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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 5


Page 5 of 41

Researchers achieve electrosynthesis via superwetting organic-solid-water interfaces

Chinese scientists developed a new three-phase OSW electrocatalytic system for efficient production of high-purity benzaldehyde, achieving 97% Faradaic efficiency and 91.7% purity without post-purification processes. The system uses clean energy and water resources, simplifying product separation and purification.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2024

Behavioral therapy against ageing

A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that a combination of cognitive and physical therapy improved the behavior and engagement of older dogs. However, it was discovered that cognitive exercise alone had no positive effects, while physical activity alone showed modest improvements in flexibility and friendliness.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalGeroScience·DateApr 28, 2024

Gene seekers discover atypical two genes that control multiple valuable soybean traits

A team of researchers has identified two long noncoding RNA genes that control multiple traits in wild soybeans, including insect resistance and leaf growth. These findings can aid in the development of new domesticated soybean varieties with improved seed composition and nutritional traits.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2024

How did the early Great Barrier Reef manage rapid environmental change?

The study found that elevated nutrient levels impacted reef growth, leading to the establishment of slower-growing and more sediment-tolerant coral communities in deeper water. This provides evidence on early Holocene water quality and demonstrates the capacity of the reef to grow under conditions typically considered unsuitable.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2024

Global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out shows it to be very effective in reducing cervical cancer and other HPV-related disease, but huge variations between countries in coverage

The global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out has shown significant effectiveness in reducing HPV-related diseases. However, there are huge variations in coverage between countries, with high-income nations leading the way and many low- and middle-income countries lagging behind. Globally, only 44% of girls have received at least one dos...

Electro-optic tuning in composite silicon photonics based on ferroionic 2D materials

Researchers have demonstrated a novel approach to actively manipulate light using ferroionic 2D materials. These devices exhibit exceptional modulation efficiency and low optical losses, enabling applications in telecommunications, neuromorphic computing, and beyond.

Lower dose of mpox vaccine is safe and generates six-week antibody response equivalent to standard regimen

Researchers developed a dose-sparing intradermal mpox vaccination regimen that was safe and generated an antibody response equivalent to the standard regimen at six weeks. The results suggest this regimen could be used during future outbreaks to extend limited vaccine supply, but more study is needed to confirm its efficacy.

USTC reveals molecular mechanism of transmembrane bilirubin transport by human ABCC2 transporter

Researchers from USTC have successfully revealed the three-dimensional structure and working mechanism of the human bilirubin transporter ABCC2. The study proposes a unique regulatory domain that controls substrate recognition and transport, providing new insights into bilirubin metabolism and potential targeted treatment of related ge...

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2024

USTC reveals interaction mechanism between intestinal microbial environment and tumor immune microenvironment

Researchers have identified a novel pathway of interaction between the intestinal microbial ecosystem and the tumor immune microenvironment. They discovered that certain bacteria, such as C. scindens, produce secondary bile acids that suppress the effector function of CD8+ T cells, promoting colorectal cancer growth.

USTC constructs sophisticated synthetic system using self-replicating nanostructures

Researchers at USTC construct a synthetic system using self-replicating nanostructures, overcoming existing challenges in programmable assembly. The system demonstrates remarkable accuracy in recognizing and transmitting template information during replication, facilitating the creation of large-scale ordered nanomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 27, 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.