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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 170


Page 170 of 484

A breakthrough in diagnosing hydrocephalus: Multimodality approaches enhance accuracy and reduce costs

A recent case report presents a comprehensive diagnosis of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) using advanced diagnostic techniques, including brain imaging, CSF tap tests, and infusion study. The study's results show significant improvements in patient outcomes and reduced clinical costs.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 29, 2024

Trouble with trembling hands? The problem lies in the brain.

Researchers identified genes associated with a thinner cortex and smaller cerebellum, which can lead to uncontrollable shaking of hands. The study also found that faulty protein disposal affects cell function and disrupts neural pathways, making it difficult to treat the condition.

SourceSingHealth·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Ancient gene gives spiders their narrow waist

A previously unstudied ancient gene called 'waist-less' is required for the development of a spider's narrow waist, according to researchers. The discovery sheds light on the formation of the distinctive body plan in spiders and highlights the function of new genes in ancient groups of animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Researchers unveil scalable graphene technology to revolutionise battery safety and performance

A pioneering technique for producing large-scale graphene current collectors has been developed to significantly enhance the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries. The new process allows for the production of graphene foils with customizable thicknesses, which could lead to even more efficient and safer batteries.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·DateAug 29, 2024

Silicon chip propels 6G communications forward

A team of scientists from Osaka University has created a polarisation multiplexer on a substrateless silicon base, which doubles the data capacity under the same bandwidth with lower data loss than existing devices. This innovation paves the way for more robust and reliable high-speed wireless networks.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Lack of competition between petrol stations hits households most in poorest areas

Households in low-income areas face higher petrol price increases when rival fuel stations close compared to high-income areas. Despite new station openings, low-income areas do not benefit from the same drop in prices. The study found that larger chains respond with higher price increases following a rival's exit.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies implementing a state standing order to distribute naloxone without a prescription showed a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths. The analysis, conducted from 2013 to 2018, observed a gradual decline of 16% per year in cities with naloxone distribution, compared to those without.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

HKUST and SJTU physics researchers identify new multiple Majorana zero modes in superconducting SnTe

The researchers identified crystal-symmetry-protected multiple Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in a single vortex of the superconducting topological crystalline insulator SnTe. This discovery offers a new pathway to realizing fault-tolerant quantum computers, which is essential for robust and reliable quantum computing.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies dispensing standing order naloxone experienced a gradual and significant decrease in opioid deaths, averaging 16% per year. This suggests that expanding access to naloxone through state-mandated standing orders can save lives and reduce opioid fatality rates.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Land-sea “tag-team” devastated ocean life millions of years ago reveal scientists

A team of researchers discovered that a 'tag-team' between the oceans and continents led to severe environmental crises, causing mass extinctions of marine species. The study found that chemical weathering pulses disrupted the oceans, leading to anoxic events that had profound impacts on marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Blocking the longevity gene S6K1 extends lifespan by reducing inflammation

Research published in Nature Aging has shown that deleting the S6K1 gene in aged mouse livers reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory protein production, linking metabolic regulation to aging and disease. This finding provides a biological mechanism for the beneficial effects of removing S6K1 on health span.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Ancient sea cow attacked by a crocodile and sharks sheds new light on prehistoric food chains

A team of experts discovered a dugongine sea cow attacked by an ancient crocodile and tiger shark, shedding light on prehistoric food chains. The fossils showed signs of both active predation and scavenging, providing new insights into the region's food chain networks during the Miocene epoch.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Innovative light-activated polymerization methods unlock new possibilities for intracellular applications

Researchers developed two innovative methods for intracellular polymerization using light stimuli, offering precise spatial and temporal control. These methods have the potential to modulate various cellular functions, making them a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Protocols·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 29, 2024

Rare earth single atoms enhance manganese oxide's electrochemical oxygen evolution

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction by introducing rare earth single atoms into manganese oxide. This leads to unprecedented improvements in OER performance, making it a suitable alternative to traditional catalysts like ruthenium dioxide.

Augmented recognition of distracted driving state based on electrophysiological analysis of brain network

A new research paper proposes an electrophysiological analysis-based brain network method for augmented recognition of different types of distractions during driving. The study used a simulated experiment and machine learning classifiers to achieve high accuracy in distinguishing between normal and distracted states.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 28, 2024

Aging population: Public willingness to pay for healthcare hinges on perceived benefits and risks

Researchers found that informing people about future self-benefits from the healthcare system can increase health insurance contributions, but only among those unaware of fiscal risks. The study suggests that policymakers should implement fiscal consolidation policies to build trust in public finance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Economy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

UC Irvine study reveals health impacts of repeated wildfires and smoke exposure

The UC Irvine study found that frequent wildfires and smoke exposure take a significant toll on physical and mental health, local economies, and community resilience. Residents shared stories of breathing difficulties, sinus problems, eye irritation, psychological stress, anxiety, and fear due to persistent smoke and extreme heat.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Research Health·DateAug 28, 2024