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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 71


Page 71 of 484

A KAIST research team successfully produces microbial plastic to replace pet bottles​

A KAIST research team has successfully produced a microbial-based plastic that is biodegradable and can replace existing PET bottles. The team used metabolic engineering to develop a microbial strain that efficiently produces pseudoaromatic dicarboxylic acids, which are better suited for producing polymers than traditional methods.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

50 years of survey data confirm African elephant decline

Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2024

While more is better, even moderate amounts of exercise may reduce risk for common heart condition

A new study found that even moderate amounts of exercise can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The research, led by NYU Langone Health, used data from over 6,000 participants and showed that those with higher physical activity levels had a lower risk of developing the condition.

Additive manufacturing of multiscale NiFeMn multi-principal element alloys

Scientists have successfully synthesized a multiscale NiFeMn alloy through additive manufacturing combined with chemical dealloying, offering a new route for discovering novel materials. The integrated approach enables efficient diffusion of metals, allowing for bulk samples to be prepared without extended dealloying time.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Fighting microplastics for a cleaner future

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to break down condensation polymers in plastics using solvents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, producing aromatic compounds that can be used as fuels. This breakthrough has potential implications for the sustainability of the chemical industry and reducing global warming.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 11, 2024

Navigating bias in AI-driven cancer detection

AI models trained on limited data may misdiagnose certain populations, particularly those in underserved communities. Researchers propose six key strategies to develop fair AI models, including using diverse datasets and transparent decision-making processes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 11, 2024

AI-based software 'guide' childbirth by ‘seeing’ the baby’s position in real time

A new AI-based software developed to guide childbirth has been validated in a multicenter study using 2,154 ultrasound images from 16 centers worldwide. The tool provides precise, real-time information on the baby's head position, indicating whether to proceed with a natural descent or use a vacuum extractor.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

The imbalance of homeostasis in neutrophil extracellular traps is associated with portal vein thrombosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

Researchers found that imbalances in neutrophil extracellular traps are associated with portal vein thrombosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. High histone-DNA levels and low DNase activity were identified as independent risk factors for PVT.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateNov 11, 2024

Carpet fibers stop concrete cracking

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a technique using waste carpet fibers to reduce early-age shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30%, improving durability. The team aims to address the massive environmental challenge of textile waste disposal, which poses significant concerns for firefighting materials.

SourceRMIT University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Abortion and women’s future socioeconomic attainment

A new study finds that access to safe, legal abortion is associated with higher college graduation rates, better financial stability, and lower poverty levels among women. Women who had an abortion were more likely to experience economic mobility compared to those who became teen parents.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2024

Mount Sinai team shows AI can detect serious neurologic changes in babies in the NICU using video data alone

Researchers at Mount Sinai trained an AI algorithm on over 16 million seconds of video footage from newborns in the NICU to predict sedation and cerebral dysfunction. The study shows promise for a minimally invasive, scalable method for continuous neurologic monitoring.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2024

Scientists use microcellular drones to deliver lung cancer-killing drugs

Researchers successfully delivered anti-cancer ASO molecules to lung tumor sites using human red blood cells, demonstrating potent anti-cancer effects against NSCLC. The approach utilizes EGFR-targeting moieties to home in on cancerous cells, offering a potentially powerful treatment modality for personalized cancer medicine.

Was ‘Snowball Earth’ a global event? New study delivers best proof yet

A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder has uncovered strong evidence for a global 'Snowball Earth' event, where massive glaciers covered the entire planet down to the equator hundreds of millions of years ago. The findings provide critical insights into the planet's geologic history and the emergence of life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2024

Study: Older adult prostate cancer patients are increasingly being overtreated

A new study by Cedars-Sinai reveals that significant percentages of older men with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancers are being subjected to aggressive treatments that may not extend their lives, highlighting the need for a more personalized approach to cancer treatment. The study suggests that better estimation, communicatio...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2024

Carbon recycling instead of plastic trash

A German research team has developed an electrocatalytic method for efficient degradation of polystyrene plastic waste, producing monomeric benzoyl products and short polymer chains. The process uses an inexpensive iron catalyst and can be powered by solar panels, combining recycling with green hydrogen production.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Scientists issue call to action underlining importance of microbial solutions to tackle climate crisis

Leading scientists issue a unified call to action, emphasizing the importance of deploying microbiome technologies to address climate change. The authors advocate for a global science-driven task force to expedite the implementation of these solutions, warning that inaction will exacerbate the climate crisis.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalSustainable Microbiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 11, 2024