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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 464


Page 464 of 484

Scientists, farmers and managers work together to avoid the decline of the little bustard, an endangered steppe bird

Researchers found that growing fallow lands helps stabilize the population of the little bustard in Catalonia by providing food and shelter. To effectively conserve the species, measures such as reducing adult mortality and addressing power line collisions must also be implemented.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

New superconducting material discovered in transition-metal dichalcogenides materials

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science discovered a new superconducting material called (InSe2)0.12NbSe2, which possesses a unique lattice structure and a high transition temperature of 11.6 K. This material exhibits an impressive critical current density, comparable to high-temperature superconductors.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 18, 2024

Researchers realize ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction over single-atom catalyst

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics realized ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction over Pt1/MoS2 single-atom catalyst, achieving high catalytic performances under acid-free conditions. The catalyst showed good stability and selectivity, with a turnover frequency of 320 h-1.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 18, 2024

Norovirus outbreaks are detectable by wastewater monitoring earlier than by other surveillance methods depending on reporting practices, making this a potentially important public health tool

Researchers have discovered that wastewater monitoring can detect norovirus outbreaks earlier than traditional surveillance methods, depending on the level of reporting. This novel approach has significant implications for public health strategies, enabling authorities to respond more swiftly and effectively to emerging outbreaks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·DateJan 18, 2024

Early growth spurt: how prenatal chemical exposure shapes child development

A study of 804 mother-child pairs found distinct growth patterns in children based on their prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters, with girls showing increased growth in length and weight. Higher levels of certain OPEs during pregnancy were associated with larger head sizes in boys and faster growth rates in children.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJan 18, 2024

New study reveals the impact of skin microorganisms on earthworm toxicity in polluted environments

A new study shows that changes in skin-based microbes correlate more significantly with earthworm toxicity than those in intestinal microorganisms, especially under combined soil contaminations. Epidermal microbes consuming vital elements like zinc and copper contribute to nutritional deficiencies in earthworms.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJan 18, 2024

Climate change may reduce life expectancy by half a year, study suggests

A recent study suggests that climate change may reduce life expectancy by approximately six months, with women and people in developing nations disproportionately affected. The study used a composite climate change index to analyze the relationship between temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2024

Hidden cause of lithium-rich cathode materials’ low energy efficiency revealed

A research team found that voltage hysteresis in Li2RuO3 is attributed to different intermediate crystalline phases formed during charge and discharge processes, not irreversible structure changes. This discovery challenges conventional theory and has implications for developing high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

New treatment options for bloodstream infections

Researchers have gained decisive insights into treating bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus, finding that early oral antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as intravenous standard treatment. This approach enables easier treatment and faster discharge for patients at low risk of developing infectious complications.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2024

How does one species become many?

A global team of biologists used nearly two decades of field data from the Galápagos Islands to study the relationship between beak traits and individual longevity in four species of Darwin's finches. The researchers found that each species' unique beak traits correspond to fitness peaks, which are essential for survival.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolution·DateJan 18, 2024

Third major study finds evidence that daily multivitamin supplements improve memory and slow cognitive aging in older adults

A meta-analysis of 5,000 participants found that daily multivitamins showed benefits for memory and global cognition. The study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging by the equivalent of two years compared to placebo.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2024

New approach to single-cell RNA structure sequencing unveils biomarkers for human development and disease

Researchers have developed a new method to sequence single-cell RNA structures, revealing biomarkers crucial for human development and disease. This approach identifies cell types based on RNA shape, offering new insights into cellular fate and potential treatments against RNA viruses.

Study examines substance use in first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that work pressures increased burnout and problematic substance use among first responders, while general workplace support strategies reduced the risk. Conversely, COVID-related support strategies such as compensation during quarantine increased problematic substance use.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJan 18, 2024

AI can boost service for vulnerable customers

Researchers developed an AI framework to identify vulnerable consumers, address their needs, and mitigate potential discrimination. The framework provides real-time analysis of consumer chat responses to build risk scores and offer customized tips to customer service agents.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2024

A KAIST research team observes the processes of memory and cognition in real time​

A KAIST research team has developed a technique called SynapShot, which allows for the real-time observation of synapse formation, extinction, and alterations. This breakthrough technique uses fluorescent proteins to track changes in synapses, offering new insights into brain function and potentially revolutionizing neurological research.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

New route revealed to form strong metal-support interaction state

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics propose a gas-phase migration route for the formation of strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) states. They demonstrate that a self-limited ZnOx overlayer grows on Cu nanoparticles, enhancing methanol synthesis activity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 18, 2024

When the fault rupture comes to town: Dramatic images of the 6 February 2023 Turkiye earthquake scarps reveal details of motions of tectonic plates

Researchers created detailed maps of a major continental earthquake using drones and field surveys. The study shows the rupture sequence started slowly on the Africa/Arabia plate boundary, then exploded at the Arabia/Anatolia boundary, activating the East Anatolian fault system.

The new science of waste

A new study finds that cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, while economies of scale reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research uses scaling theory to analyze waste products from over 1,000 cities worldwide.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2024