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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 249


Page 249 of 484

New Boston Medical Center Study shows a relationship between heart disease and spontaneous loss of Y chromosome

Researchers found that men with a higher proportion of blood cells missing the Y chromosome have a higher risk of dying from heart failure. Elevated Y chromosome loss is associated with decreased treatment response in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, a progressive disease causing heart failure and death.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCirculation Heart Failure·DateJun 27, 2024

Archaeology: Occupational hazards for ancient Egyptian scribes

A recent study published in Scientific Reports identified degenerative joint changes in the skeletal remains of 30 adult male scribes buried between 2700 and 2180 BCE. These changes were more common among scribes compared to men with other occupations, suggesting prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks may have led to their degeneration.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 27, 2024

U of T researchers develop deep-learning model that outperforms Google AI system to predict peptide structures

Researchers at U of T have developed a deep-learning model called PepFlow that can predict the full range of conformations for peptides, which are shorter than proteins but perform similar biological functions. The model combines machine learning and physics to capture precise and accurate conformations within minutes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 27, 2024

Synthetic fuels and chemicals from CO₂: Ten experiments in parallel

Empa researchers have developed a system to investigate up to ten different reaction conditions for producing synthetic fuels from CO2. The system accelerates the discovery process by generating a large number of high-quality datasets, enabling scientists to make accelerated discoveries.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

When QDs meet BPLCEs: Visualized full-color and mechanically-switchable CPL

Researchers developed a new material that combines quantum dots with blue phase liquid crystal elastomers (BPLCE), enabling visualized full-color circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with a record-breaking g_lum value of up to 0.74. The material's CPL signal is mechanically switchable, meaning it can be turned on and off by applying...

Wolves reintroduced to Isle Royale temporarily affect other carnivores, humans have influence as well

Researchers found that wolves on Isle Royale initially affected foxes and martens by altering their habitats and diets. However, as the wolves formed packs, the effects on these carnivores disappeared. Interestingly, human visitors had a more significant impact on these species interactions than the reintroduced wolves.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

New research shows that solar-powered “resilience hubs” in California could generate up to 8GW of power -- providing emergency assistance to vulnerable residents during power outages

A new study suggests that strategically placing solar-powered resilience hubs in California could generate up to 8 GW of solar energy and reduce the state's carbon emissions by 5 million tons per year. These hubs provide critical services such as phone charging, cooling, and powering medical devices for at-risk populations.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJun 27, 2024

Emotional overeating fed by temperament, caregivers’ reactions to children’s emotions

Researchers found that caregivers' supportive responses can prevent emotional overeating by teaching children to regulate their emotions, while non-supportive responses may contribute to the behavior. The study suggests that parents should be aware of the complex factors influencing emotional overeating in young children.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 27, 2024

New study shows high human impact on ecosystems in the Åland Archipelago

A recent study from Åbo Akademi University reveals significant human-induced pressures on coastal invertebrate communities in the Åland archipelago. The research highlights the impact of wind-waves and fish farming on these communities, shedding light on their responses to environmental drivers and effects on ecosystem functions.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeCase study·DateJun 27, 2024

An optical lens that senses gas

A research team from the University of Jena developed a micro-lens with an intelligent behavior that changes in response to gas molecules. The lens is made of hybrid glass and consists of a three-dimensional lattice with cavities that accommodate gas molecules, affecting its optical properties.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

New global study unveils city-region networks, highlights role of intermediate cities

A new FAO-led study has mapped city-region networks globally, showcasing the vital role of intermediate cities in providing essential services. The research highlights how three times more people live within one hour of smaller urban centers with populations under one million compared to larger metropolitan areas.

SourceFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Early childhood problems linked to persistent school absenteeism

A new study led by the University of Leeds found that children who are not considered 'school ready' by their teachers are more than twice as likely to become persistently absent. The researchers analyzed data from 62,598 children aged 5-13 and found that 67% of persistent absentees were considered 'not school ready'.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Text reminders about COVID-19 boosters are as effective as free rides, new study finds

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that sending well-designed reminder messages increased COVID-19 booster uptake by 21% on average, outperforming free round-trip Lyft rides. The most effective messages were those encouraging recipients to make a vaccination plan and highlighting high local transmission rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

WVU changing the game for sports emergency action plans

The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2024

Dancers are less neurotic

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that both amateur and professional dancers are less neurotic than non-dancers. They also exhibit higher levels of agreeableness, openness, and extraversion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJun 26, 2024

Researchers find genetic stability in a long-term Panamanian hybrid zone of manakins

Hybrids between two manakin species in Panama have remained relatively stable over the past 30 years, with minimal changes in genomic markers. The phenotypic transition zone also shows stability, with only one trait having shifted location, suggesting a potential selection for green bellies.

Study finds innovative cuffless blood pressure device streamlines and enhances hypertension management

A study found that a cuffless wrist monitor provides hundreds of readings in days, enabling clinicians to determine cardiovascular risk and improve hypertension care. The device's continuous readings help confirm diagnosis and guide medication titration, potentially revolutionizing hypertension management.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Updated radiocarbon dates for the Greek shipwreck Kyrenia

A revised radiocarbon calibration curve for the period between 433-250 BCE has been established, allowing for improved date estimates on Greek shipwrecks. The study confirms the Kyrenia Ship's final voyage around 280 BCE, slightly later than previous estimates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Underwater mountains have a big impact on ocean circulation

Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that underwater turbulence around seamounts significantly influences ocean mixing, contributing to a third of global ocean mixing. This finding has implications for climate models used in policymaking, potentially improving forecasts of the ocean's response to global warming.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2024

Slipping a note to a neighbor: The cellular way

Researchers from PSI and ETH Zurich studied connexin-36 gap junction channels and found that antimalarial drug mefloquine binds to the channels, potentially explaining its severe side effects. The study provides new insights into how drugs interact with connexins and may lead to the development of therapies for neurological diseases.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

EventLFM: Event camera integrated fourier light field microscopy for ultrafast 3D imaging

Researchers developed EventLFM, a novel ultrafast 3D imaging technique that integrates an event camera with Fourier light field microscopy to capture dynamic biological processes at kHz speeds. The technique was demonstrated in experiments capturing complex dynamics of rapidly moving 3D objects and imaging high-frequency blinking objects.

Fundamental spatial limits of all-optical magnetization switching

A team of researchers has determined a fundamental spatial limit for light-driven magnetization reversal in nanometer-scale materials. They found that the minimum size for all-optical switching is around 25 nm due to ultrafast lateral electron diffusion, which rapidly cools illuminated regions.

Time-compression in electron microscopy

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a method for all-optical control, compression, and characterization of electron pulses in space and time using terahertz light. This enables unprecedented time resolution in ultrafast electron microscopy, capturing dynamic processes in materials with unparalleled clarity.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2024

Involving workers essential to ensure industrial policies serve the public interest

A new study finds that Brazilian industrial policies are more effective when involving workers and civil society. Researchers analyzed policy plans and found that those with stronger labor union involvement outperformed weaker ones, highlighting the importance of societal participation in shaping national development goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDevelopment and Change·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

Global consensus for sarcopenia

A new global definition of sarcopenia is proposed, aiming to unify research and clinical practice. The definition may help identify low muscle mass or strength in older people, increasing the risk of poor outcomes such as fragility and disability.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 26, 2024

Review of pathogenesis, research and treatment of amyloidosis published in New England Journal of Medicine

Researchers have made substantial progress in understanding AL amyloidosis, a rare disease that causes progressive organ dysfunction and death, by identifying key determinants of survival such as cardiac involvement and developing new therapies targeting clonal plasma cells and antifibril monoclonal antibodies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

A chip-scale Titanium-sapphire laser

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a chip-scale Titanium-sapphire laser, four orders of magnitude smaller and three orders less expensive than traditional lasers. This breakthrough enables mass production on wafers, potentially thousands of lasers per disc, democratizing access to these powerful tools.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJun 26, 2024