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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 16


Page 16 of 41

Surprising reversal in quantum systems

Scientists at ETH Zurich create an artificial solid with switched-on interactions using magnetic fields, observing surprising topological effects. The study reveals the ability to transport particles by one lattice site, mimicking a screw's motion, and demonstrates robustness against disorder.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2024

Scientists trigger mini-earthquakes in the lab

Researchers at the Universiteit van Amsterdam triggered mini-earthquakes in a lab by applying a small seismic wave to a granular material. The study shows that these events can be understood using laboratory-scale frictional experiments, and its findings are relevant for understanding remote earthquake triggering in larger faults.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2024

Technical Trials for Easing the (Cosmological) Tension

A new study has sorted through models attempting to solve the cosmological tension, a discrepancy between two ways of calculating the universe's expansion. Three models that were previously viable solutions were excluded by the new data, while others reduced the tension but not solved it.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2024

The mechanism of SlWRKY80 participating in salt alkali stress through its involvement in JA metabolic pathway

SlWRKY80 plays a crucial role in regulating tomato resistance to saline-alkali stress by positively modulating the JA metabolic pathway. The protein enhances spermidine synthesis and stabilizes Na+/K+ homeostasis, leading to reduced sensitivity to salt alkali stress.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2024

Jumbo discovery: astronomers offer new model for formation of recently discovered “free-floating” planets

Researchers introduce a new model that suggests dense stellar clusters can eject pairs of giant planets, which remain gravitationally bound to each other as they float through space. This discovery fills a critical gap in our understanding of planetary evolution and challenges prevailing theories of planet formation.

Older adults in Ohio are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 older adults in central Ohio report not being prepared for emergencies, with those in lower-income counties facing the greatest challenges. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as tax levies and education on climate risks, to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2024

Mapping plant functional diversity from space: HKU ecologists revolutionize ecosystem monitoring with novel field-satellite integration

Researchers led by Professor Jin Wu at HKU have developed a method to map plant functional traits from space using time-series satellite data. The approach combines vegetation spectroscopy and phenology, providing insights into ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2024

Realization of an ideal omnidirectional cloak in free space

The team designed a full-parameter omnidirectional planar invisibility cloak composed of two homogeneous materials, achieving omnidirectional impedance matching and zero phase delay. The cloak demonstrated excellent invisibility performance in experimental verification, making it suitable for radar communication and bistatic detection.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 19, 2024

Which countries are more at risk in the global supply chain?

Researchers analyzed firm-level data from the global supply network, revealing that wealthy nations are only exposed to supply chain disruptions from other high-income countries. Poor and developing nations are disproportionately affected by economic shocks due to their structural embeddedness in their local or national supply chains.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 19, 2024

Compact quantum light processing

Researchers have achieved quantum interference among several single photons using a novel, resource-efficient platform, paving the way for scalable quantum technologies. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in optical quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 19, 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