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Science News for April 26, 2024


Research finds pronoun use not only shaped by language but also beliefs

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that people's use of pronouns reflects not only their language but also their ideologies. Researchers asked participants from English and Turkish-speaking backgrounds to evaluate different types of pronouns, revealing a connection between societal attitudes and ...

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·DateApr 26, 2024

Scientists capture X-rays from upward positive lightning

Scientists have recorded X-rays being produced at the beginning of upward positive lightning flashes, providing valuable insights into the origins of this rare and dangerous form of lightning. The observations, made possible by a unique setup in Switzerland, support the cold runaway electron model theory of lightning formation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 26, 2024

Researchers advance detection of gravitational waves to study collisions of neutron stars and black holes

The new software can detect gravitational wave signals from neutron star collisions more accurately, allowing for faster alerts and enabling further research. This improvement will help scientists better understand heavy element production, including gold and uranium, and the behavior of neutron stars.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2024

Many children with symptoms of brain injuries and concussions are missing out on vital checks, national US study finds

A national US study found that nearly a quarter of children with symptoms of brain injuries or concussions were not checked for the condition. Younger children were more likely to be overlooked. Routine checks can help ensure these children receive necessary care and support their mental and social well-being.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalBrain Injury·TypeSurvey·DateApr 26, 2024

Barcodes expand range of high-resolution sensor

Lan Yang and Jie Liao demonstrate a transformative approach to overcome limitations of whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators, enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple resonant modes within a single WGM resonator. This allows for greater resolution and accuracy in detecting molecules, with a potentially limitless range of measure...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement·DateApr 26, 2024

Personalised “cocktails” of antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics hold great promise in treating a common form of irritable bowel syndrome, pilot study finds

A pilot study found that targeted gut-microbiota therapy improved symptoms in almost all patients with post-infection IBS, with 38.5% achieving total remission. The treatment involved a personalised blend of antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics tailored to each patient's unique microbiome.

Illuminating Darwin's 'abominable mystery'— Vast DNA tree of life for plants revealed

A recent study published in Nature reveals a vast DNA tree of life for flowering plants, providing insights into their evolutionary history. The analysis of over 9,500 plant species reveals the rapid development of diversity in ancient times, with key findings supporting the plastid-based phylogenetic classification of angiosperms.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 26, 2024

Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily Member 15 (TNFSF15) rs4979462 Variant and TNFSF15 serum levels evaluation in systemic lupus erythematosus

A study found a significant association between the TNFSF15 rs4979462 gene variant and increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in female patients. Higher TNFSF15 serum levels were also correlated with SLE disease activity, suggesting this protein could be a biological marker for the disease.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateApr 26, 2024

Co-production of steel and chemicals could help mitigate hard-to-abate carbon emissions

A Princeton-led study suggests that co-producing steel and chemicals could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from these industries. By redirecting steelmaking off-gas to chemical production, China can lower its hard-to-abate emissions and meet climate goals.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 26, 2024

Location, location, location

A University of California, Riverside study found that communities in unincorporated areas lack basic critical infrastructure, including healthcare access. Caregivers perceive U.S.-based physicians as not providing sufficient information, while Mexican-based physicians are seen as offering better care.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 26, 2024

New paradigm revolutionizing smart fibrillar adhesive: surpassing the limits of gecko-inspired designs

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new design paradigm for smart fibrillar adhesives, surpassing the limits of traditional gecko-inspired designs. These innovative adhesives boast unprecedented strength, exceptional switchability, and scalability, enabling applications in robotics, manufacturing, and medicine.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 26, 2024

Study shows climate change impact on China's dry–wet transition zones

A recent study published in the Journal of Hydrology reveals significant changes in bioclimatic environments across China's dry–wet transition zones due to climate change. The research identifies these zones as hotspots of ecosystem vulnerability, emphasizing the need for targeted impact assessment and adaptation studies.

Imaging the microstructural landscape of amorphous carbons

The study presents a comprehensive microstructural landscape of six representative phases of amorphous carbons, including disordered graphene networks and diamond-like structures. The researchers developed a phase diagram and discovered a fitted power-law that regulates the microstructural stability of amorphous carbons.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 26, 2024

Recovering phosphorus from sewage sludge ash

A new method recovers phosphorus from sewage sludge ash through chemical and heat treatment, providing a valuable resource for industries. The process can be implemented with lower energy requirements and costs than conventional technologies, making it an attractive solution for addressing the depletion of phosphorus ores.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

The right frame determines the movement

Researchers at German Primate Center investigated how rhesus monkeys encode target positions in arm movements, finding that brain areas can switch between body- and object-related spatial reference systems depending on the task. This flexible coding is essential for developing neuroprostheses that can interpret brain signals correctly.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

Mobile device location data is already used by private companies, so why not for studying human-wildlife interactions, scientists ask

Researchers argue that mobility data can help understand human-wildlife interactions and inform policy decisions on sustainability-related issues. They propose aggregating datasets without personal identifiers to make them accessible to researchers, benefiting both conservation and private companies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 26, 2024

New circuit boards can be repeatedly recycled

Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new PCB that performs on par with traditional materials and can be recycled repeatedly. The process uses a solvent to transform a type of vitrimer into a jelly-like substance, allowing solid components to be plucked out for reuse or recycling.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 26, 2024

Getting dynamic information from static snapshots

Researchers from UChicago create TopicVelo, a new method using scRNA-seq data to study dynamic processes in cells. The method groups data by biological processes, such as ribosomal synthesis, differentiation, and immune response, to better understand how cells change over time.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 26, 2024

Ancient Maya blessed their ballcourts

Researchers discovered evidence of ceremonial plant offerings beneath a ballcourt in Yaxnohcah, Mexico. Environmental DNA analysis revealed the presence of plants with religious and medicinal significance, indicating a possible blessing ritual during construction.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 26, 2024

Illusion helps demystify the way vision works

A new study using electrophysiology and optogenetics has shown that neurons in the primary visual cortex respond to brightness illusions, settling a long-standing debate in neuroscience. The findings suggest that higher-level neurons play a crucial role in modulating activity in lower-level neurons.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

Experimental NIH malaria monoclonal antibody protective in Malian children

A mid-stage trial of an experimental malaria monoclonal antibody found it to be 77% effective in preventing infection and disease in children in Mali. The treatment, administered by subcutaneous injection, was developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is designed to provide long-acting protection against malaria.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 26, 2024

AI deciphers new gene regulatory code in plants and makes accurate predictions for newly sequenced genomes

Researchers have trained interpretable deep learning models on genomic information to identify correlations between genetic variants and crop traits. The AI technology accurately predicts gene activity and pinpoints specific sequence variations that explain observed differences in gene activity.

Traffic noise, a novel risk factor for cardiovascular diseases

A new analysis published in Circulation Research finds strong evidence that transportation noise is closely linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that traffic noise increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and diabetes.

SourceUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz·JournalCirculation Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 26, 2024

More efficient molecular motor widens potential applications

Researchers have created a more efficient light-driven molecular motor, which can be used for various applications such as controlling molecular self-assembly and creating chiral dopants in liquid crystals. The new design also enables the motor to work more efficiently in medical applications due to its longer wavelength absorption.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

Revolutionizing memory technology: multiferroic nanodots for low-power magnetic storage

Researchers developed nanodots with single ferroelectric and ferromagnetic domains using multiferroic material BFCO, enabling energy-efficient writing and reading operations. The smaller nanodot showed a single-domain structure, while the larger one exhibited multi-domain vortex structures, demonstrating strong magnetoelectric coupling.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

Divining peak groundwater

By 2050, one-third of the world's basins may reach peak groundwater extraction, leading to significant shifts in trade and agriculture. Scientists analyzed patterns in nonrenewable groundwater usage over the next century to inform decision-making and adaptative measures.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 26, 2024

Longer-lasting and more sustainable green hydrogen production

Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 26, 2024

AMS Science Preview: Hawaiian climates; chronic pain; lightning-caused wildfires

A new study establishes official climate divisions in Hawaii, improving climate research and forecasting. Chronic pain sufferers who spend time outdoors experience stronger weather-based effects, while lightning-initiated wildfires are responsible for more than half the acres burned in the contiguous United States.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateApr 26, 2024

People with rare longevity mutation may also be protected from cardiovascular disease

A recent study found that individuals with a rare condition known as growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHRD) have normal or improved levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors compared to their relatives. This suggests that GHRD may actually protect against cardiovascular disease, contrary to previous speculation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalMed·TypeObservational study·DateApr 26, 2024

Findings of large-scale study on 572 Asian families supports gene-directed management of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene carriers in Singapore

A large-scale study of 572 Asian families with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations found increased breast cancer risk over time, with highest incidence at age 55. The study provides a new framework for estimating cancer risks in Asian carriers, supporting tailored clinical management approaches.

SourceSingHealth·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2024

How to clean up New Delhi’s smoggy air

A study led by the Paul Scherrer Institute reveals that incomplete combustion and biomass burning are major contributors to New Delhi's air pollution. The research found that particulate matter in the air causes oxidative stress, leading to illnesses such as asthma and hypertension.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

From disorder to order: flocking birds and “spinning” particles

Scientists have found a new way to create ordered states in quantum systems by increasing particle motility, leading to potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and magnetic memory. This discovery extends the concept of active matter to the quantum realm and has far-reaching implications for technology development.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 26, 2024