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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 29


Page 29 of 37

Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure

A new method has been developed to convert the widely used dry-cleaning solvent perc into carbonate esters and chloroform, valuable building blocks for further organic synthesis. This clean process uses on-demand UV activation, eliminating the need for toxic source materials.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Countries and companies need to address declining global fertility rates, doctors say

The global fertility rate is declining, with many countries predicted to have a population decline of more than 50% by 2100. Infertility risk factors, such as environmental pollution and smoking, are on the rise. Governments and companies must take action to address these issues and improve access to affordable fertility care.

SourceInternational Federation of Fertility Societies·JournalHuman Reproduction Update·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 10, 2024

Agility in cultural heritage management—Advancing competence within uncertainty as a sustainable and resilient adaptation to processes of dynamic change

This article explores the need for cultural heritage professionals to develop competencies in dealing with uncertainty. It advocates for a systemic understanding of cultural heritage as a prerequisite for sustainable adaptation to current challenges.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeCase study·DateJan 9, 2024

Injectable hydrogel electrodes open door to a novel painless treatment regimen for arrhythmia

Researchers develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for treating ventricular arrhythmia, providing a potential solution to painful defibrillation and improving quality of life. The novel pacing modality addresses the pathophysiology of re-entrant arrhythmia and offers a promising alternative to existing therapies.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Epigenetic therapy shows promise for endocrine-resistant breast cancer

Researchers at the Garvan Institute discovered that epigenetic changes called DNA methylation underpin endocrine resistance in breast cancers. By reversing this methylation, they successfully reduced cancer growth in patient-derived animal models using a low dose of the epigenetic therapy drug decitabine.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Kessler Foundation receives two federal grants to further new research on autism and outcomes and assessment for people with disabilities

The Kessler Foundation has received two significant grants from NIDILRR to fund research initiatives focused on enhancing employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum. A strength-based tool will be developed to help individuals identify and confidently express their strengths, improving job interview skills and employment...

Liver transplantation becomes a 9-to-5 operation due to perfusion machine

Researchers at UMCG have successfully performed liver transplants after prolonged preservation using a perfusion machine, showing similar outcomes to immediate transplants. The new method allows for safer and more efficient liver transplantation during the day, reducing complications and mortality rates.

SourceUniversitair Medisch Centrum Groningen·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of a "hot Saturn" and its spotted star

Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze the atmospheric composition of HAT-P-18 b, detecting water vapour and carbon dioxide. They also found a cloud deck that mutes the signals of many molecules, and their findings suggest the star's surface is covered by dark spots. The study highlights the importance of considerin...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 9, 2024

New study unveils machine learning-aided non-invasive imaging for rapid liver fat visualization

A new study introduces a machine learning-aided non-invasive imaging technique that can rapidly visualize liver fat distribution, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. The method uses near-infrared hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to differentiate between types of lipids in the liver.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Different pain types in multiple sclerosis can cause difficulty staying active

Research from Michigan Medicine found that widespread pain with nociplastic features can make physical activity challenging for patients with multiple sclerosis. The study suggests tailoring exercise plans to individual needs by considering underlying pain mechanisms, aiming to maintain functional independence and reduce pain intensity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2024

Researchers reveal significance of rare-earth circular economy in promoting global low-carbon transition

A recent study reveals that rare earth elements play a critical role in manufacturing low-carbon products. The researchers found a significant mismatch between supply and demand for heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium, but also highlight the potential of circular economy strategies to balance global REE supply.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 9, 2024

Largest diversity study of ‘magic mushrooms’ investigates the evolution of psychoactive psilocybin production

Researchers have sequenced 52 Psilocybe specimens, including 39 species previously unsequenced, to understand the evolution of psychoactive psilocybin production. The study reveals two distinct gene orders within the psilocybin-producing gene cluster, suggesting an ancient split in the genus.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Scientists outline a bold solution to climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice

A novel dataset is used to propose a 'restorative' pathway through which humanity can avoid the worst ecological and social outcomes of climate change. The scenario emphasizes social and economic justice as well as environmental sustainability, and offers a contrast to other climate scenarios that may be more aligned with the status quo.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 9, 2024

Severe MS predicted using machine learning

A combination of 11 proteins can predict long-term disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis, making it possible to tailor treatments to individual patients. The study identified a specific protein, neurofilament light chain, as a reliable biomarker for disease activity.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2024

Chemists develop new approach to inserting single carbon atoms

Researchers have developed a precise and efficient tool using 'single atom skeletal editing' to insert single carbon atoms into cyclic compounds, enabling ring size adjustment from five to six-membered rings. This approach opens up the way for designing and modifying complex molecular structures with potential industrial applications i...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Analysis of rowing force of the water strider middle leg by direct measurement using a bio-appropriating probe and by indirect measurement using image analysis

A new study directly measures the rowing force of a water strider's middle leg using a bio-appropriating probe, obtaining a force of 955 µN. Indirect measurement via image analysis yields a lower force of 488 µN. The study enhances understanding of water repellency and applications in biomechanics and biology.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateJan 9, 2024

A new method based on computational time series analysis allows the estimation of exercise thresholds

A new method allows for the estimation of exercise thresholds based on dynamical correlation properties of heart rate variability, optimizing athlete training and injury prevention. This method utilizes heartbeat interval measurements from sports watches and heart rate monitors, providing a reliable alternative to current methods.

SourceTampere University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 9, 2024

The hidden identity of leukemia

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University characterize myeloid/natural killer (NK) cell precursor acute leukemia (MNKPL) using multiomics approaches, revealing distinct molecular features. This work provides crucial details for accurate diagnoses and therapeutic decisions.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 9, 2024

Systemic changes induced by ASCOT in plasma proteome of women with impaired ovarian reserves

Researchers found that ASCOT reverses some age-related protein expression changes, enriching processes related to the complement cascade and immune system in patients with poor ovarian response. In contrast, patients with premature ovarian insufficiency showed enrichment in responses to oxygen-containing compounds and growth hormones.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Perinatal depression and risk of suicidal behavior

Women with perinatal depression are at a heightened risk of suicidal behavior, particularly in the first year after diagnosis, with persistent elevations throughout 18 years of follow-up. The study emphasizes the need for vigilant clinical monitoring to support this vulnerable group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 9, 2024

The rock that creates clouds

Researchers at TU Wien discovered that feldspar's unique surface geometry provides the perfect anchoring point for water molecules, enabling efficient cloud formation. The hydroxyl layer formed on the feldspar surface allows water molecules to stick and freeze, forming clouds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 9, 2024

Inspired by Greek mythology, this potential drug shows promise for vanquishing Parkinson’s RNA in early studies

A potential Parkinson's medicine, Syn-RiboTAC, targets RNA to slow or stop disease progression by preventing the buildup of toxic protein alpha-synuclein. In early studies, reducing alpha-synuclein levels by even 25% or more is therapeutically beneficial, with the compound showing good selectivity and improved brain-barrier penetration.

SourceUF Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

New research identifies renowned rock art sites ‘chosen’ for vantage

Researchers have identified internationally significant rock art sites in Arnhem Land that were intentionally selected for their critical vantage points. The Flinders University research team used innovative methods to model the environmental conditions 15,000-28,000 years ago, shedding new light on the locations and roles of these sites.

SourceFlinders University·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2024

Nube, the almost invisible galaxy which challenges the dark matter model

The newly discovered galaxy Nube has a set of specific properties that distinguish it from previously known objects, including being ten times fainter and ten times more extended than other dwarf galaxies. Its unusual characteristics challenge the current understanding of the universe, particularly the dark matter model.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeNews article·DateJan 9, 2024

Study reveals key molecular mechanisms involved in development of tomato plant

The study shows how interaction between plant hormone gibberellin and small RNA molecules enables the development of ovaries, followed by fruit and seeds in tomatoes. This knowledge serves as a basis for ways to increase tomato yield by manipulating the genetic and physiological basis of microRNA and hormone interactions.