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Science News Archive January 2024


Page 1 of 37

How to make bright quantum dots even brighter

Perovskite quantum dots made brighter by surface treatment with phospholipids, enabling higher photon emission rates. Coherent coupling of exciton dipoles boosts superradiance, making the dots even brighter for quantum technologies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Homo sapiens already reached northwest Europe more than 45,000 years ago

Researchers discovered human fossils and artifacts at Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany, indicating that Homo sapiens arrived in cold northern latitudes before Neanderthals disappeared in southwest Europe. The analysis of ancient DNA and zooarchaeological findings suggests that humans consumed a diverse range of animals during their stay.

The Lancet Public Health: Transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people more likely to have a long-term mental health condition, first England-wide study suggests

A recent English study found that transgender men and women are at a higher risk of long-term mental health conditions (16.4% and 15.9%, respectively), while non-binary individuals face an even higher risk (47.2%). The study also highlights the need for improved support systems and staff training to address these disparities.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Researchers overview recent progress and challenges in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have made significant advancements in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, including the development of binders, composites, and electrolytes. However, Si-based anodes still face challenges such as volume expansion, lower electrical conductivity, and inconsistent kinetics reaction.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024

A dual-function selection system enables positive selection of multigene CRISPR mutants and negative selection of Cas9-free progeny in Arabidopsis

A new dual-function selection system enables both positive selection of multigene CRISPR mutants and negative selection of Cas9-free progeny in Arabidopsis. This system leverages a DAO-based surrogate selection marker to facilitate efficient multiplex CRISPR editing in plants.

Ketamine helped many severely depressed veterans, study shows

A study of 215 veterans found that nearly half experienced significant depression score drops, while about one quarter saw a halving of their scores. About 15% achieved full remission after six weeks of ketamine infusions, suggesting the treatment can provide substantial relief for those with complex mental health needs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Paper calls for patient-first regulation of AI in healthcare

A new study published in JAMA highlights the need for federal regulations that prioritize patient outcomes when it comes to AI-powered tools in healthcare. The researchers argue that AI products in healthcare do not universally undergo evaluation for potential harm or benefit to patients, and propose a revision to the White House Execu...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 31, 2024

Artificial Intelligence tool designed to identify olive varieties based on photos of olive pits

A neural network trained on a photographic database of olive fruit endocarps can identify olive varieties with high accuracy. The OliVaR tool automates the traditional morphological classification process, allowing growers to quickly identify olive tree varieties and advancing general knowledge of all existing olive varieties.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateJan 31, 2024

Autoimmune disease and pregnancy

A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2024

Team of astronomers make a serendipitous discovery of a galaxy that shouldn’t exist

Researchers have found a serendipitous discovery of a dwarf galaxy, PEARLSDG, that contradicts current theories on galaxy formation. The isolated quiescent galaxy has an old stellar population and doesn't form new stars, with individual stars visible in JWST images, providing clues to its distance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Microgreens made to order: Italian scientists have tailored iodine and potassium content of radishes, peas, rocket and chard

Researchers in Italy cultivate four species of microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles, providing a blueprint for soilless cultivation of nutritionally enriched plants. The study successfully produces microgreens with up to 14 times higher iodine content and 45% reduced potassium levels, catering to specific dietary requirements.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Pusan National University researchers decode key airflow pattern impacting global climate

A recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that changes in subtropical and midlatitude eddy activity control the variation of the Hadley cell edge latitude. The researchers analyzed 41 years of data and found associations with El Niño, La Niña, and the Arctic oscillation.

SourcePusan National University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence nearly doubles in Israel between 2017 and 2021

The study found a 4-fold increase in ASD diagnoses among 2-3 year-old children and a 2-fold increase in older ages. The research highlights the need for education and healthcare services to keep up with the growing demand, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention to improve communication and social skills.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAutism Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

A new way to visualize brain cancer

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT unveiled a new microscopy technology called decrowding expansion pathology (dExPath) that provides novel insights into brain cancer development. The technology enables scientists to study neurological diseases at a never-before-achieved nanoscale level on conventional clinical samples.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Climate change threatens older elephants most, jeopardizing African elephants’ future

A new study by UMass Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that climate change disproportionately affects older African elephants, who will have decreased chances of survival. This can lead to a ripple effect on their ecosystems and cultures, highlighting the need for coordinated management strategies at all levels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJan 31, 2024

Netherlands society is split into six social classes with varying proportions of economic, social, cultural and health/attractiveness capital, find Dutch researchers who also note class differences in views and wellbeing

A recent study by Dutch researchers found that Netherlands society is split into six social classes, each with distinct proportions of economic, social, cultural, and health/attractiveness capital. The study highlights class differences in views and wellbeing, providing insights into the country's contemporary social structure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 2024

A team of scientists from CiQUS and CSIC develops a new type of anticancer agent

A team of scientists has developed a new type of anticancer agent targeting cancer stem cells, which are difficult to eradicate. The compound, called Ru1, promotes a decrease in the expression of genes necessary for mitochondrial respiration, causing cancerous cells to lose their potential.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateJan 31, 2024

Machine learning guides carbon nanotechnology

Researchers at Tohoku University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a machine learning method to predict the growth of carbon nanostructures on metal surfaces. The approach combines theoretical models with data from chemistry experiments to control the dynamics of material growth, leading to improved quality and efficiency.

The hottest catalog of the year: the most comprehensive list of slow-building solar flares yet

Researchers have cataloged nearly 1400 slow-rising flares using Chandrayaan-2 data, revealing a significant increase in the number of slow-building flares compared to previous decades. The study suggests that solar flares may exhibit different behaviors, including varying rates of rise and fall.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSolar Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Decarbonizing the world’s industries

The study found that decarbonising the industrial sector is technically possible with a mix of high and low-maturity technologies. Established carbon capture and storage technologies can save nearly 85% of emissions, while electric technologies can theoretically reduce emissions by 40-100%.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJoule·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024