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Science News Archive December 2024 - Page 23


Page 23 of 39

Discovery of new growth-directed graphene stacking domains may precede new era for quantum applications

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have discovered new growth-directed graphene stacking domains that can be self-assembled without manual twisting or alignment. These domains are well-suited for enabling unconventional quantum Hall effects, superconductivity, and charge density waves.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

More attention should be paid to the health of deep soil in low-yield farmland!

A recent study highlights the importance of deep soil health in improving crop productivity on low-yielding farmland. Researchers found that improving surface soil health can increase wheat yield, while a complex microbial network is essential for maintaining soil health and crop productivity.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Better environmental performance boosts profits and cuts costs

Researchers analyzed financial and environmental data from 8,547 companies across 34 countries, revealing that stronger environmental engagement leads to better financial outcomes. Companies with superior environmental performance demonstrate better financial results and attract greater interest from investors.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

AI predicts Earth’s peak warming

Researchers trained an AI system to predict future warming based on climate model simulations and historical temperature data. The study suggests that even in the best-case scenario, global warming will likely exceed 2 degrees Celsius, with severe impacts expected in regions such as South Asia and Central Europe.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 10, 2024

Could Africa’s largest water dispute be avoided with open science?

Researchers suggest a scientific framework to operate the Nile's mega dams during droughts, balancing sustainable hydropower generation with minimizing downstream water deficit. The framework aims to increase resilience for over 300 million inhabitants in the Eastern Nile Basin living under uncertain climatic projections.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2024

High-speed rail and regional environmental inequality

The introduction of high-speed rail between 1998 and 2010 spread green technologies and reduced industrial pollution across lagging regions, particularly in central inland provinces and northeastern areas. This led to a 0.49%–1.70% reduction in national industrial pollution and increased patent filings for green technology patents.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 10, 2024

U.S. medical students, residents receive limited training on treating current and formerly incarcerated

A new study reveals that medical schools are not teaching doctors to care for the incarcerated or formerly incarcerated population, who face significant chronic health issues. Approximately 95% of those incarcerated will return to the community, but medical providers are not prepared to serve them.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 10, 2024

The biomechanics of the rose prickle

The rose prickle's curved tapering shape and microstructural density enable supreme damage resistance capabilities. Researchers propose that these features could be used to develop ultra-small anchoring tools for diverse applications.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 10, 2024

Woodburning creates major PM2.5 air pollution issue in UK West Midlands

A new study reveals woodburning contributes significantly to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the region, accounting for 25% of total PM2.5 mass. The experts recommend targeted measures to mitigate health risks associated with woodburning activities, including raising public awareness and promoting cleaner alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAtmospheric Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Advancing the synthesis of two-dimensional gold monolayers

Scientists at Lund University and Hokkaido University have successfully synthesized 2D gold monolayers with remarkable thermal stability and potential catalytic utility. The team used a novel bottom-up approach combined with high-performance computations to create macroscopically large gold monolayers with unique nanostructured patterns.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

New study a first step in understanding current practice patterns of treatment for sarcoidosis

Researchers found variation in practice patterns of sarcoidosis treatment, particularly in the use of nonsteroidal immunosuppressive medications and sequence of administration. The study highlights the need for future randomized trials and comparative effectiveness studies to ascertain optimal treatment algorithms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCHEST Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

Particle that only has mass when moving in one direction observed for first time

Researchers at Penn State and Columbia University have observed a type of quasiparticle called a semi-Dirac fermion that has mass when moving in one direction but not in the other. The discovery, made using a technique called magneto-optical spectroscopy, could lead to advances in emerging technologies such as batteries and sensors.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

MD Anderson and AmMax Bio announce agreements to advance development of AMB-066 in colorectal cancer patients with minimal residual disease

The collaboration aims to evaluate the potential of AMB-066 as a first-in-class treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer and minimal residual disease. MD Anderson researchers have identified a potential opportunity for AMB-066 to effectively treat MRD-positive CRC, based on robust preclinical data.

T-cell receptor repertoire analysis in the context of transarterial chemoembolization synergy with systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Research suggests that T-cell receptor repertoire analysis can inform treatment responses and predict efficacy in combination therapies for HCC. Advances in sequencing technologies are refining our understanding of tumor-immune interactions and adaptive immune mechanisms.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateDec 10, 2024

New review highlights variant-specific differences in long COVID, underscoring vaccine role and future directions for research and care

A recent review examines how SARS-CoV-2 variants impact long COVID symptoms, revealing key differences in clinical manifestations and vaccination effectiveness. The study suggests that vaccinations significantly reduce both acute and long-term symptoms, making a critical contribution to managing the condition.

First evidence in the Levant (and among the first in the world) of communal worship in caves and the development of religious rituals

A 35,000-year-old ritual complex in the Manot Cave offers insight into the spiritual practices of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups. The discovery reveals evidence of human-made engravings, ash remains from fire, and acoustic tests that suggest a unique auditory experience for communal activities.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2024

Milan under stress due to heat waves: study reveals districts most at risk of cardiovascular emergencies

A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals districts most at risk of cardiovascular emergencies during heat waves in Milan. The research found that 23% of the city's population in 18 vulnerable districts face a 22% increased risk, while 20 low-vulnerability districts show no significant increase.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalPopulation and Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

The impact of government assistance, housing, and employment on postpartum maternal health across income and race

A study reveals that lower-income and minority mothers face disproportionate challenges in postpartum health due to inadequate social support systems. The research emphasizes the need for targeted policy interventions to improve maternal health equity, strengthen postpartum care, and reduce health disparities.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalBMC Public Health·DateDec 10, 2024

Buyers need market orientation and strategic capability to create customer value in public procurement

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that a market-oriented organisational culture is positively associated with strategic procurement capability, which predicts the use of public procurement of innovations to create customer value. The study highlights the importance of both market orientation and strategic proc...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScience and Public Policy·DateDec 10, 2024

Young children less likely than adults to see discrimination as harmful

A new study by New York University psychology researchers found that young children in the US are less likely than adults to view discriminatory acts as harmful. However, by the age of 8, children begin to recognize discrimination as more harmful when targeting certain groups. The study suggests the importance of teaching children abou...

SourceNew York University·JournalCognitive Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Sculpting the brain (without chisel or scalpel)

Researchers use real-time neuroimaging and neurofeedback to modify brain activity patterns, enabling faster learning and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The study demonstrates the ability to inscribe new patterns into the brain without physical manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024