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Science News Archive December 2024 - Page 29


Page 29 of 39

BeginNGS® newborn screening by genome sequencing shown to be safe and effective in two clinical studies

The BeginNGS platform uses genome sequencing and artificial intelligence to detect rare genetic diseases in newborns, achieving a 97% reduction in false positives. This technology has the potential to save thousands of lives by providing earlier diagnoses and treatment.

SourceRady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2024

Coastal retreat in Alaska is accelerating because of compound climate impacts

Scientists warn that Alaska's Arctic Coastal Plain will experience unprecedented transformation due to the compounding effects of sea level rise, permafrost thaw subsidence, and erosion. By 2100, total land loss is expected to exceed erosional losses by up to eight times, posing new challenges to coastal communities.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2024

Researchers: If Power-to-X is to be a real climate solution, the state needs to use the stick

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers highlights the challenges in investing in green hydrogen projects, citing market risks, regulatory uncertainty, and high costs. Oil and gas companies are better positioned to finance large-scale hydrogen projects due to their expertise and infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEnvironment and Planning A Economy and Space·DateDec 5, 2024

From one gene switch, many possible outcomes

A team of researchers has discovered that subtle changes in a lipid-binding region can dramatically alter the function of transcription factors in plants. By swapping the START domains of two near-identical paralogs, PHB and CNA, the researchers demonstrated that this single change could rewrite developmental instructions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Novel quantum materials in the spotlight

German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.

Climate change threatens global food supply: Scientists call for urgent action

An international team of researchers warns that climate change could lead to widespread food shortages and famine if rapid changes are not made to develop climate-resilient crops. The group emphasizes the need for unprecedented collaboration between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public to address this crisis.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 5, 2024

Q&A: What fossils reveal about ancient Australian forests and fire

Fossil evidence from Australia and South America challenges prevailing narrative that eucalypt forests are under siege from expanding rainforests. The study suggests that fire became a feature of these vegetation interactions in Australia around five million years ago, making large-scale fire interventions unnecessary.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2024

X-ray data-enhanced computational method can determine crystal structures of multiphase materials

Researchers develop a computational method to determine the crystal structures of multiphase materials directly from powder X-ray diffraction patterns. This approach can analyze existing experimental data that was previously difficult to decipher, leading to potential discoveries of new material phases.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2024

Shaking sensor continuously monitors inflammation

A new implantable device, inspired by a tree branch, uses DNA sensors to continuously monitor inflammation biomarkers in the body. The device accurately measures protein biomarkers of inflammation in diabetic rats and has potential applications for managing acute and chronic conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

DGIST develops nitrogen-doped catalyst technology to accelerate hydrogen fuel cell commercialization

A research team at DGIST has developed a breakthrough technology that improves fuel cell durability by incorporating nitrogen into alloy catalysts. The new method significantly enhances stability and reduces platinum usage, leading to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 5, 2024

Cancer research: Small change with a big impact

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered that different mutations of the tumour suppressor p53 affect pancreatic carcinomas differently. The study found that two variants of p53 selectively control distinct metabolic pathways, providing new insights into cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateDec 5, 2024

Opioids interfere with cancer immunotherapy but these drugs could help

New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateDec 5, 2024

Innovative immunotherapy shows promise in early clinical trial for breast cancer

A groundbreaking phase one clinical trial explores a novel cell-based immunotherapy for breast cancer, demonstrating significant shrinkage of tumors and minimal side effects. The treatment leverages dendritic cells to trigger an organized immune system attack on cancer, offering hope for replacing or reducing the need for chemotherapy.

SourceKent State University·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2024

Revolutionizing railroad safety: A deep learning approach to remote condition monitoring

A new deep learning model enhances railroad condition monitoring by combining Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, achieving 97% accuracy in detecting train positions and conditions. The model's real-time processing capabilities enable swift intervention and mitigation of potential hazards.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Scripps Research scientists identify mutation that could facilitate H5N1 “bird flu” virus infection and potential transmission in humans

Researchers discovered a single amino acid mutation in the H5N1 'bird flu' virus that enhances its ability to attach to human cells, potentially increasing the risk of person-to-person transmission. The finding highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of H5N1 mutations that pose risks to public health.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2024

Providing performance information of peers as a management tool?

A recent study found that when employees are given information on their colleagues' performance, many continue to operate in a way that is not necessarily more efficient or innovative. Instead, they may ignore negative feedback or reinterpret it in a positive light due to their own self-image and tendency towards self-enhancement. To f...

SourceKühne Logistics University·JournalOrganization Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Controlling cancer cells’ gluttony for glutamine

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that pancreatic cancer cells rely on a specific nutrient, glutamine, to fuel their unchecked growth. The study identified two enzymes, aPKC zeta and iota, that play a regulatory role in the process of macropinocytosis, allowing cancer cells to scavenge alternative resources.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

UNC researchers awarded up to $10M to leverage data science to accelerate cancer diagnosis and optimize delivery of precision oncology

A team of UNC-Chapel Hill researchers will develop an oncology health learning system using AI-ready data to generate real-time identification of new cancer cases and support personalized treatments. The project aims to improve cancer diagnosis, care equity, and quality by creating accessible tools for health providers.

Groundbreaking study reveals impact of calendering on electrochemical-mechanical performance of silicon-based composite electrodes

Researchers uncover the effects of calendering on silicon-based composite electrodes, revealing increased deformation and cracking with higher calendering levels. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing electrode design and improving battery safety.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

The future of more sustainable cooling and heating technology could be just around the corner

A team of researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy Ames National Laboratory developed a magnetocaloric heat pump that matches current vapor-compression technology in terms of weight, cost, and performance. The device eliminates refrigerant emissions and requires less energy to operate, offering a promising alternative for cooling...

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·DateDec 5, 2024

A film capacitor that can take the heat

Researchers used a machine-learning technique to accelerate discovery of materials for film capacitors, identifying a compound with record-breaking performance. The study aims to improve capacitor shielding properties and enhance energy savings in common electric power applications.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 5, 2024