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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 18


Page 18 of 37

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

URI professor leads effort demonstrating success of new technology in conducting deep-sea research on fragile organisms

A team of researchers led by URI Professor Brennan Phillips successfully demonstrated new technologies for capturing preserved tissue and high-resolution images of deep-sea animals in minutes, preserving them for advanced genomic study. This breakthrough enables faster species discovery and can inform extinction prevention efforts.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

SDG-washing found among Canada's top companies

A study by University of Waterloo researchers found that corporate investing in communities decreased despite an increase in companies committing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The results indicate 'SDG-washing', where public pledges aren't translating into socially responsible investments.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBusiness Strategy & Development·DateJan 17, 2024

Pushing the boundaries of ultrasound imaging: breaking new ground with ultrafast technology

Researchers have enhanced microvascular sensitivity using ultrafast ultrasound, capturing the three-dimensional vascular network of renal arteries and veins without contrast agents. This technique reveals sharp decreases in renal blood flow during acute renal failure and chronic vascular degeneration in diabetic nephropathy.

Revolutionizing plant phenotyping: deep learning and 3D point cloud technology in overcoming reconstruction challenges

This study utilizes neural network-based point cloud completion to reconstruct 3D models of flowering Chinese Cabbage leaves, achieving full reconstruction with moderate consistency. The results show that the PF-Net algorithm improves the completeness of leaf point clouds under natural occlusion conditions, but struggles with larger mi...

SourcePlant Phenomics·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

New AI makes better permafrost maps

A new AI model has improved permafrost mapping by creating high-resolution maps of Arctic thawing, providing a tool for protecting infrastructure. The model achieved 83% accuracy in matching field data with its predictions, outperforming the widely used pan-arctic model.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalEarth and Space Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2024

A new targeted treatment calms the cytokine storm

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a novel treatment strategy for cytokine storm, a serious inflammatory syndrome triggered by an infection or severe burn. The new approach involves blocking IL-6 receptor signaling with a short-term antibody, minimizing treatment side effects and preventing vascular damage.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Long live the graphene valley state

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a potential platform for spin qubits in bilayer graphene, with ultra-long-lived valley states. The study finds that the valley degree of freedom in BLG is associated with quantum states that can survive for over half a second.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 17, 2024

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Paediatric care for non-White children is universally worse across the USA; policy reform urgently needed to address disparities

Inequities in pediatric care span broad specialties and systems, including neonatal, emergency, palliative, and mental health care. Policy reforms are crucial to address deep-rooted structural racism and disparities in housing, employment, insurance, and the criminal justice system.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 17, 2024

Higher infant mortality rates associated with restrictive abortion laws

A new study found that states with restrictive abortion laws had a 16% increased infant mortality rate compared to those with more comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Demographic factors such as low education attainment and inadequate prenatal care also contributed to elevated IMR.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

TU Graz researchers optimize 3D printing of optically active nanostructures

Researchers at TU Graz have made a breakthrough in manufacturing complex, free-standing 3D nanoarchitectures with precise shapes and sizes. They achieved this by precisely simulating the required optical properties in advance and completely removing chemical impurities, enabling new optical effects and application concepts.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Progression of ALS linked to a membrane and an enzyme: mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum disruption and loss of TBK1 activity

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a relationship between ALS progression and the disruption of mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM) and TBK1 activity. Decreased activation of TBK1 is linked to motor neuron death in ALS patients and mice with disrupted MAM.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2024

Women farmers quantitatively linked to better community well-being

Researchers at Penn State and University of Wisconsin-Madison found that women farmers approach their operations in ways that positively impact their communities. The study revealed a positive association between women farmers and local economic variables such as nonfarm entrepreneurship, life expectancy, and poverty rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Study identifies new findings on implant positioning and stability during robotic-assisted knee revision surgery

A study published in Arthroplasty Today found that robotic-assisted knee revision surgery significantly influences the function of the knee replacement. The computer system can help predict implant size and balance the knee for stability, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalArthroplasty Today·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Transforming clinical recording of deep brain activity with a new take on sensor manufacturing

A new approach to sensor manufacturing allows for minimally-invasive, high-resolution recording of deep brain activity, enabling the analysis of specific brain signals. The technology has the potential to enhance physicians' ability to acquire and understand brain signals at a higher resolution.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Fly brain, mouse brain, worm brain: They all network the same

Researchers analyzed large datasets of neural wiring in fruit flies, mice, and worms to compare networks across species. They created a mathematical model based on Hebbian plasticity, which shows how strong connections form and leads to clustering, suggesting a shared principle of self-organization governs brain network formation.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalNature Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

KU study shows weightlifting before basketball practice does not affect shooting accuracy

A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that resistance training before basketball practice has minimal to no effect on shooting performance. In fact, the only scenario where accuracy decreased was after upper-body training, but this decrease disappeared 30 minutes post-exercise completion.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Researchers make links between woolly mammoths and colonization of the Americas

A team of researchers used high-resolution isotope profiling to connect the wanderings of a woolly mammoth with the earliest known human settlements in eastern Beringia. The study suggests that mammoths may have played a role in facilitating human migration to the Americas, and their social structures may have been influenced by climat...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScience Advances·TypeCase study·DateJan 17, 2024