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Science News for January 18, 2024


Efficiently moving urea out of polluted water is coming to reality

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

UChicago, Caltech study suggests that physical processes can have hidden neural network-like abilities

A new study by scientists from UChicago, Caltech, and Maynooth University reveals that molecular processes can perform complex calculations rivaling simple neural networks. The research explores the concept of 'phase transitions' in physics, which enables molecules to recognize subtle chemical combinations and build different structure...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2024

Risks and opportunities of solar-powered groundwater irrigation

The rapid transition to solar-powered groundwater irrigation in low-and-middle-income countries has led to over 500,000 solar pumps installed in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the benefits of this transition are complex and may come with risks, including increased groundwater extraction and potential depletion of aquifers.

Moon rocks with unique dust found

A research team led by Dr. Ottaviano Rüsch from the University of Münster has discovered anomalous meter-sized rocks on the lunar surface covered in dust, exhibiting unique reflective properties. These findings provide insights into the processes that form and change the lunar crust, including potential magnetic anomalies.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateJan 18, 2024

Bringing home the bacon no more

The spread of African Swine Fever is decimating swine populations across the world, posing a significant threat to food security and ecosystems. The virus has already led to the decline of bearded pigs in Borneo, an integral species that plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological processes and socio-cultural practices.

SourceBorneo Futures Sdn Bhd·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 18, 2024

Topographies of resistance, resilience, bathymetrical realities, and dynamics of the Mekong and Sài Gòn-Đồng Nai Deltas

The Mekong and Sài Gòn-Đồng Nai Deltas have undergone significant topographical changes due to human activities, leading to loss of ecology and biodiversity. Indigenous knowledge systems and practices have adapted to these changes, showcasing resistance and resilience in the face of imposed supra-order.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Nurse home visits have a lasting impact for disadvantaged mothers and daughters

A new analysis of health data found that prenatal and infant nurse home visits significantly reduced the likelihood of daughters being obese by 55% and mothers experiencing hypertension by 39%. The study also showed a decrease in severe obesity and Stage 1-2 hypertension in adolescence. Early intervention through public programs like n...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 18, 2024

Physical exercise boosts motor learning – and remembering what one has learned

New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that physical exercise improves ability to learn and remember motor skills, such as riding a bike or driving a car. Exercise before or after practicing new skills can lead to up to 10% improvement in memory, with enhanced effects when done both times.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory·DateJan 18, 2024

Structural study points the way to better malaria drugs

A new study published in Nature Communications has provided structural insights into a potent antimalarial drug candidate's interaction with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The research suggests that the drug, TDI-8304, can selectively target and kill resistant parasites, offering hope for more effective treatments against ...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2024

BU study: experiences of racism may contribute to the disproportionately high incidence of cardiovascular disease in Black women

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that Black women who reported experiencing racism in employment, housing, and interactions with the police had a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. The researchers evaluated data from 48,000 individuals enrolled in the Black Women’s Health Study ov...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2024

Spatial statistics experts: Statistical proof of COVID-19-market hypothesis flawed

Spatial statistics experts have reanalyzed the COVID-19 pandemic and found that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan may not be the only possible place of origin. The study's statistical method is unsuitable for proving the hypothesis, and other flaws exist in the statistical reasoning presented.

SourceUniversity of Freiberg / TU Bergakademie Freiberg·JournalJournal Of The Royal Statistical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2024

Tiny pseudoscorpion rides on a scorpion observed for the first time

A recent study at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem documented a groundbreaking observation of phoresy involving a myrmecophile pseudoscorpion on a myrmecophile scorpion. The study reveals the first recorded instance of this symbiotic relationship, where the pseudoscorpion attaches to the scorpion for dispersal into new environments.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalArachnologische Mitteilungen Arachnology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2024

Repeated sexual failures cause social stress in fruit flies

Repeated sexual rejection in fruit flies causes social stress, leading to increased aggression and reduced resilience to starvation and toxic herbicide exposure. The response is mediated by the brain's neuropeptide F signaling system, which also plays a role in reward- and stress-responses in other organisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Monterey Bay Aquarium study shows sea otters helped prevent widespread California kelp forest declines over the past century

A new study by Monterey Bay Aquarium researchers found that sea otter population growth during the last century enhanced kelp forest resilience in California, increasing coverage by 56% along the central coast. However, kelp forests declined dramatically in northern and southern regions due to climate change.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalPLOS Climate·DateJan 18, 2024

Household income and health insurance among factors in decision to withdraw life support after hemorrhagic stroke

A new study found that households with high incomes, private health insurance, and older adults are more likely to have life support withdrawn after a severe brain bleed. This study aims to address disparities in healthcare by providing insights into social and economic factors influencing end-of-life conversations.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2024

Rice research opens new arena to study quantum interactions

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new experimental technique that preserves quantum coherence in ultracold molecules for a significantly longer time. By using a specific wavelength of light, the 'magic trap' delays the onset of decoherence, allowing scientists to study fundamental questions about interacting quantum matter.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Key factors in man-made earthquakes

A new study found that the roughness of pre-existing faults and associated stress heterogeneity play a key role in causing large induced events during fluid injection. The researchers developed laboratory experiments to investigate this phenomenon, which has important implications for preventing runaway induced earthquakes.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Injectable agents could improve liquid biopsy for cancer detection and monitoring

Scientists have developed two injectable priming agents to improve liquid biopsy performance by slowing down the clearance of circulating tumor DNA from the body. In mouse studies, these agents increased circulating tumor DNA levels by more than 10-fold, improving the sensitivity of detecting cancer in mice with low tumor burden.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Don’t look back: The aftermath of a distressing event is more memorable than the lead-up, study suggests

Researchers found that traumatic memories immediately following a distressing event are more memorable than the moments leading up to it. This discovery has implications for eyewitness testimonies, therapies for PTSD, and understanding memory decline in brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

When energy doesn’t add up: 200 US cities will fall short of sustainable energy goals despite pledging to transition to renewable sources by 2050

A new study finds that many US cities will struggle to meet their renewable energy targets by 2050, with gas remaining the primary source of energy. Renewable energy generation needs to triple to meet a 45% share of energy production, but instead is often used to supplement growing energy demands.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·DateJan 18, 2024

Relationships with caring adults provide a buffer against depression, anxiety, regardless of adverse childhood experiences

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that positive relationships with parents and adults during childhood are associated with better mental health in adulthood. Despite adverse childhood experiences, resilient youth who have strong social connections and meaningful experiences tend to experience less depression, anxiety, and stress.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2024

Novel strategy for ultrahigh density copper single atom enzymes developed for tumor therapies

Researchers introduced a new strategy to prepare ultrahigh density copper single atom enzymes, alleviating the generation of ·OH dilemma in tumor microenvironment. The resulting Cu1 SAEs exhibited remarkable self-cascade catalytic activities, leading to up to 89.17% tumor inhibition rates.

Scientists, farmers and managers work together to avoid the decline of the little bustard, an endangered steppe bird

Researchers found that growing fallow lands helps stabilize the population of the little bustard in Catalonia by providing food and shelter. To effectively conserve the species, measures such as reducing adult mortality and addressing power line collisions must also be implemented.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

New superconducting material discovered in transition-metal dichalcogenides materials

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science discovered a new superconducting material called (InSe2)0.12NbSe2, which possesses a unique lattice structure and a high transition temperature of 11.6 K. This material exhibits an impressive critical current density, comparable to high-temperature superconductors.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 18, 2024

Researchers realize ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction over single-atom catalyst

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics realized ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction over Pt1/MoS2 single-atom catalyst, achieving high catalytic performances under acid-free conditions. The catalyst showed good stability and selectivity, with a turnover frequency of 320 h-1.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 18, 2024

Norovirus outbreaks are detectable by wastewater monitoring earlier than by other surveillance methods depending on reporting practices, making this a potentially important public health tool

Researchers have discovered that wastewater monitoring can detect norovirus outbreaks earlier than traditional surveillance methods, depending on the level of reporting. This novel approach has significant implications for public health strategies, enabling authorities to respond more swiftly and effectively to emerging outbreaks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·DateJan 18, 2024

Early growth spurt: how prenatal chemical exposure shapes child development

A study of 804 mother-child pairs found distinct growth patterns in children based on their prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters, with girls showing increased growth in length and weight. Higher levels of certain OPEs during pregnancy were associated with larger head sizes in boys and faster growth rates in children.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJan 18, 2024

New study reveals the impact of skin microorganisms on earthworm toxicity in polluted environments

A new study shows that changes in skin-based microbes correlate more significantly with earthworm toxicity than those in intestinal microorganisms, especially under combined soil contaminations. Epidermal microbes consuming vital elements like zinc and copper contribute to nutritional deficiencies in earthworms.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJan 18, 2024

Climate change may reduce life expectancy by half a year, study suggests

A recent study suggests that climate change may reduce life expectancy by approximately six months, with women and people in developing nations disproportionately affected. The study used a composite climate change index to analyze the relationship between temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2024

Hidden cause of lithium-rich cathode materials’ low energy efficiency revealed

A research team found that voltage hysteresis in Li2RuO3 is attributed to different intermediate crystalline phases formed during charge and discharge processes, not irreversible structure changes. This discovery challenges conventional theory and has implications for developing high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

New treatment options for bloodstream infections

Researchers have gained decisive insights into treating bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus, finding that early oral antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as intravenous standard treatment. This approach enables easier treatment and faster discharge for patients at low risk of developing infectious complications.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2024

How does one species become many?

A global team of biologists used nearly two decades of field data from the Galápagos Islands to study the relationship between beak traits and individual longevity in four species of Darwin's finches. The researchers found that each species' unique beak traits correspond to fitness peaks, which are essential for survival.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolution·DateJan 18, 2024

Third major study finds evidence that daily multivitamin supplements improve memory and slow cognitive aging in older adults

A meta-analysis of 5,000 participants found that daily multivitamins showed benefits for memory and global cognition. The study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging by the equivalent of two years compared to placebo.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2024

New approach to single-cell RNA structure sequencing unveils biomarkers for human development and disease

Researchers have developed a new method to sequence single-cell RNA structures, revealing biomarkers crucial for human development and disease. This approach identifies cell types based on RNA shape, offering new insights into cellular fate and potential treatments against RNA viruses.

Study examines substance use in first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that work pressures increased burnout and problematic substance use among first responders, while general workplace support strategies reduced the risk. Conversely, COVID-related support strategies such as compensation during quarantine increased problematic substance use.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJan 18, 2024

AI can boost service for vulnerable customers

Researchers developed an AI framework to identify vulnerable consumers, address their needs, and mitigate potential discrimination. The framework provides real-time analysis of consumer chat responses to build risk scores and offer customized tips to customer service agents.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2024

A KAIST research team observes the processes of memory and cognition in real time​

A KAIST research team has developed a technique called SynapShot, which allows for the real-time observation of synapse formation, extinction, and alterations. This breakthrough technique uses fluorescent proteins to track changes in synapses, offering new insights into brain function and potentially revolutionizing neurological research.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

New route revealed to form strong metal-support interaction state

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics propose a gas-phase migration route for the formation of strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) states. They demonstrate that a self-limited ZnOx overlayer grows on Cu nanoparticles, enhancing methanol synthesis activity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 18, 2024

When the fault rupture comes to town: Dramatic images of the 6 February 2023 Turkiye earthquake scarps reveal details of motions of tectonic plates

Researchers created detailed maps of a major continental earthquake using drones and field surveys. The study shows the rupture sequence started slowly on the Africa/Arabia plate boundary, then exploded at the Arabia/Anatolia boundary, activating the East Anatolian fault system.

The new science of waste

A new study finds that cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, while economies of scale reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research uses scaling theory to analyze waste products from over 1,000 cities worldwide.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2024

Light it up: reimagining the optical diode effect

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a magnetoelectric antiferromagnet LiNiPO4 that exhibits large nonreciprocal absorption of light. The material's unique property allows for the switchable optical diode effect, potentially enabling more compact and efficient optical isolators.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Scientists uncover new marine source of carbon emissions into atmosphere, finding bottom trawling contributes to global warming

A landmark study by National Geographic Pristine Seas finds that bottom trawling releases up to 370 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. The research also reveals high carbon emissions in areas such as East China Sea, Baltic, and North Seas.

SourceNational Geographic Pristine Seas·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2024

South Florida’s nearshore reefs less vulnerable to ocean acidification, study finds

A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School and NOAA finds that South Florida's inshore reefs are less vulnerable to ocean acidification than previously thought. The research highlights the importance of preserving seagrass meadows to mitigate climate-related threats to coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2024