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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 41


Page 41 of 41

International study uses artificial intelligence to show how personality influences the expression of our genes

An international study led by the University of Granada used artificial intelligence to show that our personalities alter the expression of our genes. The findings suggest that certain outlooks on life are conducive to a healthy and long life, while others lead to stress and short life.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 2024

More than 18,000 excess TB cases in the U.S. attributable to structural racism

A study found that structural racism is largely to blame for disparities in tuberculosis (TB) incidence among the U.S.-born population. Researchers analyzed national TB registry data and found that TB incidence ratios were higher for certain racial and ethnic groups, with greater relative disparities among females.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 1, 2024

New initiative improves detection, evaluation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine introduce a quality improvement initiative to enhance screening for ADHD in pediatric primary care. The ADHD Detection Quality Improvement (ADQI) program shows improved recognition of positive Attention Subscale scores and follow-up evaluation for ADHD.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2024

Old crystal, new story for enhancing deep ultraviolet laser performance

A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has successfully developed a high-power, narrow-linewidth solid-state deep ultraviolet laser at 193 nm using LBO crystals. The generated DUV laser exhibits an average power of 60 mW and a linewidth of approximately 640 MHz, setting new benchmarks in efficiency values.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Counteracting political hostility with personal history

Researchers at Lehigh University found that reading a personal history of an opposing party member can significantly reduce animosity towards members of the opposing party. The study tested interventions with both Democrats and Republicans, finding that historicist narratives can lead to increased compassion and reduced moral emotions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

New USF study: Research reveals language barriers limit effectiveness of cybersecurity resources

A new USF study finds that language barriers limit the effectiveness of cybersecurity resources, with many limited English proficiency users engaging in risky online behaviors. The research highlights the need for providing cybersecurity information and resources in multiple formats to accommodate diverse literacy levels.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalVictims & Offenders·TypeSurvey·DateApr 1, 2024

Take caution when mirroring one’s actions or words - social psychologists with a warning to therapists

A recent study found that mimicking participants' actions or words increased feelings of guilt, contradicting the assumption that it fosters social bonding and reduces negative emotions. The researchers suggest that therapists carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using mimicry in therapy.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateApr 1, 2024

A high-boost and high-efficiency DC power converter

The new circuit design uses resonant tank circuits to store energy during switching periods, reducing losses and increasing efficiency. It also employs a planar transformer for compactness and good thermal performance. The prototype achieved an unprecedented 91.3% energy efficiency and reduced electromagnetic noise.

SourceKobe University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Australia on track for unprecedented, decades-long megadroughts

New research from ANU and other institutions predicts Australia will experience megadroughts lasting over 20 years, with consequences exacerbated by climate change. The study also found that 20th-century droughts in southwestern and eastern Australia were longer on average than pre-industrial times.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 2024

NIST researchers use cellphone compass to measure tiny concentrations of compounds important for human health

Researchers at NIST have developed a method using cellphone magnetometers to rapidly and cheaply measure biomedical properties for monitoring or diagnosing diseases, including glucose levels in saliva. The technique has the potential to detect environmental toxins and measure biomarkers such as histamines with high sensitivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Soluble immune checkpoint factors in blood as potential biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy for ICI cancer immunotherapy and assessing t-cell exhaustion

Researchers developed a novel assay to study immune checkpoint molecules in blood plasma, finding elevated concentrations in patients with immune-reactive tumors who were nonresponsive to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Soluble factors correlated with exhausted antitumor immunity and predicted therapy efficacy.

SourceKindai University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 1, 2024

Ni single-atom catalysts supported on anatase for propane dehydrogenation

Researchers have developed Ni single-atom catalysts supported on anatase for propane dehydrogenation, showing superior intrinsic activity and propylene selectivity. The catalysts exhibited higher rates of propylene production compared to traditional nanoparticle counterparts, likely due to the isolation of active sites.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateApr 1, 2024

Exposure to common environmental carcinogens decreases lifespan happiness

Researchers from Osaka University found that exposure to environmental carcinogens and psychological distress decrease emotional wellbeing in Japanese people, with a 0.0064-year decrease for radon and 0.97 years for psychological distress. The study suggests that reducing exposure to these chemicals can help promote longer, happier lives.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2024

Progress on chip-based spontaneous four-wave mixing quantum light sources

Researchers have made significant progress in generating photon pairs on chip through spontaneous four-wave mixing, enabling the creation of efficient quantum light sources. However, challenges remain, including low pair generation rates and collection efficiencies, which limit the performance of these sources.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeNews article·DateApr 1, 2024

Binge drinking among sports gamblers

A recent survey study reveals binge drinking is more prevalent among sports wagering individuals compared to nongamblers and non–sports gamblers. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to address excessive alcohol consumption in this demographic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 1, 2024

Powering the future: A game-changer for loT devices through advanced energy harvesting

A breakthrough energy management unit (EMU) boosts the power efficiency of electrostatic generators for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The innovation addresses impedance mismatch, enabling efficient environmental energy harvesting in IoT devices. This advancement enables self-powered IoT devices with unprecedented efficiency.

Create cooperative exciton-polariton condensate

Researchers observe superfluorescence effect for the first time and control collective state of dipole ensemble using new regulatory dimension. They demonstrate cooperative exciton-polariton condensation with enhanced coupling strength, enabling potential applications for ultra-narrow tunable lasers and optoelectronic devices.

We’ve had bird evolution all wrong

A frozen chunk of a bird's genome has rewritten the understanding of the bird family tree, revealing that most birds were misclassified due to suppressed recombination. Scientists discovered that one section of the genome behaved unusually, leading to incorrect groupings and a more complex tree.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2024

Mosquito detectives track malaria's history

A team of researchers is using 'pathogen prospecting' to study archived mosquitoes for clues about malaria's history. By analyzing DNA from these specimens, they aim to reconstruct the disease's evolution and distribution, informing efforts to combat its ongoing threat.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 1, 2024