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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 12


Page 12 of 41

Bacteria for climate-neutral chemicals of the future

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to produce chemicals using bacteria that feed on methanol, a renewable resource. The microbes can efficiently convert methanol into desired biochemical substances, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based chemicals.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 23, 2024

China's leap into low-altitude airspace management: a journey toward integrated UAS operations

China is revolutionizing low-altitude airspace management by integrating unmanned aerial systems (UAS), promoting efficient and safe operations. The country's advancements in UAS technology and regulatory frameworks aim to set international standards for unmanned aviation, transforming the nation's aviation industry.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Aerogel-based PCMs improve thermal management, reduce microwave emissions in electronic devices

Researchers developed aerogel-based composite phase change materials (PCMs) to address thermal management, solar-thermal conversion, and microwave absorption issues in electronic devices. The composites showed over 90% absorption of broadband light and converted solar energy into thermal energy with a greater than 95% efficiency.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateApr 23, 2024

A non-equivalent co-doped strategy to effectively improve the electrical properties of BIT-based high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics

Researchers develop non-equivalent co-doped strategy to reduce oxygen vacancy defects and improve comprehensive electrical properties of BIT-based high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics. The study reveals a significant enhancement in piezoelectric coefficient, Curie temperature, and resistivity at high temperatures.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateApr 23, 2024

The move by Apple Memories to block potentially upsetting content illustrates Big Tech’s reach and limits, writes Chrys Vilvang

A Concordia PhD candidate argues that tech companies' opaque algorithms for storing and sharing personal content raise questions about selection and representation. An Apple update blocking Holocaust-themed photos in the iPhone Photos app's Memories sparked a debate among users, with some expressing annoyance at being told what to see.

SourceConcordia University·JournalMemory Mind & Media·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

Towards sustainable food systems: global initiatives and innovations

A three-step approach is proposed to address global hunger and hidden hunger by focusing on calorie needs, high-quality protein, and emission reduction. The study suggests optimizing crop and livestock cycles, introducing novel foods like insect-based products and lab-grown meats, and enhancing global trade and spatial planning.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Majority of acute care hospitals do not admit representative proportion of Black Medicare patients in their local market

A study analyzing Medicare admissions at nearly 2,000 acute care hospitals nationwide found that most hospitals admitted a significantly different proportion of Black fee-for-service Medicare patients compared to the surrounding hospital market. Hospitals admitting fewer Black patients may have lower care quality.

Magnetic microcoils unlock targeted single-neuron therapies for neurodegenerative disorders

Researchers have developed a magnetic coil array called MagPatch that can stimulate individual neurons with precision. The device uses soft magnetic materials to boost the magnetic field, reducing the need for high current levels.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateApr 23, 2024

Comparison of the “late catch-up” phenomenon between BuMA Supreme and XIENCE stents through serial optical coherence tomography at 1–2 month and 2 year follow-ups: A multicenter study

The multicenter study found that the BuMA Supreme stent showed faster re-endothelization with no 'late catch-up' phenomenon compared to the XIENCE stent. This results in decreased dual antiplatelet therapy duration, potentially benefiting patients with coronary artery disease and high bleeding risk.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateApr 23, 2024

Synthesizing π-extended carbohelicene-based circularly polarized luminescence emitters

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new strategy to synthesize 3D π-extended carbohelicenes, overcoming molecular distortions and achieving CPL brightness of up to 513 M–1 cm–1. The study provides a solid groundwork for further research and development of high-performance carbohelicenes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Gut microbiota acts like an auxiliary liver

A new study reveals that gut microbiota significantly impacts host amino acid and glucose metabolism, leading to a second liver-like function. The research identifies specific bacterial metabolic genes responsible for depleting amino acids, which can be targeted to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 23, 2024

Dedication to a research journey towards commercial aqueous batteries

XIE Congxin, a researcher at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, has made significant progress in improving the energy density of aqueous batteries. He developed a multi-electron transfer cathode based on bromine and iodine with a specific capacity exceeding 840 Ah/L. The full battery test showed an energy density of 1200 Wh/L.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Energy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 23, 2024

Loma Linda University study reveals alarming rates of pediatric injuries from mechanical bull riding

A new study by Loma Linda University reveals that mechanical bull riding is a real public health concern, especially for young riders. The study found that traumatic brain injuries are the most common outcome, and long-term consequences can be severe, including memory issues and learning disabilities.

Researchers at IOCB Prague develop a new method for enzymatic synthesis of potential RNA therapeutics

Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel method for preparing ribonucleic acid (RNA) containing modified bases using engineered DNA polymerases. This opens the door to applications in chemical biology and therapeutic applications, including mRNA drugs.

Women’s heart disease is underdiagnosed, but new machine learning models can help solve this problem

Researchers built more accurate cardiovascular risk models using machine learning, finding that women are underdiagnosed due to sex-neutral criteria. The study used the UK Biobank dataset and found that electrocardiogram (EKG) tests were most effective in improving detection of cardiovascular disease in both men and women.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

New research develops forest extent map for Mexico

A team of researchers from the University of Delaware developed a forest extent agreement map for Mexico, combining seven remote sensing products and two independent datasets to identify consensus areas of agreement. The study found high agreement in heavily forested areas and disagreement in complex ecological zones.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 23, 2024

Bioluminescence first evolved in animals at least 540 million years ago

A recent study by the Smithsonian has pushed back the earliest dated origin of bioluminescence in animals by nearly 300 million years, dating it to around 540 million years ago in marine invertebrates called octocorals. The ability to produce light is involved in various behaviors such as camouflage, courtship, and hunting.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 23, 2024

SMART researchers pioneer sensor multiplexing for real-time decoding of different plant stresses

SMART researchers develop a nanosensor that selectively detects salicylic acid in live plants, vital for stress response. The sensor combines sensors for H₂O₂ and salicylic acid, enabling simultaneous monitoring of plant hormones and aiding in early diagnoses to improve crop resilience.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Researchers develop high-energy-density aqueous battery based on halogen multi-electron transfer

A new type of aqueous battery is developed with a specific capacity of over 840 Ah/L and an energy density of up to 1200 Wh/L. The battery uses a mixed halogen solution as the electrolyte, enabling a multi-electron transfer reaction that improves kinetic and reversibility.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Energy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 23, 2024

Innovative GREENSKY model elevates UAV efficiency in next-gen wireless networks

The GREENSKY model significantly enhances the energy efficiency of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in cellular networks by optimizing charging behavior and routing processes. This results in a 9.1% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional heuristic solutions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Dengue fever infections have negative impacts on infant health for three years – study

Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Applied Economics·DateApr 23, 2024

Undiscovered diversity of Micropsalliota: Seven new species and one newly recorded species in southern China

Researchers have identified seven new Micropsalliota species and one newly recorded species in southern China, resolving previously unresolved phylogenetic relationships. The study provides an updated key for the species distributed in China, highlighting the importance of further investigations into macrofungi in the region.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology·DateApr 23, 2024

Q&A: UW research shows neural connection between learning a second language and learning to code

The study reveals that experienced programmers exhibit brain responses similar to those of fluent readers processing sentences, indicating a strong resemblance between learning computer and natural languages. The research suggests that understanding how people learn to code can be informed by expertise in second-language learning.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2024

Genetics predict type 2 diabetes risk and disparities in childhood cancer survivors

Researchers identified four genetic variants associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk in childhood cancer survivors. The findings also showed that polygenic risk scores derived from diverse ancestry datasets were more informative in assessing diabetes risk in survivors of both European and African ancestries, highlighting the imp...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2024

The consumption of certain food additive emulsifiers could be associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A large French study found a link between chronic exposure to certain emulsifiers and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 104,000 adults and observed an association with several emulsifiers.