's health and economy. Scaling up existing treatment regimens could generate at least $28 billion in GDP gains, highlighting the need for increased investment in TB control measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2024

FSU researchers develop new methods to generate and improve magnetism of 2D materials

Researchers have developed a new method for producing one class of 2D material and supercharging its magnetic properties. By applying liquid phase exfoliation and chemical treatment, they were able to increase the material's coercivity by five-fold, making it more suitable for applications such as spin filtering, electromagnetic shield...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 12, 2024

Policy Forum: Considering risks of “mirror life” before it is created

Researchers discuss lifeforms composed of mirror-image biological molecules, also known as 'mirror life', which could evade immune mechanisms and predators, posing significant risks. The authors call for careful consideration and preemption of risks before creation, noting that such organisms would likely cause lethal infection in huma...