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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 2


Page 2 of 38

Uptick in behavioral disorders reported in children following prenatal exposure to anesthesia

A new study published at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that prenatal exposure to general anesthesia for maternal surgery during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of disruptive or internalizing behavioral disorders, including ADHD and autism, in children. The study suggests that safer anesthetic drug...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateFeb 29, 2024

Notre Dame literacy research can improve learning outcomes and fight global poverty

Researchers evaluated an early-grade literacy intervention in Haiti, identifying factors that influenced outcomes, including instructional time, curriculum uptake, and school leadership. The study's findings can inform future literacy interventions to create opportunity for millions of children globally.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalComparative Education Review·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 29, 2024

Convergent evolution of algal CO2-fixing organelles

Researchers identified pyrenoid-associated proteins in a marine chlorarachniophyte alga, suggesting independent evolution of CO2-fixing organelles in each algal group. These findings have implications for genetic engineering to increase photosynthetic performance and improve crop productivity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2024

Radiation from massive stars shapes planetary systems

A study of the Orion Nebula reveals that massive stars play a crucial role in shaping planetary systems. The intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars can either facilitate or hinder planet formation, depending on the mass of the star at the system's center.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateFeb 29, 2024

Turbocharging CRISPR to understand how the immune system fights cancer

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based approach to study the function of immune genes, bypassing challenges of modifying immune cells. By targeting stem cells that produce immune cells, scientists can knock out specific genes in different cell types at various times, providing greater insight into gene interactions and their rol...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Parents, wealth, race drive girls’ chances to play sports

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that socioeconomic status consistently underlies other factors affecting opportunities for girls to participate in sports. Higher family socioeconomic status increased the likelihood of girls playing most sports, while lower-income schools had a negative impact on participation rates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSociological Focus·DateFeb 29, 2024

Ice shell thickness reveals water temperature on ocean worlds

Researchers at Cornell University have devised a novel way to determine ocean temperatures of distant worlds based on the thickness of their ice shells. This technique can be used to enhance NASA's mission findings about Europa and Enceladus, two Jovian and Saturnian moons that could potentially support life.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateFeb 29, 2024

Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues

A world-first study from the University of South Australia reveals that getting a good night's sleep is tied to how you structure your day, with exercise at the heart of sleep quality. Children and adults with higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity had less troubled sleep, reduced tiredness, and better sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSleep Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 29, 2024

‘Don’t treat us like fragile babies’: Can intergenerational mentorship programs reduce ageism in medicine?

A recent study found that intergenerational mentorship programs can help overcome ageism in healthcare by providing meaningful connections between older adults and medical students. The programs, which involve younger students working with older mentors, help to break down stereotypes and promote a better understanding of older people'...

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Intergenerational Relationships·DateFeb 29, 2024

Pusan National University researchers improve the stability of perovskite solar cells

A team of researchers from Pusan National University developed a method to enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells using crown ether B18C6. This approach resulted in improved power conversion efficiency and resistance to moisture, addressing key issues such as lead leakage and degradation due to environmental factors. The study...

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Lake ecosystems: Nitrogen has been underestimated

A study reveals that nitrogen plays a crucial role in phytoplankton growth in shallow lakes worldwide, contradicting traditional limnological consensus. The research team analyzed data from 159 lakes and found that 60% exhibit dual-nutrient limitation, where both phosphorus and nitrogen affect phytoplankton growth.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Groundbreaking study unveils unique roles of yeast protein complexes in cellular lifespan and environmental response by rationally engineering based on the predicted three-dimensional structures

Researchers discovered that two types of TORC1 complexes in yeast play unique roles in cellular responses to stress and lifespan regulation. The study's findings provide new insights into molecular evolution, cellular signaling pathways, and age-related diseases, offering promising avenues for human health advancements.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Cell Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Building a healthier state from the inside out

New Flinders University research reveals that health economists can play a key role in improving hospital efficiency and decision-making in Australia. By analyzing data and engaging with clinicians, health economists can inform budget decisions and prioritize areas of greatest improvement. The study's findings provide a basis for the b...

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Overcoming barriers to conducting clinical trials in childhood rare disease research

A team of scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children developed an innovative statistical approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of a medication in reducing disease progression and liver transplants in children with Alagille syndrome. Using data from an international real-world cohort, they found a 70% improvement in event-free sur...

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 29, 2024

Mass-produced, commercial promising multicolored photochromic fiber

A team of scientists has created a highly flexible, uniformly luminescent photochromic fiber that can achieve uniform light emission and wide color gamut control. The fiber is designed to be mass-producible and integrated into various wearable interactive interfaces, enabling diversified interactions such as emotion and communication.

Cyber-physical heating system may protect apple blossoms in orchards

Researchers developed an autonomous heating system that uses real-time temperature and wind-direction data to warm fruit tree canopies. The system resulted in significantly reduced damage to apple tree buds in tests, with increased canopy protection times of over double and nearly triple in low temperatures.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

KAIST team develops an insect-mimicking semiconductor to detect motion​

A KAIST team developed an insect-mimicking semiconductor that mimics the optic nerve of insects to detect motion. The device operates at high efficiency and ultra-high speeds, and has been applied to a neuromorphic computing system for predicting vehicle paths. It achieved 92.9% less energy consumption compared to existing technology.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Opening pores for fuel cells and more

Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 29, 2024

Eco-labeling: self or certification?

A study found that upstream and downstream companies in supply chains have conflicting eco-label selection preferences, with suppliers preferring certification labels and manufacturers opting for self-labeling. Multi-level certification labels may be more effective when consumers lack trust in self-labeling and green investments are low.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSustainable Operations and Computers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 29, 2024

Shining a light on the effects of habituation and neural adaptation on the evolution of animal signals

A new paper explores the impact of habituation and neural adaptation on male mate choice signals, suggesting that these mechanisms may favor rapid divergence and diversity. The study proposes a more nuanced understanding of female responses to male signals, including the role of sensory adaptation in shaping mate choice.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateFeb 29, 2024

Rice lab finds better way to handle hard-to-recycle material

Rice University researchers have developed a new, energy-efficient process to upcycle glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) into silicon carbide, widely used in semiconductors and sandpaper. The method involves heating the mixture of GFRP and carbon to extremely high temperatures, transforming it into conductive silicon carbide.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 29, 2024

Ultraviolet “winds” erode a young star’s protoplanetary disk in Orion Nebula

A new study directly observes far-ultraviolet-driven photoevaporation of a protoplanetary disk in the Orion Nebula. This process strips the disk of gas and dust, potentially suppressing gas giant planet formation within a million years. The findings provide insights into constraints of gas giant planet formation in our Solar System.

Black mountain unveils fossil trove

A team of researchers has unveiled over 200 well-preserved fossils from Queensland's Black Mountain, revealing intricate siphuncle morphology in Plectronoceratids. The discovery challenges previous interpretations and advocates for a revised taxonomy, consolidating multiple species under the order Plectronoceratida.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Does trying to look younger reduce how much ageism older adults face?

A study reveals that feeling young appears to reduce ageism among older adults, but those who invest in appearance are more likely to experience negative outcomes. Those who feel younger score higher on positive age-related experiences and lower on negative ageism, while those who look older face increased negative ageism and poor health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPsychology and Aging·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 29, 2024

Study uncovers the influence of the livestock industry on climate policy through university partnerships

A recent study reveals how animal agriculture companies shape public discourse and policymaking in their favor, downplaying their role in climate change. Industry-funded efforts have been bolstered by collaborations with academic researchers, hindering meaningful action on climate change mitigation.

NYC ranks safest among big US cities for gun violence, new research from NYU Tandon School of Engineering reveals

A recent study by researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering found that NYC is the safest among large US cities in terms of gun violence. The study used a data analytics measure called Scale-Adjusted Metropolitan Indicators (SAMIs) to filter out population effects and compare cities of different sizes.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature Cities·DateFeb 29, 2024

Hai-quan Huang's research team at Southwest Forestry University has revealed the cellular and molecular basis of the spur development in Impatiens uliginosa

A study published in Horticulture Research has uncovered the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the spur development in Impatiens uliginosa. The research found that early cell division and anisotropic cell elongation are crucial for spur growth, with hormones such as auxin playing a significant role in regulating this process.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Slimming down a colossal fossil whale

A new analysis of Perucetus colossus, a 30 million year-old fossil whale, estimates its weight to be between 60-70 tons, significantly less than the original estimate of 180 metric tons. This revised size allows the whale to maintain neutral buoyancy in water and come to the surface to breathe.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Discovery of primitive mitochondrial DNA replication enzymes

Researchers identified 10 new types of DNA polymerase involved in mitochondrial DNA maintenance, including rdxPolA, which is a direct descendant of the α-proteobacterial symbiont that gave rise to the first mitochondrion. The study provides critical insights into the early evolution of mitochondrial DNA maintenance machinery.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 29, 2024