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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 4


Page 4 of 38

Silicon chip propels 6G communications forward

A team of scientists from Osaka University has created a polarisation multiplexer on a substrateless silicon base, which doubles the data capacity under the same bandwidth with lower data loss than existing devices. This innovation paves the way for more robust and reliable high-speed wireless networks.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Lack of competition between petrol stations hits households most in poorest areas

Households in low-income areas face higher petrol price increases when rival fuel stations close compared to high-income areas. Despite new station openings, low-income areas do not benefit from the same drop in prices. The study found that larger chains respond with higher price increases following a rival's exit.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies implementing a state standing order to distribute naloxone without a prescription showed a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths. The analysis, conducted from 2013 to 2018, observed a gradual decline of 16% per year in cities with naloxone distribution, compared to those without.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

HKUST and SJTU physics researchers identify new multiple Majorana zero modes in superconducting SnTe

The researchers identified crystal-symmetry-protected multiple Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in a single vortex of the superconducting topological crystalline insulator SnTe. This discovery offers a new pathway to realizing fault-tolerant quantum computers, which is essential for robust and reliable quantum computing.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies dispensing standing order naloxone experienced a gradual and significant decrease in opioid deaths, averaging 16% per year. This suggests that expanding access to naloxone through state-mandated standing orders can save lives and reduce opioid fatality rates.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Land-sea “tag-team” devastated ocean life millions of years ago reveal scientists

A team of researchers discovered that a 'tag-team' between the oceans and continents led to severe environmental crises, causing mass extinctions of marine species. The study found that chemical weathering pulses disrupted the oceans, leading to anoxic events that had profound impacts on marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Blocking the longevity gene S6K1 extends lifespan by reducing inflammation

Research published in Nature Aging has shown that deleting the S6K1 gene in aged mouse livers reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory protein production, linking metabolic regulation to aging and disease. This finding provides a biological mechanism for the beneficial effects of removing S6K1 on health span.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Ancient sea cow attacked by a crocodile and sharks sheds new light on prehistoric food chains

A team of experts discovered a dugongine sea cow attacked by an ancient crocodile and tiger shark, shedding light on prehistoric food chains. The fossils showed signs of both active predation and scavenging, providing new insights into the region's food chain networks during the Miocene epoch.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Innovative light-activated polymerization methods unlock new possibilities for intracellular applications

Researchers developed two innovative methods for intracellular polymerization using light stimuli, offering precise spatial and temporal control. These methods have the potential to modulate various cellular functions, making them a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Protocols·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 29, 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