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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 28


Page 28 of 37

A methodology for regulating fuel stratification and improving fuel economy of GCI mode via double main-injection strategy

A new double main-injection (DMI) strategy has been proposed to regulate fuel stratification in Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI) mode, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The study found that simultaneous main-injection and exhaust gas recirculation can achieve rapid fuel supply and control of combustion.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Microplastics affect soil fungi depending on drought conditions

New research reveals that microplastic pollution affects soil fungi differently depending on moisture levels. In dry conditions, microplastics help retain water and may mitigate drought effects, while in well-watered environments, toxic chemicals leach into the soil, hindering fungal richness.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateJan 10, 2024

Orbitally-induced strong monsoons facilitated early human dispersal to East Asia

Researchers found that the Asian summer monsoon's strengthening played a key role in Homo sapiens' dispersal from Africa to East Asia during the last interglacial period. The study integrated paleoanthropological data with high-resolution reconstructions of the monsoon, suggesting a link between climate change and human migration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

New transactions of nonferrous metals society of china study uncovers low-temperature deformation mechanism of pure titanium

Researchers investigate grain size and temperature effects on Ti deformation at extremely low temperatures, finding that cryogenic temperatures trigger deformation twinning, boosting strength and ductility. The study proposes a modified Hall-Petch relationship to explain strengthening mechanisms at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Mushrooms, coffee grounds and natural pineapple fibers: The future of eco-friendly materials

Researchers have developed a novel eco-friendly material using mycelium, coffee grounds, and natural pineapple fibers, boasting biodegradability, customizable physical properties, and fire resistance. The production process is sustainable, utilizing renewable resources and minimizing energy consumption.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology·DateJan 10, 2024

Unveiling the reproductive secrets of red-swamp crayfish

Researchers at Okayama University uncovered key reproductive characteristics of the red-swamp crayfish, highlighting the importance of hook length and chelae for identifying sexual status. The study also found high reproductive ability and fast growth rates compared to native Japanese crayfish.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2024

Exposure to high humidity and temperature in pregnancy could influence blood pressure changes in childhood

New research from the University of Bristol found that exposure to high humidity and temperature during pregnancy can influence blood pressure changes in children. The study analyzed over 7,000 participants and found a steeper increase in blood pressure with higher relative humidity and a slower increase with higher temperature.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJACC Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2024

NIH-supported researchers create single-cell atlas of the placenta during term labor

Researchers created a single-cell atlas of the human placenta, revealing changes in gene expression patterns among cell types. The study found that cells most affected by labor were in chorioamniotic membranes and generated inflammatory signaling.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Do symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder facilitate substance use as a coping method among children after a natural disaster?

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that certain symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with a higher risk of substance use among children after a natural disaster. The study identified irritable behavior and angry outburst symptoms as being linked to the greatest risk for coping through...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateJan 10, 2024

Is there a common link between the physical and social worlds? Two brothers think so.

The Rutgers biophysical chemist and his brother, a political scientist, propose that parallels exist between the microscopic world of cells and molecules and human-forged organizations and political systems. They identify similarities in rules that apply to both realms, including stability concepts and cooperative phenomena.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 10, 2024

NASA Johnson Space Center engineer Kimberly A. Hambuchen, Ph.D., recognized for seminal research in developing new methods for making robots more autonomous and usable by humans across a time delay

Dr. Hambuchen's affordance template innovation allows remote humans to interact with robots as supervisors, guiding them to complete tasks while maintaining autonomy. This technology has significant implications for NASA's space exploration and deep-sea exploration, overcoming the challenge of time delays.

Architectures, opportunities, and challenges of Internet-of-batteries for electric Vehicles

The Internet-of-Batteries (IoB) system utilizes IoT principles to gather data from EV batteries, analyzing health and performance, identifying faults, and optimizing usage. Machine learning approaches enhance decision-making for improved battery performance, increased range, and reduced costs.

SourceGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Unveiling recurrent foot-and-mouth disease in the Middle East

A comprehensive study reveals repeated incursions of Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus in Israel and neighboring areas, emphasizing the importance of improved surveillance, vaccination efforts, and cross-border cooperation. The research underscores the necessity for unified strategies to effectively combat FMD and reduce its economic and ag...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalVirology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

Discovery: One of the deleted genes linked to Williams syndrome is responsible for mitochondrial function and regulation in the brain’s nerve cells

Researchers found that the deletion of the Gtf2i gene impairs mitochondrial organelle formation and function, leading to abnormal cell behavior and neurodevelopmental pathologies. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by cognitive and social impairments.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 10, 2024

Joking apart: What men and women find funny

A new study published in De Gruyter journal Humor found that men rate visual jokes higher than women, who prefer jokes involving political commentary or dynamics of close relationships. Both sexes enjoyed cartoons with complex romance themes.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalHumor - International Journal of Humor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Wristband monitors provide detailed account of air pollution exposure

A new study using personal wristband monitors has collected unprecedented data on air pollution exposures in pregnant individuals in New York City. The findings identified complex interactions between demographics and behaviors that shape exposure to individual compounds, highlighting the need for further research to understand these p...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Tactile lithophane development makes hard scientific data available to students with blindness

A Baylor University chemistry professors develop a codex using lithophane, converting images from scientific textbooks into tactile formats for students with blindness. The study found that students with blindness can accurately describe, recall and distinguish high-resolution data and imagery at an average accuracy of 88%.

SourceBaylor University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2024