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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 12


Page 12 of 38

What works: Groundbreaking evaluation of climate policy measures over two decades

Researchers evaluated 1,500 climate policies over two decades and identified successful cases, such as China's pilot emissions trading systems and the UK's minimum carbon price, which delivered major emission reductions. The study highlights the importance of well-designed policy mixes in achieving climate neutrality.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

New gels could protect buildings during wildfires

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a water-enhancing gel that lasts longer and is significantly more effective than existing commercial gels. The new gel creates a silica-based aerogel shield that protects structures from heat and flames, offering enhanced and long-lasting wildfire protection.

SourceStanford University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 22, 2024

Pollution drives families to relocate – but only the rich can afford to live in healthier areas

A new study finds that pollution levels significantly impact households' decision to relocate within the US, with poorer families being priced out of healthier areas. Richer households, on the other hand, opt for cleaner environments, earning more than average in their new communities.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Novel redox-active metal-organic framework as an anode material for Li batteries operating in freezing conditions

Researchers at KIER developed a redox-active metal-organic framework called SKIER-5 for Li batteries that remains stable in cold conditions. It achieved a discharge capacity five times higher than that of graphite anode material and showed exceptional durability after 1,600 charge-discharge cycles.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateAug 22, 2024

UVA engineers design lookalike drug carrier to evade lung’s lines of defense

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have designed a drug-carrying molecule that can slip past the lung's natural defenses. The nanocarrier, called PEG-BB, is shaped like a bottlebrush and mimics the properties of mucus, allowing it to move quickly through the airway.

Chronic cough may be hereditary

A study published at Uppsala University found that chronic cough is hereditary, with a 50% increased risk for offspring if one parent has the condition. The research also revealed differences in care between regions and highlights the need for better guidelines.

SourceUppsala University·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

Promising treatment for rectal cancer confirmed in major study

A new treatment approach has been confirmed effective in a major study, showing that locally advanced rectal cancer patients can experience complete tumour disappearance without needing surgery. This method reduces the risk of recurrence and preserves normal bowel function, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

How thyroid hormone fuels the drive to explore

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that thyroid hormone changes brain wiring to drive exploratory behavior, which is essential for survival during seasonal changes. The study found a link between thyroid hormone levels and metabolic rates, shedding light on the hormone's role in modulating behavior.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

For first time, DNA tech offers both data storage and computing functions

Researchers have demonstrated DNA-based technologies that can store, retrieve, compute, erase, and rewrite data. The technology uses soft polymer materials with unique morphologies to create a structure with high surface area for depositing DNA, enabling the full range of operations found in traditional electronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Study with Rohingya refugee children: Resilient and prosocial despite adversity

A study with Rohingya refugee children found that they exhibit resilient prosocial behaviour and increased well-being after participating in an intervention programme. The programme promoted cooperation, emotional perspective-taking, and cognitive skills training, leading to improved prosociality and cooperation among the children.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

Revealing DNA behavior in record time

Researchers developed SPARXS, a parallel analysis technique that allows studying millions of DNA molecules simultaneously. This enables new insights into how structure and function depend on sequence, with potential applications in personalized medicine, nanotechnology, and genetic research.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Can’t buy me love: TikTok users seek authenticity in sponsored content, dismissing top influencers in favor of smaller creators

Research from uOttawa's Telfer School of Management reveals that consumers distrust super-influencers with high follower counts and instead engage more with smaller creators promoting sponsored content. This is attributed to the size of these micro-influencers, which fosters a stronger sense of trust with their audience.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPsychology and Marketing·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Bed-sharing has no impact on children’s psychological development

A recent study published in Attachment and Human Development found no association between bed-sharing at 9 months and childhood emotional or behavioral problems. Despite ongoing debate, the research suggests that parental bed-sharing is unlikely to have a negative impact on children's development when practiced safely.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalAttachment & Human Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Fishery assessment models – the “backbone” of fisheries management – overstate sustainability of global fisheries

A study of 230 fisheries worldwide found significant biases in stock biomass estimates, particularly for overfished stocks, leading to underestimated declines and insufficient management. The findings suggest that 85% more stocks than currently recognized have likely collapsed below 10% of their historical biomass.

Chlamydia can infect gastrointestinal epithelial cells in the lab

Researchers have successfully infected gastrointestinal epithelial cells with Chlamydia trachomatis using lab-grown human organoids. This finding supports the theory that Chlamydia can form a reservoir in the human gut, highlighting the importance of further investigation into this potential reservoir.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 22, 2024

Fighting coastal erosion with electricity

Researchers have developed a bioinspired process to make marine sand more durable and resistant to erosion by applying a mild electric current. This natural cement reduces the need for expensive protection structures and provides a sustainable solution for strengthening global coastlines.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Researchers observe floquet states in colloidal nanoplatelets driven by visible pulses

Researchers directly observed Floquet states in colloidal nanoplatelets driven by visible pulses using all-optical spectroscopy. The study provided an all-optical direct observation of Floquet states in semiconductor materials and uncovered rich spectral and dynamic physics of these states.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 21, 2024

Study reveals best exercise for diabetes patients

A new study found that interval exercise is better suited for men with low blood sugar levels, while continuous exercise is more effective for women. The research suggests that gender-specific recommendations should be considered when prescribing aerobic exercise to patients with type-1 diabetes.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 21, 2024