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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 438


Page 438 of 484

An innovative eight-phase methodology for analyzing microplastics in soil ecosystem

A team of researchers led by Prof. Yong Sik Ok proposes an innovative eight-phase methodology for analyzing microplastics in soils, addressing the lack of standardized procedures. The methodology emphasizes careful planning, processing, and analysis to ensure accuracy and precision.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalCritical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 8, 2024

New research shows students' knowledge and perceptions of active learning declined during pandemic-era teaching

A new study by Chapman University Assistant Professor Jeremy Hsu reveals that students' knowledge and perceptions of active learning declined significantly during COVID-induced remote teaching. The research suggests that limited exposure to active learning practices can lead to resistance and decreased educational outcomes.

SourceChapman University·JournalActive Learning in Higher Education·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 8, 2024

Breaking through barriers

The team created a trophoblast stem cell-based organoid model that effectively mimics the structural and biological details of the human placenta. This model will help scientists better understand general placental biology and potential drug toxicity, ultimately informing the development of safer drugs.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2024

New process allows full recovery of starting materials from tough polymer composites

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a closed-loop recycling technology for synthesizing and recovering exceptionally tough carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers. The innovative approach enables full recovery of starting materials, accelerating the development of sustainable lightweight materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

The analysis of biological networks allows understanding the complexity of multiple sclerosis

A new computational biology tool has analyzed the complex biological networks of multiple sclerosis patients, revealing relationships between genes, proteins, cells, brain function, and behavior. The study identified correlations between protein MK03 and immune system cell counts, retinal nerve fiber thickness, and gait test results.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2024

Advancing precision diagnostics at the patient point-of-care

A new nanocomposite porous antifouling coating has been developed, enabling higher numbers of biomarker-detecting probes and up to 17-fold higher sensitivities than previous best-in-class sensors. This breakthrough broadens the diagnostic horizon for multiplexed electrochemical sensors across multiple diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Breakthrough in predicting chaotic outcomes in three-body systems

A new study by the Hebrew University introduces a flux-based statistical theory that predicts chaotic outcomes in non-hierarchical three-body systems. The theory offers a more efficient approach to analyzing complex systems, enabling deeper exploration and understanding of chaotic phenomena.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCelestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2024

Nanofiber bandages fight infection, speed healing

Researchers at Cornell University have developed nanofiber-coated cotton bandages that exhibit excellent antibacterial performance against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species. The bandages, infused with lawsone, a red-orange compound found in henna leaves, also show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateFeb 8, 2024

This common medication could save half a million children’s lives each year. So why is it underprescribed?

A new study found that healthcare provider perceptions of patient preferences are the biggest barrier to prescribing oral rehydration salts (ORS), which costs only a few cents. Patients expressing a preference for ORS increased prescribing by 27 percentage points, making it an effective intervention.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2024

Are environmental toxins putting future generations at risk?

A McGill-led study found that fathers exposed to environmental toxins like DDT may produce sperm with health consequences for their children, increasing the risk of birth defects and diseases. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering fathers in discussions about child health and development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 8, 2024

Trends in phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine sales

Despite a lack of clinical efficacy evidence, phenylephrine remained the most common oral decongestant in the US from 2012-2021, with hundreds of millions of units sold annually. Most phenylephrine products were co-formulated with antihistamines or antitussives, providing symptom relief for cough and cold symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 8, 2024

Ancient pollen trapped in Greenland ice uncovers changes in Canadian forests over 800 years

A new study used pollen analysis to track forest changes in eastern Canada spanning 850 years, from the Medieval Warm Period to extensive logging by European settlers. The research provides a precise chronology of forest composition and helps establish baselines for evaluating changes in forest cover as the global climate warms.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 8, 2024

The Lancet: Black women in the USA were murdered six times more often than White women between 1999 and 2020, state-level analysis indicates

A recent analysis found that Black women in the USA have significantly higher homicide rates compared to their White peers, with disparities increasing from 1999 to 2020. Gun deaths among Black and White women also increased, with Black women being more likely to be killed by firearms.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Innovative hybrid models enhance soil moisture forecasting

The study introduces attention-based hybrid models that combine the strengths of physics-based models and deep learning capabilities to improve soil moisture predictions. The research shows that ensemble hybrid model outperforms current models for long-term predictions, while attention hybrid model excels in drought predictions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2024

Predicting neurodevelopmental disease in children from parent’s traits

Researchers found that parents' manifestation of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric traits can predict the prevalence and severity of disorders in children. The study analyzed 97,000 families and revealed a correlation between parental traits, suggesting that assortative mating may contribute to increased disease severity.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2024

Incheon National University researcher examines proactive change-oriented behaviors by public service providers

A study by Incheon National University researcher finds that job autonomy alone is not enough for public servants to engage in proactive change-oriented behavior. The study identifies factors over which public managers have control, including information, norms, incentives, and human relationships, as levers to encourage change.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalReview of Public Personnel Administration·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2024

Study: 'Legacy' phosphorus delays water quality improvements in Gulf of Mexico

Research by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that phosphorus legacy in riverbeds can delay water quality improvements in the Gulf of Mexico. It may take years or even decades for the reductions to be seen at the Gulf, according to a study published in Science of the Total Environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2024

Understanding jasmonic acid: A switch that activates autophagy in Arabidopsis petals

A team of researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a phytohormone-mediated switch controlling autophagy, leading to terminal cell differentiation for petal abscission. They found that jasmonic acid promotes petal abscission by activating autophagy at the base of petals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Daily intake of tree nuts, including pistachios, does not lead to weight gain, body fat gain, or changes in energy intake in Millennials

Millennial-aged adults who snack on pistachios and other tree nuts experience better weight control and more efficient use of dietary fat as an energy source. The study's results support the inclusion of tree nuts as part of a healthy self-care routine in 2024.

SourceAmerican Pistachio Growers·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2024