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Science News for August 28, 2024


Rare earth single atoms enhance manganese oxide's electrochemical oxygen evolution

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction by introducing rare earth single atoms into manganese oxide. This leads to unprecedented improvements in OER performance, making it a suitable alternative to traditional catalysts like ruthenium dioxide.

Augmented recognition of distracted driving state based on electrophysiological analysis of brain network

A new research paper proposes an electrophysiological analysis-based brain network method for augmented recognition of different types of distractions during driving. The study used a simulated experiment and machine learning classifiers to achieve high accuracy in distinguishing between normal and distracted states.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 28, 2024

Aging population: Public willingness to pay for healthcare hinges on perceived benefits and risks

Researchers found that informing people about future self-benefits from the healthcare system can increase health insurance contributions, but only among those unaware of fiscal risks. The study suggests that policymakers should implement fiscal consolidation policies to build trust in public finance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Economy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

UC Irvine study reveals health impacts of repeated wildfires and smoke exposure

The UC Irvine study found that frequent wildfires and smoke exposure take a significant toll on physical and mental health, local economies, and community resilience. Residents shared stories of breathing difficulties, sinus problems, eye irritation, psychological stress, anxiety, and fear due to persistent smoke and extreme heat.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Research Health·DateAug 28, 2024

Breaking open the AI black box, team finds key chemistry for solar energy and beyond

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to understand and improve light-harvesting molecules for solar energy applications. By combining AI with automated chemical synthesis and experimental validation, they were able to produce molecules four times more stable than traditional ones.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Measuring microplastic pollution in the marine food chain

Researchers developed a new method to assess and manage rising global plastic pollution by testing levels of microplastic contamination in marine plankton. The study found varying degrees of damage to common plastics using different chemical digestive aids, highlighting the need for effective strategies to mitigate marine pollution.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Half of Uber, Lyft trips replace more sustainable options

A California study found that over 50% of ride-hailing trips replaced more sustainable forms of transportation or created new vehicle miles, highlighting the need to improve the sustainability of ride-hailing services. The study also identified disparities in trip cancellations among low-income and minority groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

Waging war on ‘superbugs’ in aged care

A new study found that antibiotic use in aged care leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut, posing a significant risk to vulnerable residents. Researchers analysed stool samples from 164 residents and discovered nearly all carried resistant genes without symptoms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

In-person contact linked with lower levels of loneliness in older adults

A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that in-person contact is crucial for reducing loneliness in older adults, while phone and digital contact are less effective. The study revealed that even weak social ties can benefit from in-person visits, leading to lower levels of reported loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Lackluster prioritization of the health sector in government spending and dwindling donor contributions drive slow growth in health spending in Sub-Saharan Africa

A study published in PLOS Global Public Health finds that slow growth in health sector spending is projected in Sub-Saharan Africa until 2050. The decline is driven by tepid growth in government spending and reductions in development assistance for health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Chemical plastics recycling is ready to go

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for chemical plastics recycling that breaks down long-chain polymer molecules into monomers, creating high-quality plastics. The approach involves adding a powdered catalyst to molten plastic and stirring it with an impeller, resulting in improved mixing and fewer byproducts.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·DateAug 28, 2024

Clear up Clarkson’s organic confusion to boost green farming

A new study published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment suggests that greater education about sustainable agriculture is needed to support farmers. The research aims to clear up confusion between 'organic' and 'regenerative' farming, highlighting the importance of valuing quality and sustainability over cost.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Plant signaling pathways decoded

The study reveals that light-sensitive channels can be used to target specific ion signals in plants, allowing for the comparison of different signaling pathways. This breakthrough enables researchers to investigate plant stress responses in greater detail.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

What role did fear play in Europe's population growth?

A recent study suggests that fear of conflict significantly impacted the development of prehistoric European societies, leading to population declines and concentrations in safer locations. The researchers' computational model matches archaeological evidence, providing context for future refinements to modeling.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2024

Protein mutant stability can be inferred from AI-predicted structures

Researchers used AlphaFold2 to predict structural effects of mutations on protein stability, finding correlations between small structural changes and stability changes. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for protein engineering, enabling scientists to design proteins with specific functions more effectively.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2024

On Facebook ads, users may dislike ‘likes’

A new study from Texas McCombs finds that accumulating 'likes' can lead to fewer clicks for assertive CTA ads, but more clicks for informational ads. The researchers discovered that users respond positively to 'likes' from friends with similar interests, while those with dissimilar interests have a negative effect.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateAug 28, 2024

Bacterial cells transmit memories to offspring

Researchers found that brief, temporary changes to bacterial gene regulation imprint lasting changes within the network that are passed on to offspring. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions of how simple organisms transmit and inherit physical traits.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2024

Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer

Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Scientists at the University of São Paulo found that converting degraded land to climate-smart agricultural practices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil. The study highlights the need for more data and research opportunities to support the development of carbon markets and green finance mechanisms.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateAug 28, 2024

How breast cancer goes hungry

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a strategy to kill breast cancer cells and shrink tumors by depriving them of two vital nutrients: glutamine and its backup supply, alpha-ketoglutarate. This approach was successful in lab experiments and effective in treating tumors in mice.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Metabolism·DateAug 28, 2024

General exercise as good as yoga for female urinary incontinence

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that general exercise programs can reduce urinary incontinence symptoms almost as much as pelvic floor yoga. The LILA study involved 240 women who experienced urinary incontinence at least daily, and randomly assigned them to either a pelvic yoga program or a physical condit...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2024

Pain identified as dominant symptom in long Covid

A new study published in JRSM Open found that pain is the most prevalent and severe symptom reported by individuals with long Covid, affecting 26.5% of participants. Demographic factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, education level, and socioeconomic status significantly impact symptom severity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJRSM Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

‘Silent’ mutations found to have repercussions beyond their own gene

Silent gene mutations may have significant consequences beyond their own gene, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers found that synonymous mutations in one gene can increase the production of a neighboring gene by recruiting RNA polymerase to cryptic transcription sites.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2024

People experiencing relatively mild cases of mental ill-health may be perceived differently by others depending on whether or not diagnostic labels are provided

Research suggests that diagnostic labels for people experiencing mild mental health issues can increase empathy and support, but also undermine perceived agency and expectations of overcoming problems. This study found varying responses depending on the disorder, with some conditions eliciting high empathy and accommodation support.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Are English teachers in Japan ready to teach students with disabilities?

A novel study in Japan identifies key training needs among English teachers to provide more inclusive education for students with disabilities. Most participants felt unprepared and needed targeted training, especially in differentiation and specific considerations for teaching students with diverse needs.

SourceSophia University·JournalAsian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Rain or shine? How rainfall impacts size of sea turtle hatchlings

A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

TILDA reveals crucial insights on loneliness and death ideation among older adults

A study of 8,000 community-dwelling adults reveals that loneliness in later life is strongly associated with death ideation, but engaging in social activities, particularly religious services, can protect against this. The research highlights the critical issue of social disconnection and its link to a 'wish to die' among older adults.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2024

Novel features of r-process nucleosynthesis shed light on origin of heavy elements

Researchers have proposed a new scenario for rapid neutron capture process (r-process) nucleosynthesis in common envelope jet supernovae (CEJSNe), producing the greatest abundance of elements heavier than lanthanides. This finding suggests that CEJSNe is critical for explaining the characteristics of r-enhanced metal-poor stars.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 28, 2024

Team discovers transient rise in depletion attraction contributes to mitotic chromosome condensation

A team of scientists developed a special light microscopy system to analyze molecular density in cellular environments. They found that crowding around chromosomes increases during cell division, leading to a rise in depletion attraction, which renders chromosomes more rigid and ensures accurate transmission.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2024

The Public Health Career Explorer launches, matching health department job openings with career interests and preparation

The Public Health Career Explorer assesses users' interests and provides matching public health careers with varying levels of preparation. The tool also offers job openings across the country, supporting local health departments in recruitment and retention efforts.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 28, 2024

Alternatives in car and aircraft construction: New joining and additive manufacturing processes allow adhesive-free joining of wood and metal

Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed two techniques to join wood with metals and polymer composites without adhesives or screws. The AddJoining technique uses 3D printing to create strong joints, while the Ultrasonic Joining method employs high-frequency vibration to melt polymer into wood pores. These methods show pr...

SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

New vaccine created by Mizzou researchers protects cattle from deadly tick-borne disease

A new vaccine created by Mizzou researchers protects cattle from bovine anaplasmosis, a devastating tick-borne disease causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses. The vaccine has been proven to give immunized cattle protection for at least a month and is being discussed with industry partners for future distribution.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalVaccine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

UBC engineers develop all-in-one solution to catch and destroy ‘forever chemicals’

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed an all-in-one solution to remove and destroy PFAS substances, also known as 'forever chemicals,' from water supply. The system combines an activated carbon filter with a patented catalyst that traps and breaks down harmful chemicals into harmless components.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateAug 28, 2024

Certain diabetes drugs might prevent dementia

A large observational study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes may prevent dementia, with a 35% reduced risk of developing the condition compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Longer treatment duration was also associated with greater benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Husbands still dominate investment decisions

New research reveals a persistent gender gap in household decision-making, with husbands holding more control over investments and potentially exposing their wives to unwanted financial risks. The study found that this power imbalance can have significant consequences for women's financial well-being and overall security.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

Fighting fungal foes: Walnut's genetic armor against anthracnose revealed

Researchers identified a gene module regulating walnut resistance to anthracnose, a widespread fungal disease. The JrPHL8-JrWRKY4-JrSTH2L module enhances disease defense by boosting the expression of key genes, providing new avenues for breeding resistant walnut varieties and promoting sustainable cultivation practices.

Noncooperative target finite-time surrounding control of spacecraft formation

The article proposes a novel finite-time ESO for noncooperative target surrounding control in spacecraft formation. A new manifold is defined and an observer is used to estimate the unknown dynamics. The state equation of the proposed FTESO is obtained, which enables the controller to fulfill the surrounding mission rapidly.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateAug 28, 2024

Chromosome copying errors pinpointed in embryo development

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics found multiple specialized types of DNA replication in early-stage embryos, including a period of instability prone to chromosomal copying errors. This discovery could lead to improved methods of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and better strategies for minimizing chromosomal abnormalities.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2024

UVA research cracks the autism code, making the neurodivergent brain visible

A multi-university research team led by University of Virginia engineering professor Gustavo K. Rohde has developed a system that can accurately spot genetic markers of autism in brain images. The system uses generative computer modeling technique called transport-based morphometry, which reveals brain structure patterns that predict v...

Gria: An efficient deterministic concurrency control protocol

The Gria protocol addresses issues in existing deterministic concurrency control protocols by introducing an auto-scaling batch size, reducing conflicts in low-concurrency scenarios, and eliminating write-after-write conflicts. Experimental results show a significant performance improvement over Aria, outperforming it by 13x.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Lower HPV vaccination coverage among girls with mental health conditions

A new Swedish registry study found that girls with mental illness or neurodevelopmental conditions have lower HPV vaccination coverage compared to their peers. The study involved over 115,000 girls and found significant differences in vaccination rates among those with psychiatric diagnoses or receiving psychotropic medications.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024