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Science News for February 23, 2024


Shaping the future: A new technique for sorting micro-particles unveiled

A team of experts introduces a novel acoustofluidic method that distinguishes and separates micro-particles based on their shape rather than size. This label-free technique offers unprecedented accuracy in separating prolate ellipsoids and spherical microparticles, enabling high purity and efficiency.

New structural insights could lead to mechanical enhancement in alloys

Researchers discovered that a new class of metallic materials with potential applications in aerospace and energy can withstand extreme temperatures and resist fractures thanks to their short-range order. The study revealed the interaction between short-range order and planar defects, which enhances the alloys' mechanical performance.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

IPK researchers identify a key player in chromatin regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana

A team of researchers from IPK has identified several proteins associated with the nuclear matrix in Arabidopsis thaliana, including novel players FRS7 and FRS12. The study found that AHL22 collaborates with FRS7 and FRS12 to regulate hypocotyl elongation, a critical process for plant growth and survival.

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) releases points to consider statement on the safety and efficacy of polygenic risk score assessment for embryo selection

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has released a points to consider statement on the safety and efficacy of polygenic risk score assessment for embryo selection. The statement concludes that there is insufficient evidence to support its clinical utility, and further research is needed.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 23, 2024

Wetlands, parks and even botanical gardens among the best ways to cool cities during heatwaves – says biggest-ever global study

A global study led by the University of Surrey reveals that green spaces like parks, wetlands, and botanical gardens can cool city air significantly during heatwaves. The study found that bigger parks have a greater cooling effect, and connecting green spaces into 'green corridors' can unlock greater benefits.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe Innovation·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2024

Powering nitrogenases

Researchers have identified two essential ferredoxins that play a key role in determining the performance of iron nitrogenase. The discovery opens up new possibilities for elucidating and maximizing nitrogenase's potential, which could lead to sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalmBio·DateFeb 23, 2024

Commonly used insomnia treatments fail to help dialysis patients, UNM Health Sciences research finds

A new study tested cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for treating sleeplessness in dialysis patients, finding no meaningful difference in symptoms. The researchers suggest that multiple medical conditions and medication interactions may be driving the insomnia.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2024

Revolutionary brain stimulation technique shows promise for treating brain disorders

A new brain stimulation technique called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS) has been developed by researchers at the Institute for Basic Science. This non-invasive method uses ultrasound to induce long-lasting changes in brain function and has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Unlocking health: How In Our DNA SC is pioneering genetic screening for South Carolinians

A statewide genomic screening program enrolls first 20,000 participants, providing information on genetic risk factors for diseases such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The program aims to empower communities to understand the value of research and increase participation rates among underrepresented groups.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Genes affect your blood pressure from early childhood

A new study reveals that genetic variants associated with hypertension can increase the risk of high blood pressure from as early as three years old. By analyzing health data from large population studies, researchers found that these genetic factors can significantly affect blood pressure levels throughout life and even beyond adulthood.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2024

Common plant could help reduce food insecurity, researchers find

Researchers suggest Carolina azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern, has the nutritional content to serve as a potentially vital food source after a catastrophe or disaster. The study found that cooking methods can significantly reduce polyphenolic content, making it digestible for humans.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Science & Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Babies use immune system differently, but efficiently

Research from Cornell University reveals that newborn T cells are more efficient at responding to early stages of an infection and defending against unknown bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This discovery clarifies why infants respond differently to infections, paving the way for therapeutic applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2024

Do’s and don'ts with direct oral anticoagulants

New research suggests that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are less effective and safer in certain patient scenarios, such as those with mechanical heart valves or thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome. DOACs should not be the standard treatment for all patients who need to treat or prevent blood clots.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 23, 2024

Mixed-dimensional transistors enable high-performance multifunctional electronic devices

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong developed mixed-dimensional anti-ambipolar transistors for multifunctional electronics, enabling higher information density and lower power consumption. The new technology paves the way for simplified chip circuit design and versatile applications in digital and analog signal processing.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

PolyU researchers introduce biomineralization as a sustainable strategy against microbial corrosion in marine concrete

Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel biomineralization strategy to prevent microbially induced corrosion on concrete for sustainable marine infrastructure. The technique isolates concrete from corrosive microorganisms, extending the lifespan of structures and reducing environmental impact.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Cloud clustering causes more extreme rain

A new study using a high-resolution global climate model found that cloud clustering causes more extreme rain in the tropics, leading to increased severity of precipitation events. The researchers also discovered that more extreme rain occurs at the cost of expansion of dry areas, further shifting towards extreme weather patterns.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2024

Patient mindset training helps care teams

A new study from Stanford University evaluates the effectiveness of patient mindset training on provider learning and behavior. The training aimed to improve care teams' ability to shape patients' mindsets about their treatment, care team, body, and illness. Participants reported a better understanding of mindset and increased apprecia...

SourceStanford University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateFeb 23, 2024

Neurobiology: How bats distinguish different sounds

Scientists have discovered that the bat brainstem processes echolocation and communication calls differently, with a stronger response to less frequent calls due to better neural synchronization. The findings may also be relevant to medical applications in humans, such as understanding diseases like ADHD or schizophrenia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024