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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 171


Page 171 of 484

Breaking open the AI black box, team finds key chemistry for solar energy and beyond

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to understand and improve light-harvesting molecules for solar energy applications. By combining AI with automated chemical synthesis and experimental validation, they were able to produce molecules four times more stable than traditional ones.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Measuring microplastic pollution in the marine food chain

Researchers developed a new method to assess and manage rising global plastic pollution by testing levels of microplastic contamination in marine plankton. The study found varying degrees of damage to common plastics using different chemical digestive aids, highlighting the need for effective strategies to mitigate marine pollution.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Half of Uber, Lyft trips replace more sustainable options

A California study found that over 50% of ride-hailing trips replaced more sustainable forms of transportation or created new vehicle miles, highlighting the need to improve the sustainability of ride-hailing services. The study also identified disparities in trip cancellations among low-income and minority groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

Waging war on ‘superbugs’ in aged care

A new study found that antibiotic use in aged care leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut, posing a significant risk to vulnerable residents. Researchers analysed stool samples from 164 residents and discovered nearly all carried resistant genes without symptoms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

In-person contact linked with lower levels of loneliness in older adults

A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that in-person contact is crucial for reducing loneliness in older adults, while phone and digital contact are less effective. The study revealed that even weak social ties can benefit from in-person visits, leading to lower levels of reported loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Lackluster prioritization of the health sector in government spending and dwindling donor contributions drive slow growth in health spending in Sub-Saharan Africa

A study published in PLOS Global Public Health finds that slow growth in health sector spending is projected in Sub-Saharan Africa until 2050. The decline is driven by tepid growth in government spending and reductions in development assistance for health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Chemical plastics recycling is ready to go

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for chemical plastics recycling that breaks down long-chain polymer molecules into monomers, creating high-quality plastics. The approach involves adding a powdered catalyst to molten plastic and stirring it with an impeller, resulting in improved mixing and fewer byproducts.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·DateAug 28, 2024

Clear up Clarkson’s organic confusion to boost green farming

A new study published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment suggests that greater education about sustainable agriculture is needed to support farmers. The research aims to clear up confusion between 'organic' and 'regenerative' farming, highlighting the importance of valuing quality and sustainability over cost.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Plant signaling pathways decoded

The study reveals that light-sensitive channels can be used to target specific ion signals in plants, allowing for the comparison of different signaling pathways. This breakthrough enables researchers to investigate plant stress responses in greater detail.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

What role did fear play in Europe's population growth?

A recent study suggests that fear of conflict significantly impacted the development of prehistoric European societies, leading to population declines and concentrations in safer locations. The researchers' computational model matches archaeological evidence, providing context for future refinements to modeling.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2024

Protein mutant stability can be inferred from AI-predicted structures

Researchers used AlphaFold2 to predict structural effects of mutations on protein stability, finding correlations between small structural changes and stability changes. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for protein engineering, enabling scientists to design proteins with specific functions more effectively.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2024

On Facebook ads, users may dislike ‘likes’

A new study from Texas McCombs finds that accumulating 'likes' can lead to fewer clicks for assertive CTA ads, but more clicks for informational ads. The researchers discovered that users respond positively to 'likes' from friends with similar interests, while those with dissimilar interests have a negative effect.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateAug 28, 2024

Bacterial cells transmit memories to offspring

Researchers found that brief, temporary changes to bacterial gene regulation imprint lasting changes within the network that are passed on to offspring. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions of how simple organisms transmit and inherit physical traits.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2024

Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer

Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Scientists at the University of São Paulo found that converting degraded land to climate-smart agricultural practices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil. The study highlights the need for more data and research opportunities to support the development of carbon markets and green finance mechanisms.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateAug 28, 2024

How breast cancer goes hungry

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a strategy to kill breast cancer cells and shrink tumors by depriving them of two vital nutrients: glutamine and its backup supply, alpha-ketoglutarate. This approach was successful in lab experiments and effective in treating tumors in mice.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Metabolism·DateAug 28, 2024

General exercise as good as yoga for female urinary incontinence

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that general exercise programs can reduce urinary incontinence symptoms almost as much as pelvic floor yoga. The LILA study involved 240 women who experienced urinary incontinence at least daily, and randomly assigned them to either a pelvic yoga program or a physical condit...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2024

Pain identified as dominant symptom in long Covid

A new study published in JRSM Open found that pain is the most prevalent and severe symptom reported by individuals with long Covid, affecting 26.5% of participants. Demographic factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, education level, and socioeconomic status significantly impact symptom severity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJRSM Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

‘Silent’ mutations found to have repercussions beyond their own gene

Silent gene mutations may have significant consequences beyond their own gene, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers found that synonymous mutations in one gene can increase the production of a neighboring gene by recruiting RNA polymerase to cryptic transcription sites.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2024

People experiencing relatively mild cases of mental ill-health may be perceived differently by others depending on whether or not diagnostic labels are provided

Research suggests that diagnostic labels for people experiencing mild mental health issues can increase empathy and support, but also undermine perceived agency and expectations of overcoming problems. This study found varying responses depending on the disorder, with some conditions eliciting high empathy and accommodation support.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Are English teachers in Japan ready to teach students with disabilities?

A novel study in Japan identifies key training needs among English teachers to provide more inclusive education for students with disabilities. Most participants felt unprepared and needed targeted training, especially in differentiation and specific considerations for teaching students with diverse needs.

SourceSophia University·JournalAsian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Rain or shine? How rainfall impacts size of sea turtle hatchlings

A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024