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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 325


Page 325 of 484

Oil palm plantations are driving massive downstream impact to watershed

Researchers found that oil palm plantations in Indonesia's Kais River Watershed are causing significant increases in precipitation, runoff, and soil moisture, leading to dramatically worse water quality. The transition from tropical rainforest to oil-palm plantation has resulted in a 16.9% increase in sedimentation, 78.1% increase in n...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMay 2, 2024

Singapore study identifies immunity threshold for protection against COVID-19 in children

Researchers found that T cells and memory B cells provide durable protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with levels attainable after two doses of mRNA vaccination. The study suggests a two-dose vaccination regimen for children against COVID-19.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 2, 2024

*FREE* The effectiveness of early childhood education programs is scientifically uncertain

Recent studies suggest early childhood education programs may not produce long-term positive outcomes for disadvantaged children, contrary to previous assumptions. The American Association for the Advancement of Science review highlights critical gaps in understanding that must be addressed to develop effective ECE programs.

New approach in the synthesis of complex natural substances

Researchers at University of Basel have developed a new method to synthesize complex natural substances like terpenes, which can be used as the basis for new medications. The approach allows for controlled molecular structure and targeted changes to improve properties, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 2, 2024

Georgia Tech and Meta create massive open dataset to advance AI solutions for carbon capture

A massive open dataset, OpenDAC, has been created to accelerate direct air capture technology development while reducing costs. The database enables the training of an AI model that predicts material interactions with high accuracy, significantly faster than traditional chemistry simulations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2024

MCG scientists identify new treatment target for leading cause of blindness

Researchers at MCG's Vascular Biology Center have identified a new treatment target for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. Targeting the adenosine receptor 2A (Adora2a) may block excessive blood vessel growth and fibrosis, potentially offering a more efficient treatment than current therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 2, 2024

Twisting and binding matter waves with photons in a cavity

Researchers at JILA and NIST propose a method to dampen atomic recoil using momentum-exchange interaction, allowing for more precise measurements in quantum sensing. By exchanging photons between atoms, the researchers create a collective absorption of energy, dispersing recoil among the entire population of particles.

SourceJILA·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

When working out, males are programmed to burn more fat, while females recycle it—at least in rats

Researchers found that male rats burn fat for energy while female rats preserve their fat mass after vigorous exercise. This sex-dependent difference was attributed to various molecular responses in fat tissue. Exercise made the fat stores of both sexes healthier, with fewer signals associated with obesity.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

Rock solid evidence: Angola geology reveals prehistoric split between South America and Africa

A research team from Southern Methodist University has found evidence of the splitting of South America and Africa in ancient rocks and fossils in Angola. The study provides a clear visual representation of the continents moving apart and the formation of the South Atlantic Ocean, offering insights into Earth's past.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalGeological Society London Special Publications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

UMSOM preclinical study finds novel stem cell therapy boosts neural repair after cardiac arrest

Researchers at UMSOM identified a modified sugar molecule that enhances human neural stem cells' proliferation and transition into neurons, improving brain function and reducing anxiety and depression. The study provides a promising proof of concept for regenerative medicine in patients with cardiac-arrest induced brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Study finds biomarkers for psychiatric symptoms in patients with rare genetic condition 22q

A recent study led by UC Davis Health researchers provides new insights into the molecular changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can lead to psychosis, ADHD, and other conditions. The study identified two biomarkers, taurine and arachidonic acid, which could predict likelihood of psychosis in patien...

The Lancet Public Health: Global study reveals stark differences between females and males in major causes of disease burden, underscoring the need for gender-responsive approaches to health

A new study examining disparities in the 20 leading causes of disease burden between females and males found that non-fatal conditions like musculoskeletal conditions and mental health conditions disproportionately affect females globally. In contrast, males are disproportionately affected by conditions leading to premature death, such...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 1, 2024

Machine learning tool identifies rare, undiagnosed immune disorders through patients’ electronic health records

A machine learning tool called PheNet can identify patients with rare, undiagnosed diseases years earlier, improving outcomes and reducing cost and morbidity. By analyzing patterns in electronic health records, the tool ranks patients by likelihood of having a disorder like common variable immunodeficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2024

These communities are most vulnerable to weather-related power outages in New York State

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that certain regions in NY State, including Queens and the Bronx, were more severely impacted by severe weather-driven power outages. The study analyzed hourly power outage data from 2017 to 2020 and found that rural areas were affected for longer periods than cities.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2024

New study supports psilocybin’s potential as an antidepressant

Psilocybin has shown promise in reducing symptoms of depression after one or two doses with few side effects and no current evidence of causing addiction. The study found a large effect size favouring psilocybin, but further research is needed to clarify the factors that maximise its treatment potential.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 1, 2024

Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology

Researchers discovered a two-step process behind the lagging behavior of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which can be customized to improve data processing speed. The study's findings may help design better materials for next-generation applications in biosensing and brain-inspired computation.