Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 4


Page 4 of 37

Goats can tell if you are happy or angry by your voice alone

Research suggests goats have developed a sensitivity to human vocal cues over their association with humans. The study found that goats tend to gaze longer at the source of an angrier-sounding voice than a happier one. This ability may contribute to better understanding animal behavior, welfare, and emotional experiences.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

Geoengineering may slow Greenland ice sheet loss

Researchers found that injecting aerosols into the stratosphere can reduce ice sheet loss by up to 37.6 mm sea-level rise, slowing global warming's effects. However, geoengineering addresses only symptoms, not root causes, and may delay necessary changes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 30, 2024

A green alternative for treating Streptococcus iniae bacteria in hybrid striped bass

A novel antimicrobial protein, ClyX-2, effectively cures S. iniae infections in hybrid striped bass with a 95% survival rate, outperforming traditional antibiotic treatments like carbenicillin. The discovery aims to reduce the economic loss of $150 million annually caused by streptococcosis and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

Study suggests secret for getting teens to listen to unsolicited advice

A new study found that emerging adults appreciate their parents' unsolicited advice if they are supportive of their autonomy. Parents can foster this by providing clear guidelines and participating in activities interesting to their teens. Conversely, dismissive postures like 'Because I said so' can cause teens to build walls around un...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEmerging Adulthood·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

Mapping cell behaviors in high-grade glioma to improve treatment

Researchers have identified regional biological signatures in invasive brain tumor margins of high-grade glioma, which could lead to improved diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Advanced MRI techniques may help distinguish between the genetic and molecular alterations, providing insights into resistance to treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2024

KIMM develops technology for detecting injection of medication to prevent medical accidents related to analgesic drug infusion pump in hospitals

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Material (KIMM) has developed a sensor module that measures low flow rates and bubbles during analgesic drug infusion. This technology aims to prevent medical accidents caused by malfunctioning infusion pumps or incorrect dosages.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalSensors and Actuators·DateJan 30, 2024

New research shows how pollutants from aerosols and river run-off are changing the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas

New research reveals how human activities affect the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, leading to changes in coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study identifies an 'Anthropogenic Nitrogen Pump' that reduces phosphate levels, limiting algae growth, and enhances the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

Black summer bushfires in Australia wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain

The 2019-2020 'Black Summer' bushfires in Australia resulted in a $2.8 billion loss to the tourism industry, with almost 7300 jobs disappearing nationwide. The study found that the impact of the fires was felt across the entire economy, with the Australian tourism industry being particularly vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEconomics of Disasters and Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

Artificial muscles – lighter, safer, more robust

Researchers have created artificial muscles that contract in response to electrical impulses, using a liquid-filled pouch with electrodes. The HALVE actuators can store energy well, lift weights, and are now waterproof and more robust than previous models.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

Evolutionary origin of mysterious immune system molecule in humans revealed

Researchers discovered that the human immune system borrowed a protein from a gene family responsible for cell migration to create an antibody-binding molecule. The J chain, which regulates antibody structure and function, originated from CXCL chemokines, a family of proteins regulating white blood cell movement.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

How obesity dismantles our mitochondria

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that obesity is associated with the fragmentation of mitochondria in fat cells, leading to reduced energy burning and weight gain. Researchers identified a single gene responsible for this process and found that deleting it protected mice from diet-induced weight gain.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 29, 2024

NUS scientists develop novel method to estimate biodiversity loss in Singapore over the past two centuries

A new study reveals that Singapore has lost 37% of its species over the past two centuries, with larger mammals and forest-dependent birds being particularly at risk. The researchers recommend prioritizing landscape-scale conservation efforts for charismatic species, such as tigers and orangutans, to mitigate extinction rates.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

Performance in 20-meter shuttle run test is positively associated with brain health in children with overweight or obesity

Research suggests that high aerobic fitness in children with overweight or obesity is linked to improved executive functions, academic performance, and larger brain volume. The 20-meter shuttle run test is a reliable predictor of brain health outcomes in this population.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJan 29, 2024

How a walk in nature restores attention

Researchers at the University of Utah found that participants who walked through nature showed improved executive attention compared to those walking in urban areas. The study used EEG data to measure brain activity and controlled for factors such as exercise.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Protein identified as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas

Researchers have identified UCHL1, a protein found in highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and neuroblastoma, as a potential molecular biomarker for diagnosing these cancers and predicting responses to therapy. Targeting UCHL1 with inhibitors has been shown to delay the growth and spread of these tumors in pre-clinical models.