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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 270


Page 270 of 484

New technique could help build quantum computers of the future

Researchers have developed a method to create and control optical qubits in silicon with high precision, enabling the fabrication of reliable quantum computers. This breakthrough could advance quantum computing and networking capabilities, paving the way for breakthroughs in human health, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

AI and socioeconomic inequalities

Generative AI has both positive and negative effects on social equality, impacting work, education, healthcare, information, and misinformation. Policymakers are urged to implement policies such as tax code changes, data unions, and anti-misinformation campaigns to ensure the technology is used to increase equality

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Buck researchers explore how the immune system goes awry during space travel and the implications for human aging on earth

Scientists studied how microgravity impacts human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and identified potential compounds to counter its effects, including the antioxidant quercetin. The findings have implications for immune aging on Earth and provide a resource for developing countermeasures.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Monitoring shows chikungunya epidemics can be predicted by means of surveillance

A study in São Paulo state found that chikungunya virus circulated silently for years before causing major epidemics. The researchers monitored residents for four years and discovered a significant rise in seroprevalence from 0.35% to 2.3%. This finding underscores the need for strengthened disease surveillance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 11, 2024

A mountainous mystery uncovered in SA’s pink sands

A University of Adelaide research team used a new method to date garnet grains in South Australian pink sand, revealing they are around 590 million years old. This age does not match local geological events, suggesting the garnet originated from an unknown ancient Antarctic mountain belt beneath the ice sheet.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 11, 2024

Few UK people likely to be suitable for new Alzheimer’s drugs when they come on stream

New Alzheimer's drugs aim to halt condition progression, but UK patients may face limited eligibility due to lack of biomarker testing and diagnostic scans. The study suggests that over 20,000 people per year will need access to confirmatory investigations to determine suitability for treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 11, 2024

Study reveals significant increasing nitrous-oxide emissions from human activities, jeopardizing climate goals

Nitrous-oxide emissions have increased by 40% over the past four decades, resulting in accelerating atmospheric accumulation of this potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural production is the largest source of emissions, and improving practices can help reduce nitrous-oxide emissions and water pollution.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

New ACAAI position paper examines safety of receiving live vaccines while on dupilumab

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) has issued a position paper on the safety of administering live vaccines to patients treated with dupilumab. The review suggests that treatment should not be stopped, but rather, shared decision-making between doctors and patients is recommended to weigh risks and benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 11, 2024

Clemson researchers tackle challenge in new quantum materials design

Researchers at Clemson University have developed a new noncentrosymmetric triangular-lattice magnet, CaMnTeO6, which displays strong quantum fluctuations and nonlinear optical responses. This breakthrough material has the potential to lead to advancements in solid-state quantum computing, spin-based electronics, resilient climate chang...

SourceClemson University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Price sensitivity to unhealthy foods

Research shows people with obesity are more sensitive to price when buying unhealthy foods, while those with normal weight are not. A 10% price hike on these categories can lead to a significant reduction in consumption, such as decreased frozen pizza purchases.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses may offer promise for treating mild traumatic brain injury

Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered that controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses can rebalance synaptic connections between nerve cells, selectively up- or down-regulating those connections. This finding suggests potential avenues for more effective treatment strategies for mild traumatic brain injuries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Book bans as political action

Research finds that banned books feature more characters of color than White authors, and are often children's books or non-fiction about social movements. The study suggests book banning is a symbolic tactic to galvanize conservative voters in competitive electoral districts.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Origins of fast radio bursts come into focus through polarized light

A new study analyzing data from the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) found that non-repeating FRBs appear to come from galaxies with modest densities and magnetic fields. This contradicts previous studies focused on repeating FRBs, suggesting a separate population or evolved versions of the same population.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Surprisingly high levels of toxic gas found in Louisiana

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found ethylene oxide concentrations thousands of times higher than EPA estimates, posing significant cancer risks to people living near facilities. The mobile lab measurements revealed alarming levels of the toxic gas in air and soil, highlighting the need for more accurate monitoring tools.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 11, 2024

Shedding light on the origin of a genetic variant underlying fungal infections

A recent study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University researchers suggests that a specific variant of the CARD9 gene prevalent across northern China, Korea, and Japan may have originated from a common ancestor. The c.820dup variant was found to be relatively common in China and has been estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateJun 11, 2024

A CNIC team has created an innovative tool for the reliable and efficient study of gene function

A CNIC team has developed iSuRe-HadCre, a novel genetic tool that enables precise and efficient gene modification in mouse models. This new technology overcomes limitations of existing methods, offering improved efficiency, precision, and applicability in biomedical research.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Developmental supports crucial for young victims of child abuse

A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Human evolution and online morality

The internet exposes users to extreme morally relevant stimuli, causing empathy overload and public shaming. Research is needed on platform design features that sustain attention without inducing negative externalities.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

TLI Investigator Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill co-authors new study revealing cost-effectiveness of pediatric readiness in emergency departments

A new study by Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill reveals that pediatric readiness in emergency departments can decrease child mortality rates by up to 76% while being cost-effective, ranging from $4 to $48 per patient. The research emphasizes the importance of prioritizing pediatric care capabilities in emergency settings.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Would astronauts’ kidneys survive a roundtrip to Mars?

A new study found that astronauts' kidneys are 'remodelled' by space flight, with permanent damage and loss of function possible after extended periods. The researchers' findings highlight the importance of kidney health in space travel and may lead to the development of new technologies or pharmaceutical measures to protect astronauts.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Humanitarian organizations showed flexibility and grit during COVID supply chain disruptions: study

During the pandemic, humanitarian organizations showed remarkable flexibility and ingenuity in responding to supply chain disruptions. They sourced supplies from local vendors, secured long-term contracts with reliable suppliers, and leveraged good relationships with governments to continue aid delivery.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalInternational Journal of Operations & Production Management·TypeSurvey·DateJun 11, 2024

How do supermassive black holes get super massive?

A team of researchers used a hybrid approach to track the growth of supermassive black holes, finding that accretion dominated growth in most cases. Mergers made notable contributions, especially for massive black holes over the past 5 billion years.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Reading pleasure and pain from the brain

Using fMRI, researchers analyzed brain activity while participants experienced sustained pain and pleasure induced by capsaicin and chocolate fluids. The study identified common brain regions activated by both experiences and developed predictive models to capture affective intensity and valence information.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Safer virus helps eliminate cancer

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered an attenuated virus that can help eliminate cancer in mice and prevent future tumor development. The therapy works by raising 'red flags' on tumors to alert immune cells to attack them.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024