Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 17


Page 17 of 37

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