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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 14


Page 14 of 37

New study uncovers the dynamics of extreme climate events in Guangdong using satellite data

Researchers successfully mapped intricate patterns of extreme drought and wetness in Guangdong, China employing a novel approach integrating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data with precipitation records. The study revealed a clear seasonal pattern in precipitation efficiency, with fluctuations between 10 to 25% annually.

Blood test diagnoses Alzheimer's with over 90% accuracy

Researchers have discovered a blood test that diagnoses Alzheimer's disease with an accuracy of over 90%, comparable to traditional cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. The test uses a phosphorylated TAU 217 protein biomarker, which offers precision in detecting longitudinal changes and reducing the need for additional confirmations.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2024

Food from urban agriculture has carbon footprint 6 times larger than conventional produce, study shows

A new University of Michigan-led international study finds that urban agriculture produces food with a carbon footprint six times larger than conventionally grown produce. However, certain city-grown crops, such as tomatoes and air-freighted crops like asparagus, showed comparable or even lower carbon intensity under specific conditions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Cities·DateJan 22, 2024

Sexual minority young people in Canada more likely to experience harmful police contact

A new study published in the Annals of Epidemiology found that bisexual individuals reported higher levels of police contact and law enforcement harassment in Canada. The study's authors call for greater police training to improve interactions with sexual minority persons and intervention efforts to support them after adverse experiences.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJan 22, 2024

Breakthrough research enhances stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide, which stabilizes perovskite solar cells. The novel solution-processed PDINN cathode interlayer achieved impressive performance with over 81% retention and record-high bias-free solar hydrogen production rate.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 22, 2024

Groundbreaking discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production

A new bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst made from ruthenium, silicon, and tungsten enables the efficient production of high-purity green hydrogen. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in acidic environments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.

Bioengineered material developed to rapidly stop bleeding in patients on blood thinners

Researchers developed a porous, chitosan-based material that rapidly absorbs blood and activates clotting mechanisms, halting bleeding within minutes. The 'hemostat' offers a more effective alternative to traditional compression methods, which can take over two hours to stop bleeding.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2024

Navigating the ‘big little leap’ to kindergarten

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that kindergarten transition difficulties can impact all children, not just those who are less prepared. Children who make a successful transition in the first few months of kindergarten score higher on tests of academic and social-behavioral skills at the end of the school year.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2024

Sahmyook University researcher proposes more equitable subway stations for the elderly and mobility handicapped

A recent study suggests that more investments are needed to ensure equitable subway facilities, with 27 out of 257 stations scoring 1.00, mostly medium-sized stations. The researchers recommend allocating transport facilities based on each station's needs to enhance accessibility for the elderly and mobility handicapped.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalJournal of Public Transportation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2024

KIER Accelerates Carbon-Neutral Technological Innovation through International Collaboration with Horizon Europe

The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) collaborates with European institutions to develop scalable high-power output and low-cost tandem solar modules for specialized PV applications. KIER has achieved high efficiencies in perovskite-CIGS thin-film solar devices, aiming to boost efficiency with flexible solar cells.

Planetary Commons: Fostering global cooperation to safeguard critical Earth system functions

The Planetary Commons concept aims to establish collective stewardship obligations for nation-states to protect and govern critical biophysical systems. Researchers argue that human activities are pushing the planet beyond its boundaries, requiring a new approach to governance.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2024

New study finds liquid laundry detergent packet exposure burden among young children remains; increase in exposures among older children, teens, and adults

A new study found that despite declines in exposures among younger children, the burden remains high, with increased incidents among older children, teens, and adults. Experts call for strengthened safety efforts, including PPPA-compliant packaging and individual wrapping of laundry packets.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalClinical Toxicology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2024

A quality improvement intervention links high-risk prenatal patients at safety-net health centers with primary care

A quality improvement intervention linked high-risk prenatal patients with primary care, resulting in a significant increase in postpartum and primary care utilization. Despite challenges, FQHC participation improved patient outcomes, highlighting the need for greater resources to ensure sustainability.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 22, 2024

Aerobic exercise can help fight liver diseases

Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by decreasing the size of lipid droplets in liver cells. This process is mediated by mitofusin 2, a protein that regulates communication between lipid droplets and mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMetabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Hybrid machine learning method boosts resolution of electrical impedance tomography for structural imaging

Researchers developed a novel hybrid approach combining traditional mathematical methods and cutting-edge machine learning to improve EIT analysis of building structures. The new method, called AND, reduces errors in reconstructing foreign objects' position and size compared to conventional EIT methods.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAIP Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Implement artificial neural network hardware systems by stacking them like "neuron-synapse-neuron" structural blocks

A team of scientists at KIST has developed integrated element technology for artificial neuromorphic devices, enabling the construction of large-scale artificial neural networks with ease. By fabricating vertically stacked memristor devices using hBN material, they demonstrated biological neurons and synapses characteristics and succes...

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 22, 2024

Cancer GPS method evaluates model tumor malignancy

A new cancer GPS method uses a water-soluble, luminescent europium complex to evaluate the malignancy grade of model glioma tumor cells without causing harm. The method measures changes in the lifetime of the complex's red-light emission, revealing differences in tumor activity and growth processes between different malignancy grades.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

UW researchers uncover news clues about the cause of common birth defects

A recent study from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine has uncovered new information about orofacial development in mice that researchers believe could one day help reduce the risk of these birth defects in humans. DNA methylation is a process where molecules are added to DNA that change gene expression without a...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Wolves and elk are (mostly) welcome back in Poland and Germany’s Oder Delta region, survey shows

A study published in People and Nature found that large parts of the participants supported the return of wolves and elk to the Oder Delta region, with a strong appetite for rewilding initiatives. Locals, however, showed mixed feelings, with some reservations about the presence of large carnivores like wolves.

Records of cometary dust hitting the asteroid Ryugu

Researchers have discovered melt splashes on Ryugu samples containing silicate glasses with voids and small inclusions of spherical iron sulfides. The chemical compositions suggest that Ryugu's hydrous silicates mixed with cometary dust, indicating the transport of primitive organic matter from space to Earth.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2024

New research sheds light on a phenomenon known as ‘false vacuum decay’

A team of researchers has observed bubble formation through false vacuum decay in atomic systems, shedding light on this long-theorized phenomenon. The study confirms the quantum field origin of the decay and its thermal activation, opening up new avenues for understanding early universe and ferromagnetic quantum phase transitions.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Tardigrade genomes reveal the secrets of extreme survival

Researchers discovered a complex network of gene duplications and losses associated with tardigrade extremotolerance, highlighting the intricate genetic landscape driving modern tardigrade ecology. The study sheds light on the evolution of anhydrobiosis in tardigrades, revealing two independent transitions from marine to limno-terrestr...

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2024

Men with inflammatory joint disease less likely to be childless than healthy peers

Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases suggests that men with inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are less likely to be childless and have more children than their healthy peers. The study found that these men had an average of 1.8 children compared to 1.7 in the comparison group.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2024

Enable distributed quantum sensors for simultaneous measurements in distant places

Scientists have successfully implemented a distributed quantum sensor that can measure multiple physical quantities with high precision beyond the standard quantum limit, enabling ultra-precise measurements in finance, telecommunications, and other fields. The innovation uses quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement to sha...

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2024

Tiny worm, giant leap: Discovery of highly specific fatty acid attachment to proteins

A new study reveals critical patterns of protein fatty acid attachment in C. elegans, a microscopic worm offering insights into fundamental biological processes. The findings highlight the link between protein modification and specific fat metabolic pathways, with vast implications for human health.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Towards a new Parkinson's diagnosis: Introduction of the SynNeurGe biological diagnosis classification

A new biological classification system for Parkinson's disease, known as SynNeurGe (S-N-G system), has been introduced. This classification considers three key components: pathological α-synuclein in tissues or cerebrospinal fluid, neuroimaging techniques, and pathogenic gene variants. The S-N-G system offers a detailed framework for u...

SourceUniversity of Lübeck·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 22, 2024