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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 275


Page 275 of 484

Calcium oxide’s quantum secret: nearly noiseless qubits

A team of researchers has found a way to create nearly noiseless qubits in calcium oxide, a promising material for quantum computing and communication. The discovery was made using theoretical and computational approaches, and the results show that the qubits can store information with extremely low levels of noise for an extended period.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2024

Pertussis outbreak in neonates and young infants across Italy, January to May 2024: implications for vaccination strategies

A recent pertussis outbreak in Italy has highlighted the critical need for public health interventions such as maternal immunization and early vaccination of infants. The study found that most cases occurred in unvaccinated children, with a significant increase in hospitalizations compared to previous years.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeSurvey·DateJun 6, 2024

Silkworms help grow better organ-like tissues in labs

Researchers at Duke University created an ultrathin silk membrane that helps cells grow into functional tissues used for research, enabling the development of kidney disease models. The new membrane improves communication and growth between cells, mimicking natural human organ structures.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

Adding nurse case managers to telehealth significantly lowers blood pressure in Black and Hispanic stroke survivors

Low-income Black and Hispanic stroke survivors with uncontrolled hypertension experienced a more than two-fold reduction in blood pressure when tracked at home and sent readings to a nurse. Nurse case management enhanced telehealth programs showed significant benefits for this vulnerable population.

Seeking social proximity improves flight routes among pigeons

A study by Dr. Edwin Dalmaijer found that pigeons' desire for social proximity leads to improved flight paths as younger birds learn from older ones. This generational improvement in route efficiency is similar to those seen in real-life data, suggesting a key role for social factors in navigation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2024

Trust and acceptance among gastroenterologists for AI to be used in clinics and hospitals, finds NTU Singapore study

A recent NTU Singapore study found that eight in ten gastroenterologists accept and trust the use of AI-powered tools in diagnosing and assessing colorectal polyps. The study, which surveyed 165 doctors in the Asia-Pacific region, also found that more experienced gastroenterologists perceived a lower risk of AI tools.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJun 6, 2024

Mapping noise to improve quantum measurements

Researchers developed a new method, Fourier Transform Noise Spectroscopy (FTNS), to analyze the noise affecting qubits, revealing its frequency spectrum. This approach handles various types of noise, including complex patterns, making it a more practical solution for widespread use.

SourceJILA·Journalnpj Quantum Information·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2024

Fish in schools have an easier time swimming in rough waters

A recent study found that schooling fish expend up to 79% less energy while swimming in turbulent water compared to solitary fish. This suggests that traveling in schools allows fish to shield each other from disruptive water currents, making it easier to swim through rough waters.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

Novel diamond quantum magnetometer for ambient condition magnetoencephalography

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive diamond quantum magnetometer that can achieve practical ambient condition magnetoencephalography. The novel magnetometer uses a single crystalline diamond to detect magnetic fields, achieving record sensitivities of up to 9.4 pT Hz-1/2 in the frequency range of 5 to 100 Hz.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

Innovative combination therapy shows promise for bladder cancer patients unresponsive to standard treatment

A novel combination of oncolytic virus and immune checkpoint inhibitor has shown remarkable efficacy in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, with a complete response rate of 57.1% at 12 months. The therapy demonstrated durable responses, with a median duration of response not yet reached after a median follow-up of 26.5 months.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 6, 2024

Flavor restrictions affect tobacco buyers differently depending on socioeconomic status, researchers say

Researchers found that restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes while making nicotine replacement therapy more available can decrease socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use. The study used an online platform to simulate the effects of policy changes on purchase behavior, showing that policies must consider interplay to be effective.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2024

Political connections fuel innovation in emerging markets, but talent makes the difference

A new study from the University of Surrey reveals that political connections can drive innovation in emerging markets, but only with highly skilled employees. The research analyzed over 3,200 Chinese-listed businesses and found that companies with talented teams can better utilize resources and knowledge from political connections, lea...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Business Review·DateJun 6, 2024

Diagnosing damaged infrastructure from space

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method of monitoring infrastructure using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing systems. This technology allows for early detection of issues, reducing the need for time-consuming repairs.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJun 6, 2024

Association for Molecular Pathology publishes evidence-based recommendations for tumor mutational burden testing

The Association for Molecular Pathology has published guidelines for tumor mutational burden (TMB) testing, aiming to standardize calculation and reporting of TMB as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. These recommendations emphasize the importance of comprehensive methodological descriptions in publications.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateJun 6, 2024

Frequent, low-severity fire supports habitat for threatened owls: Collaborative research yields insights for wildlife habitat management

A collaborative research study found that frequent, low-severity fires support Mexican spotted owl habitat, while high-severity fire is detrimental. This finding suggests that restoring historic fire regimes could benefit both owl conservation and forest resilience.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalFire Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2024

The first example of cellular origami

Researchers Manu Prakash and Eliott Flaum have discovered a new geometric mechanism in the single-cell organism Lacrymaria olor, enabling it to produce complex morphodynamics through curved-crease origami. The cell's cytoskeletal structure encodes this behavior, which is driven by a singularity that acts as a controller.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2024

Study identifies potential pathway to reducing breast cancer brain metastases

A study led by researchers from the University of Arizona Cancer Center identified a biological mechanism that could lead to more effective treatments for breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain. By targeting the autophagy pathway, the researchers were able to disrupt breast cancer cells' ability to form brain metastases.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 6, 2024

Doctors advise caution as energy drinks may trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in patients with genetic heart diseases

A study published in Heart Rhythm examined the potential dangers of energy drink consumption in patients with genetic heart diseases. The research found a temporal relationship between energy drink consumption and sudden cardiac arrest events, but caution is advised due to the small relative risk.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2024

Increased lifespan of individuals living with cerebral palsy necessitates a broader perspective on care

A special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores cerebral palsy beyond childhood, highlighting topics like mental health, sexuality, and independence in adults. The issue aims to address long-overlooked aspects of CP care, promoting a broader perspective for improved patient outcomes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024