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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41

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

Living at higher altitudes in India linked to increased risk of childhood stunting

Research published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health found that living at higher altitudes in India increases the risk of childhood stunting. Children living above 2000m are 40% more likely to be stunted than those below 1000m. Mother's education and access to healthcare also play a crucial role in preventing stunting.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2024

Anthropologist documents how women and shepherds historically reduced wildfire risk in Central Italy

In Central Italy, traditional land management practices like leaf litter raking and sheep grazing reduced wildfire risk. However, these practices have been largely forgotten due to historical classism and sexism. The research highlights the importance of remembering these ancient practices in mitigating future wildfires.

Future parents more likely to get RSV vaccine when pregnant if aware that RSV can be a serious illness in infants

A nationwide survey found that pregnant people are more likely to receive the RSV vaccine if they believe the virus can be a serious illness in infants. The study also shows that parents with an existing child at home are more likely to get vaccinated, highlighting the importance of awareness and education.

Genetic variations may predispose people to Parkinson’s disease following long-term pesticide exposure, study finds

A new study found that genetic variants in lysosomal genes may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in individuals exposed to high levels of pesticides. The research suggests a potential gene-environment interaction, where minor changes in these genes can lead to increased disease risk under stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 25, 2024

Recent progress of narrowband perovskite photodetectors: fundamental physics and strategies

Narrowband perovskite photodetectors have achieved excellent detection performance with half-peak full-widths of 10-50 nm, opening up new opportunities for multispectral detection. The development of new strategies, such as charge collection narrowing effect and surface roughening effect, has improved their performance.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeNews article·DateApr 25, 2024

Shoulder surgeons should rethink a common practice, study suggests

A recent study suggests that removing the bursa during shoulder surgery may impair the success of rotator cuff repairs. The researchers found that the bursa protects the undamaged tendon and bone by maintaining their mechanical properties and promoting healing. Retaining the bursa may prevent or delay progression of tendon degeneration.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024