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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 8


Page 8 of 38

Quantitative reconstruction of a “once-in-a-millennium” super rainstorm using daily resolved δ18O of land snail shells

Researchers used land snail shells to quantify a 'once-in-a-millennium' super rainstorm in central China, revealing the relationship between climate background and extreme weather variability. The study demonstrates that fossil snail shells can be used to reconstruct synoptic scale extreme rainstorms under different climate conditions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 27, 2024

KKH study: Exclusive breastfeeding leads to greater weight loss in women with high body mass index as compared to women with normal weight

A KKH study found that exclusively breastfed women with high body mass index (BMI) lost more weight than those with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy, with an average weight loss of 200 grammes. Women who practiced exclusive breastfeeding retained less postnatal weight compared to mixed feeding or formula feeding.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2024

Scientists use evolution to bioengineer new pathways to sustainable energy, pharmaceuticals

Researchers engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generating cellular energy without traditional carbon feedstocks. The hybrids can produce important hydrocarbons, paving new biotechnical pathways to non-petroleum-based energy and synthetic biology applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Why children can’t pay attention to the task at hand

Children's brains cannot focus on tasks because their working memory is not fully developed, according to a new study. Researchers found that even with rewards, children still 'over explore' and gather unnecessary information. This suggests that kids are naturally curious and unsure of retaining information in their memory.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Finding love: Study reveals where love lives in the brain

Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while subjects imagined six types of love. Love for children and romantic partners activated deep brain reward systems, while nature and pets activated visual areas. The study found consistent brain activation for all interpersonal loves, with differences in intensity.

SourceAalto University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 26, 2024

Volunteers record bee biodiversity and discover new species in Pennsylvania

A recent study found that 26 highly trained community scientists in Pennsylvania were more effective at documenting bee diversity than thousands of users of the photo-based app iNaturalist. The volunteers collected over twice as much biodiversity data, including new species and county records, through a collections-based program.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

New way to potentially slow cancer growth

A team of chemists at Scripps Research has mapped over 300 small molecule-reactive cancer proteins and their binding sites, revealing key protein targets that can be disrupted with certain chemical compounds to halt cancer cell growth. The findings have the potential to lead to more effective and precise cancer treatments.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2024

Could psychedelic-assisted therapy change addiction treatment?

A new special series of articles in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating alcohol dependence, opioid addiction, and other substance use disorders. Promising results suggest that this approach can lead to higher abstinence rates than conventional therapy alone.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 26, 2024

What microscopic fossilized shells tell us about ancient climate change

Researchers analyzed fossilized shells to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels during two hyperthermals, finding a close link between the two. The study provides insights into carbon cycle feedback mechanisms and sensitivities critical for predicting anthropogenic climate change.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Game-changing needle-free COVID-19 intranasal vaccine

A next-generation COVID-19 vaccine has been developed using a live attenuated intranasal approach, inducing strong memory responses and long-term protection. The vaccine provides cross-protection against all variants of concern and is highly effective against major SARS-CoV-2 proteins.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Progress on early diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is critical due to its progression from normal cognition to dementia. Non-cognitive signs like behavioral symptoms, sleep disorders, and sensory impairments may indicate cognitive decline. The review highlights the potential of blood-based biomarkers and gut microbiome in early diagnosis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Are crops worldwide sufficiently pollinated?

A Rutgers-led study found that one-third to two-thirds of farms worldwide suffer from low crop yields due to insufficient pollinators. However, researchers estimate that improving pollinator management and research can increase efficiency in existing fields to meet global nutritional needs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Transgender students more likely than cisgender peers to seek support from school staff, UW–Madison and NYU study finds

A new study by UW–Madison and NYU found that transgender students are 74% less likely than their cisgender peers to seek help from parents, but 48% more likely to seek support from adults in schools. The study also highlights the urgent need for adequate training for school staff on supporting transgender youth.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

HKU scientists develop AI-driven method to enhance electron microscopy imaging capabilities of complex biological systems

Researchers from HKU have developed a diffusion model-based algorithm called EMDiffuse to enhance imaging capabilities of complex biological systems using electron microscopy. The method addresses trade-offs between imaging speed, quality, and sample size, and improves the accuracy of ultrastructural details.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2024

Shakespeare in sign language, seen through AI

A new paper in JCOM describes the development of an automatic translation app for sign language, designed through co-creation with deaf communities. The research team used a theatrical performance and AI tools to gather feedback from audiences, informing the app's design and features.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeCase study·DateAug 26, 2024

Operating from 9,300km away

A team at ETH Zurich successfully conducted the first remote-controlled magnetic endoscopy procedure across a 9,300km distance. The procedure allowed for precise navigation and manipulation of a probe in a live pig's stomach via a joystick controlled by an operator in Zurich.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateAug 26, 2024

Tomato tangles: Cell wall components key to fruit ripening unveiled

A pioneering study has revealed the crucial role of cell wall components in tomato fruit ripening. Altering the SlP4H3 gene expression leads to significant disruptions in cell wall structure, affecting the interactions between AGPs and other polysaccharides like HGs and RG-I. This discovery could revolutionize agricultural practices, e...