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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 37


Page 37 of 38

A KAIST research team develops a novel “bone bandage” material for cracked bones​

A KAIST research team has developed a biomimetic scaffold that generates electrical signals to promote bone tissue growth, providing a new method for utilizing the unique osteogenic abilities of hydroxyapatite. The flexible and free-standing scaffold demonstrated remarkable potential for promoting bone regeneration in rats.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 1, 2024

Positive associations revealed as key driver in maintaining soil biodiversity and ecological networks

Researchers analyzed 151 ecosystems across six continents to understand the intricate coexistence network among diverse species in soil ecosystems. They found that facilitative networks, characterized by positive associations, are more common than previously thought and play a key role in maintaining soil biodiversity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2024

AI learns through the eyes and ears of a child

Researchers trained an AI model on a single child's headcam video recordings from six months to two years, finding it could learn substantial words and concepts. The model linked words to visual counterparts, generalizing them to different instances, reflecting children's lab-based word learning.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2024

Gas on the run – ALMA spots the shadow of a molecular outflow from a quasar when the Universe was less than one billion years old

Researchers observed molecular gas outflow from quasar J2054-0005 using ALMA, revealing suppression of star formation in its host galaxy. The findings confirm theoretical predictions and provide strong evidence for powerful molecular gas outflows in early Universe quasars.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Socioeconomic insights shift hiring views

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people from all political spectra are more likely to support programs encouraging socioeconomic diversity after learning about social class disparities, test scores, and work experiences. Learning about these issues reduces perceived fairness of merit-based processe...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

New prescription drugs typically sold first in US

A new RAND report finds that most new prescription drugs are sold first in the US before reaching other countries, but become widely available globally within about a year. The study's findings have implications for efforts to reduce high prescription costs in the US.

SourceRAND Corporation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2024

Is high-intensity training advantageous in individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury?

A new study suggests that high-intensity training (HIT) may be beneficial for individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI), improving walking ability and potentially secondary benefits such as aerobic capacity and cognition. The study found greater increases in 6-minute walk test and peak treadmill speed during exercise testin...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Nemo can count!

Anemonefish use stripe patterns to identify members of their own species and defend against intruders. Young common clownfish can recognize fish with two or three white bars as competitors and bully them to keep their territory.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Mapping the structure and organization of hippocampal neurons in the mouse brain

A new study maps the spatial organization of hippocampal neurons in the mouse brain, revealing previously unknown principles. The researchers created a comprehensive three-dimensional single-cell atlas of the region and its connections, which will aid in understanding the neural circuitry and underlying brain functions.

A clutch stretch goes a long way

Researchers at Kyoto University have observed a unique phenomenon where talin constantly moves over focal adhesions as a single unit, contradicting prevailing notions. This discovery reveals that talin manages to simultaneously maintain the intercellular connection while transmitting force through dynamic molecular stretching.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Tidal landscapes a greater carbon sink than previously thought

Tidal landscapes like mangroves and salt marshes are a greater carbon sink than previously thought, with stored carbon in biomass and muddy soils contributing to climate change mitigation. The new findings also show that bicarbonate exports from these ecosystems double the size of the carbon trap, making them even more effective.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Clown anemonefish seem to be counting bars and laying down the law

Researchers observed that clown anemonefish colonies display the most aggressive behavior towards fish with three bars like themselves. The fish also recognize different anemonefish species based on the number of vertical white bars, leading to strict social hierarchies and upholding dominance.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

‘Mom talk:’ Immigrant bilingual Latina mothers have dual-language personalities

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that immigrant bilingual Latina mothers retain cultural practices in play conversations with their children, particularly when speaking in their heritage language. The mothers' behavior changes when switching languages, extending to language use with young children.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

First atomic-scale 'movie' of microtubules under construction, a key process for cell division

For the first time, scientists have visualized the process of microtubule formation in human cells at an atomic scale. The study reveals how microtubules are triggered to form during cell division, providing new insights into their role in cellular biology and potential therapeutic applications.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Researchers identify critical pathway responsible for melanoma drug resistance

In a new study, researchers have identified a specific epigenetic pathway involved in the development of therapy resistance in melanoma. The study found that targeting this pathway with a small molecule inhibitor called corin can successfully resensitize therapy-resistant cancers to targeted therapies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

ADA releases updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry

The American Dental Association has released updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry, emphasizing the appropriate and justified use of dental X-rays. The guidelines also advise against using lead abdominal aprons or thyroid collars, citing evidence that modern digital X-ray equipment and beam restrictions can...

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateFeb 1, 2024

UMass Chan advances research into long COVID, myalgic encephalomyelitis

Researchers discovered immune system dysfunction as a potential biomarker for long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. A novel treatment approach was also introduced, showing promise in reducing symptoms. The study suggests that targeting CD8 T-cell dysfunction may help alleviate symptoms of these conditions.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Innovative portable sensors for hydrogen peroxide detection unveiled

Researchers have developed dual-functional portable sensors based on Pt-Ni hydrogels for colorimetric and electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide. The sensors boast low detection limits, wide linearity ranges, and excellent long-term stability, making them ideal for point-of-care diagnostics and personalized healthcare.

A positive spin—electrospinning and electrospraying synergism for the nanomaterials industry

The electrospinning and electrospraying synergism (ESS) technology has the potential to revolutionize various sectors such as bioengineering, textile technology, medical treatment, and energy conversion. By combining these two twin-tech methods, researchers can create complex structures with unique properties.

Zebrafish navigate to find their comfortable temperature

Researchers found that zebrafish have a 'thermostat' in their brains that detects deviations from their ideal temperature and guides them towards more comfortable surroundings. The preoptic area and dorsal habenula are activated to regulate body temperature, allowing the fish to efficiently find places with suitable conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 1, 2024

Large multicenter clinical trial finds that antiseptic containing iodine reduces surgical-site infections in patients with extremity fractures

A large multicenter clinical trial found that an antiseptic containing iodine resulted in about one-quarter fewer post-surgical infections in patients with limb fractures compared to another frequently used skin antiseptic. The study included nearly 8,500 patients across the US and Canada.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2024

Researchers take new ‘mixed reality’ headsets for a spin

A diverse team of researchers spent at least 140 minutes wearing Meta Quest 3 passthrough video headsets, engaging in daily activities like conversations, walking, and gaming. They found that users enjoyed the experience but also encountered significant imperfections, including lost peripheral vision, distortion, and lag, which impacte...

SourceStanford University·JournalTechnology Mind and Behavior·DateFeb 1, 2024

Animals: Small, long-nosed dogs live the longest

A study analyzing over 580,000 dogs found that small, long-nosed breeds like Whippets have the highest life expectancies, while medium-sized flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs have the lowest. The research suggests that understanding these differences may help identify dogs at risk of early death.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2024

Small RNAs take on the big task of helping skin wounds heal better and faster with minimal scarring

Researchers discovered that microRNA-29 can restore normal skin structure rather than producing a scar, promoting faster and more efficient wound healing. The release of microRNA-29 targets, particularly LAMC2, is crucial in this process, suggesting a potential new approach for treating large-area or deep wounds.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

New approach to the design of therapies that enhance the effect of cholesterol-lowering drugs

Researchers discovered that reducing cholesterol levels in mice with advanced atherosclerosis leads to a decrease in the number of smooth muscle-derived cells causing plaque growth, while preserving stabilizing cell types. This finding opens up new opportunities for targeted therapies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

New energy justice index casts spotlight on energy transition in the Global South

The Research Institute for Sustainability developed an energy justice index to measure fairness in the Global South's energy transitions. The index highlights countries like Malaysia and Chile as leaders in distributional justice, while Kenya and Jordan excel in procedural justice.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2024

Study shows that Rio Grande Rise was once a giant mineral-rich tropical island near Brazil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo found evidence of a tropical island with rich mineral deposits, including cobalt and nickel, in the South Atlantic Ocean. The team's analysis of seafloor sediment samples suggests the area was once home to vegetation and had volcanic activity between 30-40 million years ago.

The evolution of sign languages globally revealed through computational analyses

A computational analysis has highlighted two major sign language families, European and Asian, with distinct subfamilies identified. The study used video dictionary entries of core vocabulary to develop a database of coded sign forms, revealing no evidence of long-term contact between European and Asian sign languages.

‘Rare positive result' in trial of new support intervention for people with dementia and their family carers

A new therapy called NIDUS-Family has shown promising results in improving the lives of people with dementia and their family carers. The study found that those who received the intervention were more likely to achieve their personal goals, such as increasing social engagement or improving caregiver support.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2024