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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 16


Page 16 of 38

Organized youth sports are increasingly for the privileged

A study found that organized youth sports are increasingly dominated by privileged families, with those from educated parents being more likely to participate. Despite an overall increase in sports participation, there has been a concerning rise in kids dropping out of sports, affecting both generations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalLeisure/Loisir·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2024

Ambitious people aren’t born leaders

A study of 472 executives found that leadership ambition is linked to self-rated effectiveness, but not third-party evaluations. This implies that society may need alternative approaches to choosing and training leaders.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 20, 2024

New computational methodology to predict the complex formation of interesting nanostructures

Researchers developed a new computational methodology to simulate polyoxometalate (POM) formation, enabling the prediction of key factors and suitable conditions. This enhances the open-source tool POMSimulator, facilitating efficient processing of numerous speciation models.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalChemical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 20, 2024

To subvert immune response, COVID virus stimulates production of proteins without protective function

SARS-CoV-2 uses machinery of defense cells to induce expression of unproductive isoforms of key antiviral genes, disrupting normal protein production and immune response. The study provides fundamental information on potential targets for antiviral medications and immunomodulatory interventions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateAug 20, 2024

Researchers uncover the secrets of “plant puberty”

A recent study by University of York researchers investigated the factors influencing plant development, finding specific genetic changes control timing. Plants redirect nutrients from leaves to reproductive organs earlier than anticipated, suggesting potential for improving crop uniformity and nutritional value.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 20, 2024

UBC research pinpoints how early-life antibiotics turn immunity into allergy

Researchers at UBC have identified a specific cascade of events that lead to allergies and asthma after early-life antibiotic use. The study found that butyrate-producing bacteria play a key role in halting the allergic response, and that targeting ILC2 cells may provide new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

The underrated impact of humidity

A study from the University of Tokyo found that incorporating humidity data into heat stress indicators improves predictions of climate-related deaths. The researchers analyzed data from hundreds of cities and found that humid environments, such as coastal areas, are more accurate predictors of heat-related mortality.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 20, 2024

UCF researcher develops lotus-inspired tech to convert CO2 to fuels, chemicals

A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nature-inspired filtration and conversion system that extracts carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere to create fuels and chemicals. The device mimics the lotus surface, capturing carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal study reframes guidelines for transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

The Chinese College of Interventionalists has introduced a consensus statement on TACE refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing a framework for clinicians to identify and manage the condition. This move aims to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes, particularly in China where HCC incidence is high due...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSurvey·DateAug 20, 2024

Planets contain more water than thought

Researchers found that as planet mass increases, water tends to integrate with the iron core, leading to a reevaluation of astronomical observation data and planetary habitability. This discovery has significant implications for the study of Super-Earths and the search for life beyond Earth.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 20, 2024

Molecular wires with a twist

Researchers at Osaka University have created molecular wires with periodic twists that increase electrical conductivity. The discovery could lead to the development of cheaper and biocompatible electronic devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Using low-cost videoscopes to obtain accurate video “oral selfies” as screening for hpv-associated oropharyngeal cancer: a new screening technology?

Researchers used low-cost videoscopes to create high-quality 'oral selfies' for OPSCC screening, demonstrating their feasibility and effectiveness. The study's findings support the potential of these devices as a viable tool for widespread screening in resource-limited settings.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateAug 20, 2024

PolyU scientists harness quantum microprocessor chips for revolutionary molecular spectroscopy simulation

Researchers at PolyU have successfully developed a quantum microprocessor chip that can simulate large-structured and complex molecules with high accuracy. The breakthrough enables scientists to tackle complicated quantum chemistry problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Fossil hotspots in Africa obscure a more complete picture of human evolution

Researchers at George Washington University found that fossil hotspots in eastern Africa, such as the East African Rift System, bias our understanding of human evolution due to their limited geographic representation. The study suggests that scientists must take this bias into account when interpreting early human history and recommend...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 20, 2024

Blood platelet score detects previously unmeasured risk of heart attack and stroke

Researchers developed a new platelet-centric scoring system to predict platelet hyperreactivity and cardiovascular events. The Platelet Reactivity ExpresSion Score (PRESS) can detect hyperreactive platelets in patients at imminent risk of heart attack and healthy individuals with unknown future risk.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Predation drives opportunistic bacteria to become more virulent

A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that predation by protists increases the virulence of opportunistic pathogens like Serratia marcescens. The presence of the predator Tetrahymena thermophila led to stronger biofilm formation and greater antimicrobial resistance, resulting in higher mortality in honey bees.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Seismic game-changer: the multidirectional negative-stiffness isolation system

A novel negative-stiffness isolation device has been developed to provide multidirectional negative stiffness and energy dissipation, effectively mitigating earthquake impacts. The device's advanced design enhances seismic protection by offering a robust solution for safeguarding buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics·DateAug 20, 2024

Red and processed meat consumption associated with higher type 2 diabetes risk, study of two million people finds

A recent study analyzing data from 1.97 million participants found that consuming 50g of processed meat a day increases type 2 diabetes risk by 15%, while eating 100g of unprocessed red meat daily raises the risk by 10%. Poultry consumption was also associated with a higher risk, but to a lesser extent.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2024

Re-cryopreservation impairs blastocyst implantation potential via activated endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and induced apoptosis

A study by Jin et al. found that re-cryopreservation in blastocysts results in impaired development potential, decreased implantation rates, and lower live birth rates. The researchers discovered an association between re-cryopreservation and activated endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and induced apoptosis.