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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 467


Page 467 of 484

Tracking molecules at turbo speed

University of Bonn researchers devise a method called TARDIS to track molecules at turbo speed, making the high-throughput process five times faster. This enables insights into hitherto unknown cellular functions and the DNA repair mechanism, which is crucial for understanding diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 17, 2024

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production through proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. The new catalyst, SA Zn-RuO2, has improved stability and reactivity compared to commercial RuO2, with reduced energy consumption and increased durability.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Independent dispute resolution of no surprises act financially unviable for radiology

A study found that the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution (IDR) process would be financially unfeasible for a large portion of out-of-network claims for hospital-based specialties, particularly radiologists. This could undermine patient access to in-network care due to limited bargaining power.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Butterflies could lose spots as climate warms

Research by University of Exeter scientists found that females with warmer temperatures have fewer spots, challenging long-held views on the reason for this variation. The study suggests that butterflies adapt their camouflage based on temperature, which could lead to a decrease in spotting over time.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJan 17, 2024

Chapman University’s environmental scientist, Dr. Joshua Fisher contributes to milestone study on OpenET’s precision in monitoring water use

A new study co-authored by Dr. Joshua Fisher assesses the accuracy of OpenET, an advanced satellite-based system for monitoring water use by crops and ecosystems. The study demonstrates high accuracy in assessing evapotranspiration in agricultural settings, especially in arid regions like California and the Southwest.

SourceChapman University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Obsessive-compulsive disorder linked to heightened risk of death

A recent study found that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes. The researchers suggest that better surveillance, prevention, and early intervention strategies should be implemented to reduce the risk of fatal outcomes in individuals with OCD.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Co-amplification in tropical and extratropical atmospheric fluctuations caused heavy rainfall over Japan in August 2021

Researchers found that joint action of tropical and extratropical variations led to persistent heavy rainfall over Japan. The study revealed a link between upper-tropospheric blocking high, near-surface atmospheric flow, and cumulus convection in enhancing the northwestern Pacific subtropical high.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateJan 17, 2024

US air pollution rates on the decline but pockets of inequities remain

Air pollution emissions have decreased substantially in the US over the last four decades, but racial and socioeconomic disparities remain. The study found that certain populations experienced relatively smaller reductions or even increases in air pollution emissions, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address inequities.

New vaccine design uses immunity against influenza to offer faster protection against emerging pathogens

A new vaccine design has been developed by a UC Riverside-led research team, which uses preexisting immunity to the influenza virus to help kickstart the production of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine aims to speed up the immune response and provide better protection for people who still lack immunity to the coronavirus.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Revolutionizing grapevine phenotyping: harnessing LiDAR for enhanced growth assessment and genetic insights

A study published in Plant Phenomics explores the use of LiDAR technology to characterize grapevine growth and detect associated genetic loci. The research found strong correlations between LiDAR-derived volumes and traditional methods, with stable heritability and powerful QTL detection confirming their efficacy.

SourcePlant Phenomics·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Fewer than 1% of schools in England have full policies on second languages, language learning and English

A study of nearly 1,000 English schools found that only six have whole-school language policies addressing support for EAL students and expectations concerning English. Most schools lack clear policies, particularly in supporting EAL learners, which could hinder learning and create disjointed experiences for these students.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBritish Educational Research Journal·DateJan 17, 2024

Stalagmites as climate archive

By combining stalagmite analysis with tree-ring records, researchers have gained new insights into short-term climate fluctuations over centuries. The study reveals regional as well as global environmental events, including the Little Ice Age and the 'Year Without a Summer', providing valuable information on long-term climate patterns.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJan 17, 2024

Different roles of two H3K36 methyltransferasesin transcriptional regulation and association with facultativeheterochromatin

Researchers identified two H3K36 methyltransferases, Ash1 and Set2, that regulate transcriptional activity and facultative heterochromatin formation in the rice blast fungus. The study reveals distinct roles for Ash1 and Set2 in promoting repressed and activated transcription, respectively.

Researchers find that using patients’ own blood, rather than saline, helps preserve veins in coronary bypass grafts

Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Carilion Clinic found that preserving leg vein grafts in heparinized arterial blood, rather than saline, improves their health and viability. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft procedures.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Vascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

A single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent a single session of aerobic exercise experienced temporary reductions in blood pressure at rest and under stress. The study, conducted at the University of São Paulo, demonstrates the benefits of moderate-intensity walking for cardiovascular management and blood pressure control.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Human Hypertension·DateJan 16, 2024

Method improves detection of potential therapeutic tumor targets in human biopsies

A new method has been developed to detect potential therapeutic tumor targets in human biopsies, which could lead to more effective personalized medicine. The kinase inhibitor pulldown assay (KiP) enriches and quantifies small amounts of kinases present in biopsy samples, paving the way for future clinical applications.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalClinical Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Novel AI platform matches cardiologists in detecting rheumatic heart disease

A new AI platform matches cardiologists in detecting rheumatic heart disease, demonstrating its potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths worldwide annually. The AI algorithm identified mitral regurgitation in up to 90% of children with RHD, making it a promising tool for early detection and treatment.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 16, 2024

Researchers examine accuracy of adult body weight estimates in the emergency department

A systematic review of 95 studies found that 3D camera system estimates, patient self-estimates, and the Lorenz method are accurate for estimating adult body weight. However, no method is foolproof, and alternative strategies should be available when patients are unable to provide an estimate.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Do violent video games numb us towards real violence?

A recent neuroscientific study investigated whether violent video games affect adult empathy. Contrary to previous findings, the research found no negative impact on empathy and brain activity. The study's authors caution against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the need for further research to understand potential effects on vulner...

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournaleLife·DateJan 16, 2024

Some states, plans limit access to opioid use disorder treatment prescription through prior authorization practices

A study by Christina Andrews and her team found substantial variation in prior authorization use among different states and plan types. For-profit plans and those located in Republican-majority states were more likely to impose prior authorization policies, restricting access to life-saving treatment buprenorphine.

SourceArnold School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 16, 2024

Thermoelectric permanent magnet opens new possibilities in thermal management technologies

A NIMS research team developed a hybrid material capable of simultaneously exhibiting three types of TEC phenomena, including magneto-thermoelectric effects. By incorporating permanent magnets, the team achieved improved transverse TEC efficiency without external magnetic fields.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Supports help keep Aussie firefighters safe

Research from University of South Australia shows professional firefighters have lower movement quality as they age, which could put them at greater risk of injury. Functional strength training can help maintain a fit and healthy workforce.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Rice engineers propose hybrid urban water sourcing model

Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Study examines how ad strategies of the Great Depression can inform today's crisis communications

Researchers studied newspaper ads from Dust Bowl states in 1934 to understand how businesses and companies reached consumers during a dual crisis. The study found that essential services used informational approaches while nonessential services relied on sensory appeals, offering valuable lessons for current mass media during emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournalism History·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Real-time photonic processor for dynamic RF interference with picosecond latency

A new system-on-chip employs silicon photonics to process broadband information, reducing latency through direct analogue processing. The device successfully tested in two dynamic interference scenarios, demonstrating error-free operation and maintaining signal-to-noise ratios over 15 dB.