Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 31


Page 31 of 38

Metalenses phase characterization by multi-distance phase retrieval

Researchers developed a new phase characterization method for metalenses based on multi-distance phase retrieval through optical field scanning. This innovative approach overcomes traditional interferometric techniques' limitations, enabling the measurement of phase distributions and wavefront errors with higher accuracy.

Molecule restores cognition, memory in Alzheimer’s disease model mice

A UCLA researcher identified a compound that effectively jumpstarts the brain's memory circuitry, restoring cognitive functions in mice with Alzheimer's disease symptoms. The molecule, DDL-920, works by targeting specific neurons to enhance gamma oscillations, which are critical for memory and cognition.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Scientists lay out revolutionary method to warm Mars

Researchers from University of Chicago and Northwestern University suggest new approach to terraforming Mars using engineered dust particles. The proposed method is over 5,000 times more efficient than previous schemes, using resources readily available on Mars, making it a significant leap forward in modifying the Martian environment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2024

Do dieticians have weight biases towards themselves and others?

A survey of UK registered dietitians revealed explicit and implicit weight bias attitudes, with nearly a quarter feeling their weight affects their professional performance. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing weight stigma in the dietetic profession to promote inclusivity and effective care.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateAug 7, 2024

Study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters

A new study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters, revealing disparities in exposure across racial and income groups. The research found that people from lower-income working communities have higher exposures and Black and Hispanic workers experience on average 35% and 23% higher PM2.5 exposure, respectively.

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

CalTech team develops first noninvasive method to continually measure true blood pressure

A CalTech research team has developed a noninvasive device that uses sound waves and ultrasound to measure true blood pressure continuously, providing full waveform data without the need for invasive procedures. The device holds promise for improved vital-sign monitoring at home, in hospitals, and in remote locations.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Cutting-edge 3D-printed microneedle technology revolutionizes remote healthcare

This innovative system combines remote health monitoring and drug delivery using 3D-printed hollow microneedles, advancing personalized medicine. The integrated theranostic microneedle array measures key health indicators like pH, glucose, and lactate levels, while enabling rapid, pumpless, and point-of-care drug administration.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

New perspectives for using corals in climate research

A research team from the University of Göttingen has developed a new method to analyze the oxygen isotope composition of coral skeletons, allowing for more accurate temperature reconstructions and insights into biomineralization processes. This breakthrough enables scientists to correct for 'vital effects' that can distort climate data.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Blood test can help predict chronic lung disease in preterm babies

A new study from Murdoch Children's Research Institute has identified changes in certain blood proteins that can predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm babies. By combining these protein changes with gestational age, birth weight, and sex, clinicians can make more accurate predictions of BPD risk within 72 hours of life.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Pesticide exposure linked to stillbirth risk in new study

A new study found that living near areas where pesticides were used during the first trimester of pregnancy or pre-conception increases the risk of stillbirths. Researchers linked pesticide use records to state birth certificate data and found specific chemicals, such as organophosphates and pyrethroids, to be associated with increased...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 7, 2024

Finding pearls in the mud: eco-friendly tungsten recovery from semiconductor waste

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have unveiled an eco-friendly method to extract rare metals from semiconductor waste, recovering precious tungsten and assessing its economic viability. The bioleaching process, using a fungus to dissolve metals, is found to be 7% cheaper than traditional methods.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 7, 2024

Social rank may determine if animals live fast, die young

A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...

SourceDartmouth College·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

More evidence on the dangerous attitudes of men who ogle

A new Edith Cowan University study found that men who frequently stare at women's bodies are more likely to harbor harmful attitudes and exhibit behaviors that may lead to sexual assault. The study validates the 'pervasive body gaze scale' as a reliable marker for sexual objectification and assault propensity.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by diet and exercise even in individuals with a high genetic risk

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes even in individuals with a high genetic risk. Lifestyle changes significantly improved glucose metabolism and reduced the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, regardless of genetic risk.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateAug 7, 2024

Hidden Harmonies

Researchers discovered a novel energy transfer channel between magnons and phonons in an antiferromagnet under Fermi resonance, enabling future control of such systems for faster data storage. This breakthrough could lead to increased operational frequencies and enhanced efficiency of magnetic writing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

St. Jude identifies SARS-CoV-2 “mimic” contributing to pediatric inflammatory syndrome

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found a link between a SARS-CoV-2 protein and the onset of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). A region of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein shares high sequence and immunogenic similarities to human protein SNX8, sparking an inflammatory response.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Demystifying APE1: New findings on direct activation of ATM signaling by DNA single-strand breaks

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the function of APE1 in DNA damage response, showing that it promotes SSB-induced ATM DDR through two mechanisms. The study provides direct evidence for APE1's active role in activating ATM kinase to promote the repair of single-strand DNA damage.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Breakthrough study reveals molecular subtypes of Down syndrome, offering insights for personalized medicine approaches

Researchers have identified distinct molecular and immune subtypes across individuals with Down syndrome, providing new insights for personalized medicine approaches. The study's findings could lead to tailored diagnostics and therapeutic approaches, addressing the unique manifestations of co-occurring conditions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2024

Pixels to pasture: how AI can help farmers predict their pasture

Researchers developed a machine learning-based system to analyze satellite data and provide farmers with information on pasture productivity and quality. The approach uses remote sensing and AI-driven processing to gather data on large areas, providing a scale-neutral solution for small- and large-scale farms.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalRemote Sensing Applications Society and Environment·DateAug 7, 2024

Wake Forest University School of Medicine receives $3.2 million grant to study financial hardship intervention in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will test a multilevel intervention, FinFit, to address financial hardship among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. The five-year trial aims to reduce financial burden by targeting education, insurance, and financial asset levels.

World’s highest-performance superconducting wire segment fabricated at UB

Researchers at the University of Buffalo have successfully fabricated the world's highest-performing high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wire segment, achieving critical current density and pinning force values previously unseen. The breakthrough could significantly improve the price-performance metric for commercial coated conducto...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Work emails, calls on golf course worsen performance, study finds

Researchers from Stellenbosch University discovered that using work-related content during golf sessions reduces performance, whereas personal activities have little to no effect. The study suggests a clear distinction between leisure and professional use of smartphones in recreational settings.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalInternational Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024

Increased ventilation not effective in reducing influenza virus spread in play-based model, Emory study finds

A new study by Emory University researchers found that increased ventilation in childcare settings may not be effective in preventing flu virus spread. The team used a play-based model using ferrets to study the spread of flu viruses in a setting that closely mimics a childcare venue.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Youth mental health-related emergency room trips declined significantly after Illinois ended COVID-19 lockdown

In Illinois, youth emergency room visits for depression and anxiety decreased significantly after the COVID-19 shutdown and plateaued at lower rates. Social media use is believed to be a contributing factor, with increased smartphone usage leading to reduced social interaction and sleep disturbances.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 6, 2024

Ketogenic Diet reduces friendly gut bacteria and raises cholesterol levels - University of Bath study

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that a ketogenic diet can reduce beneficial gut bacteria and increase unfavorable fats in the blood. The diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, may have long-term health implications such as increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 6, 2024