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Science News for April 18, 2024


A flexible and efficient DC power converter for sustainable-energy microgrids

A new DC-DC power converter designed by Kobe University team offers superior voltage ratio, system stability, and simplicity, achieving an impressive efficiency of up to 98.3%. The device can efficiently interface with various energy sources, making it suitable for renewable energy integration and electric vehicle applications.

SourceKobe University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Scientists assess paths toward maintaining BC caribou until habitat recovers

Researchers assess the effectiveness of population-based recovery actions for southern mountain caribou, finding that interventions have stabilized herd numbers but require decades of habitat restoration. The study highlights the importance of evidence-based solutions to support caribou conservation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 18, 2024

A common pathway in the brain that enables addictive drugs to hijack natural reward processing has been identified by Mount Sinai

Researchers have uncovered a mechanism in the brain that allows cocaine and morphine to take over natural reward processing systems. A largely overlapping population of cells respond to both addictive drugs and natural rewards, leading to behavior directed toward drug-seeking and away from natural rewards.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Octopus inspires new suction mechanism for robots

A new robotic suction cup mimics the adhesive properties of octopus suckers to grasp complex surfaces like rocks and shells. The device uses a multi-layer soft structure and artificial fluidic system to achieve long-lasting suction with minimal overflow.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Peptides on Interstellar Ice

A research team led by Dr. Serge Krasnokutski has discovered that peptides can form on cosmic dust particles even in the presence of water molecules. The study used a vacuum chamber to replicate interstellar conditions and found that the formation of peptides was slowed down but still occurred.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Innovative primary care program blending virtual with in-person options connects locals to family physicians

The innovative Integrated Virtual Care (IVC) program successfully connected residents with family physicians in Renfrew County, addressing the rural shortage of primary care providers. Over 2,800 unique patient appointments were conducted, with 70% done virtually, offering comprehensive team-based primary care.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCanadian Journal of Rural Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 18, 2024

Reticulon 3 deficiency ameliorates post-myocardial infarction heart failure by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation

Researchers found that reticulon 3 (RTN3) is downregulated in left ventricular tissue of patients with heart failure after myocardial infarction. RTN3 knockout alleviated cardiac dysfunction after MI, while overexpression decreased systolic function.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Floating solar’s potential to support sustainable development by addressing climate, water, and energy goals holistically

A new study published in Nature Energy suggests that floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) could produce 20-100% of the electricity expected from Africa's planned hydropower dams. This approach would reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable development by avoiding large dams' negative effects on communities and ecosystems.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2024

Marine microbial populations: Potential sensors of the global change in the ocean

A new study from the Institut de Ciències del Mar highlights the potential of marine microbial populations as indicators of global change. The analysis of genetic diversity and population dynamics reveals substantial variability in marine microbial populations, with distinct patterns of differentiation and adaptation.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

CEOs’ human concern translates into higher stock price

A study by the University of Zurich found that CEOs who expressed empathy during COVID-19 pandemic conference calls had better stock prices. The researchers analyzed data from 510 CEO calls and discovered a 2.49 percentage point increase in cumulative returns for companies with human care statements.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2024

Researchers realize hydrogen formation by contact electrification of water microdroplets and its regulation

A research group at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has realized hydrogen formation by contact electrification at oil-water microdroplet interfaces. The study found that charge separation between microdroplets can lead to hydrogenation reactions, and the researchers proposed a mechanism involving contact electrification and charge...

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

Dietary treatment more effective than medicines in IBS

A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that dietary adjustments, such as a low FODMAP diet and low-carbohydrate diets, resulted in significantly reduced IBS symptoms for over seven out of ten patients. In contrast, medication-based treatment showed fewer symptom improvements.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 18, 2024

Invasive species sound off about impending ecosystem changes

Researchers have discovered that non-native invasive plants can affect an ecosystem's sound patterns, potentially revealing physical and biological changes. By analyzing the acoustic landscape of areas invaded by these plants, the study aims to better understand the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 18, 2024

Through a new NASA grant, interdisciplinary team to measure nitrogen released from agriculture sources

An interdisciplinary team led by Kaiyu Guan is using a combination of satellite remote sensing, in-situ measurements, and biochemical modeling to quantify nitrogen emissions from agriculture. The goal is to provide improved guidance for farmers on reducing nitrogen fertilizer use and alleviating air pollution.

Universal ‘cocktail electrolyte’ developed for 4.6 V ultra-stable fast charging of commercial LCO

Researchers developed a novel 'cocktail electrolyte' for commercial LiCoO2, achieving ultra-stable fast-charging and high energy density. The electrolyte exhibited robust interfaces, preventing cathode degradation and enhancing reaction kinetics.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 18, 2024

Moffitt researchers discover new therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute discovered a new therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer by targeting the Jagged2 protein. Disrupting this signaling pathway activates anti-tumor immunity via Notch-induced functional reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Discovery: Elevated glutamine triggers stroke risk in moyamoya disease via endMT transition

A study of 360 adult moyamoya disease patients found that high glutamine levels are positively correlated with an increased risk of stroke. Manipulation of Integrin Subunit Beta 4 and atorvastatin were reported to alleviate the glutamine-induced EndMT, offering potential new therapeutic approaches for MMD.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Hubble goes hunting for small main belt asteroids

The study used a trove of archived Hubble images to identify the asteroids, working with citizen scientists and machine learning algorithms. The discovery provides insights into the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt, suggesting that smaller fragments may be remnants of larger asteroids that have collided.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 18, 2024

More sustainability in global agricultural trade

Researchers analyzed EU agricultural imports to identify areas of high environmental impact. Trade with MERCOSUR countries, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea contributes significantly to deforestation and land degradation. The EU can reduce its relevance by regulating demand for sustainable livestock farming or promoting low-me...

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2024

Prolonged eye patching does not have negative impact on family stress levels or child’s development according to first if its kind study

Extended periods of patching for children with unilateral congenital cataracts do not negatively impact parenting stress, child motor development, behavior, or self-perception. A new study found that continuing to patch throughout preschool years is crucial in preventing blindness and promoting healthy vision.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 18, 2024

Smoking-related deaths could be reduced if people attending lung cancer screening are offered stop-smoking support

A new study found that offering stop smoking support alongside lung cancer screening can significantly increase quit rates among high-risk individuals. Up to half of those who attend for lung cancer screening currently smoke, and dedicated funding is urged to provide this essential support.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 18, 2024

Following longest known chronic SARS-CoV-2 infection of 613 days, experts highlight the risk of development of novel potentially immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants due to persistent infections in immunocompromised patients

Researchers highlight the risk of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging due to prolonged viral replication in immunocompromised individuals. Close genomic surveillance and early diagnostic tests are crucial to mitigate potential public health threats.

Drawing a line back to the origin of life

The study suggests that graphitisation could provide simplicity and a clean environment required for life, theorising that an object roughly the size of the moon hit early Earth around 4.3 billion years ago, depositing iron and other metals that reacted with water to form useful nitrogen-containing compounds.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 18, 2024

Silent flight edges closer to take off, according to new research

Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved the mystery of how futuristic aircraft embedded engines make noise. They discovered that the noise pattern changes depending on the fan's thrust level, with higher thrust producing a noise similar to traditional fans and lower thrust causing the duct itself to make more noise.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

Occupations that are cognitively stimulating may be protective against later-life dementia

A new study found that people with cognitively stimulating occupations during midlife had a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia after age 70. The researchers analyzed data from over 300 jobs and found that high occupational cognitive demands were related to lower risks of MCI and dementia.

New urine-based test detects high-grade prostate cancer, helping men avoid unnecessary biopsies

Researchers have developed a new urine-based test that identifies high-grade prostate cancer by analyzing 18 genes linked to the disease. The test, called MyProstateScore2.0, was shown to be nearly 100% correct at ruling out aggressive cancers and helped avoid up to 41% of unnecessary biopsies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024