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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

Vanishing forests and suffering children: The hidden toll of deforestation in Cambodia

A new study reveals that deforestation in Cambodia is linked to poor health outcomes in children and pregnant women, with increased risk of malaria, malnutrition, and stunting. The research highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate malaria infections among pregnant females in deforestation-prone areas.

SourceSophia University·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2024

Gut-brain communication turned on its axis

Researchers at Flinders University uncovered a major breakthrough in understanding the gut-brain axis, revealing that serotonin released from gut cells must communicate via diffusion to activate sensory nerve endings. This discovery has profound implications for drug development and treatments of mental health and digestive problems.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCell and Tissue Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Is it possible to predict when prejudice will occur?

A new predictive model of prejudice has been developed by researchers at McGill University and the University of Toronto. The equation Prejudice = Threat – Contact + Identification shows that the model is currently around 50 to 60 per cent accurate, with potential for improvement over time.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPsychological Review·DateFeb 26, 2024

Cannabis use policies are on the rise yet treatment for cannabis use disorder treatment remains low

A new study found that specialty treatment for cannabis use disorder decreased in states with medical and recreational cannabis laws, despite a growing need for treatment. The study suggests that public education and access to evidence-based services are needed to address the unmet treatment needs of people with CUD.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 26, 2024

A novel method for easy and quick fabrication of biomimetic robots with life-like movement

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed an ultraviolet laser-processing technique for fabricating complex microstructures, enabling the creation of biohybrid actuators capable of complex, flexible movements. The method involves forming curved microgrooves on a substrate and aligning muscle cells in an anisotropic manne...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

What will it take for China to reach carbon neutrality by 2060?

A new study suggests China will need to build eight to ten times more wind and solar power installations than in 2022 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The report also highlights the importance of coordinating land use policies nationwide, with a focus on areas within 100 miles of major population centers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2024

First-in-humans discovery reveals brain chemicals at work influencing social behavior

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown neurochemical mechanism behind human tendency to make decisions based on social context. The study reveals the dynamic interactions of dopamine and serotonin in the brain's substantia nigra area, which contribute to our brain's overall assessment of value during social interactions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

New baby sleep planner tool could help save babies lives at risk of sudden infant death

A new web-based baby sleep planner tool, developed by researchers at the University of Bristol, has been shown to improve the uptake of life-saving advice for families with infants at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The tool provides a baby's SUDI risk assessment at birth and a downloadable sleep plan for families.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJMIR Pediatrics and Parenting·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Neuropsychiatric symptoms predict which patients with mild cognitive impairment develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Medical University of South Carolina researchers report that worsened anxiety and depression can predict the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patients with more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms were more likely to progress from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Can hunger be eradicated by 2030?

A new study at McGill University suggests that international food assistance systems are not designed to eradicate hunger by 2030. The authors argue that a paradigm shift is needed in the existing systems, prioritizing a human-rights based approach over the dominant discourse on trade regimes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of International Trade Law and Policy·DateFeb 26, 2024

Black carbon sensor could fill massive monitoring gaps

A new portable sensor has been found to accurately measure black carbon concentrations as well as a regulatory standard sensor, filling a massive gap in air quality monitoring. The sensor's portability and affordability make it suitable for remote or inaccessible sites, allowing for more comprehensive data collection.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSensors·DateFeb 26, 2024

3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength

Researchers at RMIT University created a 50% stronger titanium lattice cube than the strongest alloy of similar density used in aerospace applications. The material's unique lattice structure design distributes stress evenly, making it suitable for medical devices, aircraft, and rocket parts.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2024

Drug limits dangerous reactions to allergy-triggering foods, Stanford Medicine-led study of kids finds

A Stanford Medicine-led study found that the drug omalizumab can prevent dangerous allergic responses in children with food allergies. The research showed that two-thirds of participants who received the drug safely ate small amounts of their allergy-triggering foods, including peanuts and other common allergens.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 25, 2024

Energy-saving electrochemical hydrogen production via co-generative strategies in hybrid water electrolysis: Recent advances and perspectives

Hybrid water electrolysis enhances hydrogen production efficiency by substituting oxygen evolution reaction with thermodynamically favorable oxidation processes. This technology also enables purification of industrial wastewater and creation of high-value-added chemicals.

The year of dragon: revisiting the Dragon King

A team of researchers identified a significant Mw7.5 earthquake in Japan as exhibiting characteristics of a 'seismic dragon king', demonstrating predictability. The study analyzed data from the Japan Meteorological Agency's focal mechanism catalogue using the load-unload response ratio (LURR) method.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEarthquake Research Advances·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2024

Resistance to social robots futile

The study investigates relationships between customer equity drivers and trust in social robots, finding that effective customer service creates value equity. Businesses can benefit from social robots by enhancing relationship equity and brand equity, leading to greater trust and positive customer experiences. However, the negative asp...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2024

Drug in OUtMATCH clinical trial FDA-approved for the reduction of allergic reactions from accidental food exposures

A new FDA-approved treatment, omalizumab, has shown promise in reducing allergic reactions in multi-food allergic children and adults. The OUtMATCH clinical trial results indicate that a 16-to-20-week course of the monoclonal antibody increased the tolerance threshold for peanut, tree nuts, egg, milk, and wheat.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 25, 2024

Antibody reduces allergic reactions to multiple foods in NIH trial

A monoclonal antibody, omalizumab, increased the tolerance threshold for multiple food allergens, allowing children to consume larger amounts without a reaction. The treatment showed significant benefits in reducing allergic reactions, particularly for peanut and egg, with potential protection against accidental exposure.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 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.