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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 30


Page 30 of 38

Work-from-home success might depend on home office setup

A Dutch survey study found that higher satisfaction with home office setup, including air ventilation, is associated with higher productivity and lower burnout. The study suggests that investing in home-office hardware and environmental factors can support work-from-home policies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Most existing heat wave indices fail to capture heat wave severity

Researchers found that five out of six existing heat-wave indices were unable to capture the severity and spatial distribution of recent lethal heat waves in India, Spain, and the USA. The lethal heat-stress index was better able to identify dangerous heat-stress conditions, particularly in low-humidity regions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 7, 2024

HKU researchers shed light on overcoming cancer drug resistance unlocking potential to expand use of PARP inhibitors across cancer types

A research team from the University of Hong Kong has discovered that the protein FANCM promotes resistance to cancer drugs called PARP inhibitors. This discovery could lead to new treatment strategies and broaden the application of PARP inhibitors across various cancer types.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 7, 2024

Steady flight of kestrels could help aerial safety soar

Researchers studied kestrels' hovering flight behavior, revealing insights that could improve drone stability in turbulent conditions. The study found that birds use changes in wing surface area to achieve stable flight, a method that could be applied to morphing wings in drones.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Multi-omics strategy reveals that Cordyceps Sinensis ameliorates sepsis-associated acute kidney injury via reprogramming of mitochondrial energy metabolism and macrophage polarization

Researchers investigated the potential pharmacological action of Cordyceps Sinensis against sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. CS treatment improved renal function, suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression, and promoted mitochondrial complex activity.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Materia Medica·DateAug 7, 2024

Study on planet-warming contrails “a spanner in the works” for aviation industry

A new study reveals that modern commercial aircraft create longer-lived planet-warming contrails than older aircraft, potentially offsetting their lower carbon emissions. The research highlights the challenges of reducing aviation's climate impact, with private jets also found to produce more contrails than previously thought.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 7, 2024

How fungi elude antifungal treatments

Researchers at Michigan State University characterized how fungi restructure their cell walls to thwart current antifungal medications. The study found that fungi enhance their survival odds by making specific changes to the structure and organization of the components in their cell walls, rendering existing drugs ineffective.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2024

How media impacts digital technology adoption in U.S. and Brazilian agriculture

A study found that farmers in both countries rely on interpersonal meetings, social media, and mass media for technology adoption, with social media playing a more significant role in Brazil. The researchers suggest that understanding the complex process of technology adoption can help tech companies reach potential customers.

Urban concrete mines

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to combine old concrete with carbon dioxide to create a new, durable material called calcium carbonate concrete. The process involves grinding the old concrete into powder, reacting it with CO2 from the air, and then heating it to form the new block.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Asthma emergencies spike when allergenic pollen blooms

A new Cornell University study reveals that asthma-related emergency room visits spike significantly during periods of high allergenic pollen bloom in metropolitan areas. The research highlights the importance of science-based pollen forecasts to alert vulnerable individuals and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateAug 7, 2024

Photonics-assisted THz wireless communication enabled by wide-bandwidth packaged back-illuminated modified uni-traveling-carrier photodiode

A new photonic transmitter uses a wide-bandwidth packaged back-illuminated modified uni-traveling-carrier photodiode to achieve high-performance THz wireless communication. The device exhibits an over 80 GHz bandwidth and high saturated output power, promising applications in 6G mobile communication technology.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateAug 7, 2024

Researchers create new device for on-the-spot water testing

A new technology allows for rapid and accurate detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in water sources, enabling Environmental Health Officers and groundwater schemes to test more frequently. The portable device provides on-the-spot results in under an hour, helping to prevent outbreaks of infection.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalMicrobiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 7, 2024

Birmingham host to investigational treatment trial which could improve outcomes of pregnancies affected by severe haemolytic disease

A clinical study in Birmingham has found that nipocalimab can improve the survival rate of unborn babies with rare fetal anaemia. The majority of pregnant patients who received nipocalimab gave birth at or after 32 weeks without needing an intrauterine transfusion, resulting in a perinatal survival rate of 92%.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2024

Memory loss in aging and dementia: Dendritic spine head diameter predicts memory in old age

A study published in Science Advances found that the quality of synapses, specifically dendritic spine head diameter, predicts episodic memory performance in older adults. Researchers suggest targeting pathways that maintain spine head diameter or synaptic strength may yield greater therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Dealing with runaway metastatic disease

Researchers discuss how PROM2 is a predictive biomarker of distant metastases and shorter survival among patients with stage III melanomas. They also demonstrate that runaway metastasis is closely linked to PROM2 overexpression, through increased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition marker expression and ferroptosis resistance.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 7, 2024

Sichuan Province earthquake offers lessons for landslide prediction from GNSS observations

Researchers tested GNSS data for rapid landslide prediction and found near real-time prediction possible within 40 minutes, according to Chen and colleagues. The study highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring and improved prediction models for regions susceptible to landslides.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 7, 2024

Higher glucose levels worsen prognosis in ischemic stroke patients

A study published in Cardiovascular Diabetology found that higher blood glucose levels at admission significantly increase the risk of a poor functional prognosis or death within three months of an ischemic stroke. The study revealed that even a 10% increase in glucose levels raises the risk by 7%, and mortality risk by 88%.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·DateAug 7, 2024

When is too much knowledge a bad thing?

A new study suggests that increased knowledge can backfire when individuals prioritize their own interests over the greater good. The 'knowledge curse' concept, coined by Cornell University economists, highlights the potential for enhanced understanding to hinder cooperation and lead to worse outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 7, 2024

Sugary drink intake by children and adolescents increased by almost a quarter between 1990 and 2018

The study found that sugary drink intake among children and adolescents increased by an average of 23% from 1990 to 2018, with the largest increases seen in sub-Saharan Africa. The global average intake was 3.6 standard servings per week, with significant variations by region, age, sex, parental education, and rural vs urban residence.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Using photos or videos, these AI systems can conjure simulations that train robots to function in physical spaces

Researchers have developed AI systems that use photos or videos to create simulations for training robots in real settings. The RialTo system generates highly accurate simulations of specific environments, while the URDFormer system creates generic simulations quickly and cheaply. These advancements aim to lower costs and increase acce...

A step toward more effective vaccines

Researchers at Stanford University developed a nanoparticle platform to make vaccines more effective against various pathogens. The platform allows for the elicitation of different immune responses, enabling the identification of the most effective type of protection.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2024