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Science News for July 23, 2024


U.S. homicides by firearms concentrated among Black youth before, during, and after the start of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study examining firearm homicide deaths from 2018 to 2022 found that Black 15- to 24-year-olds were disproportionately affected, with a rate of 14 times higher than White individuals. The spike in homicides in 2020 was largely due to firearm injuries, with the largest increases occurring among Black men between 10 and 44 years old.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 23, 2024

Researchers developed novel procedure for isolating primary mouse hepatocytes with holographic acoustic tweezers

A new procedure has been developed to isolate and culture primary mouse hepatocytes in a 2D environment, using holographic acoustic tweezers. The method allows for significant amplification of liver cell functions and the formation of liver-like structures.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiomaterials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 23, 2024

Sharp temperature reduction for quantum dots in polymer by highly efficient heat dissipation pathways

Researchers propose a new strategy to improve thermal management in quantum dots, achieving high in-plane thermal conductivity and reducing working temperatures. The QDs-radially aligned ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers (UPEF) composites demonstrate enhanced optical performances and reliability in optoelectronic devices.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateJul 23, 2024

Prostate cancer blood test equally effective across ethnic groups

A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology has shown that the Stockholm3 prostate cancer blood test is equally effective in detecting clinically significant cancer across different ethnic groups, including African Americans and Asians. The test reduces unnecessary biopsies by 45% while maintaining high detection rates.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 23, 2024

New video test for Parkinson’s uses AI to track how the disease is progressing

A new video-processing technique developed at the University of Florida uses artificial intelligence to track Parkinson's disease progression in patients, allowing neurologists to better monitor their condition and quality of life. The system analyzes video recordings of patients performing the finger-tapping test, a standard test for ...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks·DateJul 23, 2024

Generative AI tools like Pix2Pix–BicycleGAN are revolutionizing landscape design by enhancing masterplan generation and rendering

This study evaluates the quality of GAN-generated results in landscape architecture masterplan generation and their effectiveness in design workflows. Image analysis and user surveys show high levels of visual realism and preference for color and texture in GAN-generated layouts and masterplans.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

HIV vaccines tested in PrEPVacc fail to reduce infections

The PrEPVacc HIV vaccine trial found no significant reduction in HIV infections among participants. The study reported more infections in the vaccine arms compared to the placebo groups, but the results are inconclusive due to wide statistical confidence intervals.

SourcePrEPVacc·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 23, 2024

Asexual reproduction usually leads to a lack of genetic diversity. Not for these ants.

Researchers at Rockefeller University found that clonal raider ants preserve genetic diversity through a unique method of asexual reproduction. The study reveals that daughter ants inherit two distinct versions of their genome, largely preserving the genetic diversity present in their mother's genome, which enables the species' survival.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 23, 2024

HKUST researchers find strategic emission caps key to ammonia industry decarbonization

A team of researchers from HKUST has identified the importance of strategic emission cap choices for ammonia industry decarbonization. By setting region-specific targets and prioritizing plant flexibility, policymakers can balance environmental goals with costs and resource availability.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Hot traces in rock

Scientists have reconstructed climate information from rocks dating back to the Devonian period, finding significant geological events such as oceanic openings and mountain uplift. The study's findings may help improve the usability of deep geothermal energy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

Next generation biosensor reveals gibberellin’s critical role in legume nitrogen-fixation – paving the way for more productive legume crops and self-fertilizing cereals

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that the plant hormone gibberellin is essential for legume nitrogen-fixing root nodule formation and maturation. The study used a highly sensitive next-generation biosensor to visualize GA accumulation in specific zones of the root, revealing its critical role in nodulation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Materials developed to improve hydrogen production from water using microwave radiation

A team of researchers has developed materials that significantly improve the production of green hydrogen through redox cycles. The process uses microwave radiation to obtain hydrogen from renewable electrical energy, reducing CO2 emissions and increasing efficiency. The study, published in Advanced Energy Materials, demonstrates the s...

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Advanced phase-controlled 3D biochemical imaging

Researchers have developed an advanced SRS 3D microscopy called phase-controlled SRS (PC-SRS) for rapid and deep tissue 3D chemical imaging. PC-SRS enables high signal-to-noise ratio, high-speed imaging, and deeper imaging capabilities in highly scattering media.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateJul 23, 2024

Eyes for Love: Searching for light and a mate in the deep, dark sea, male dragonfishes grow larger eyes than the females they seek

Researchers at Boston College found male dragonfish have evolved larger eyes to detect females who produce less light, closing a bioluminescent detection gap. This is the second known case of sexually dimorphic eye-size in fishes and highlights the unique adaptations of deep-sea species.

SourceBoston College·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

"AI + nonlinear optics + structured light" expanding information network accuracy and capacity

A new method combines machine vision, deep learning, and nonlinear conversion to increase information capacity in machine learning-based ultra-accurate information networks. The system can achieve low bit error rates and high data recognition accuracy even with complex light fields.

Mini lungs make major COVID-19 discoveries possible

Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect more types of lung cells than previously thought, including those without known viral receptors. The study also found that the lung can independently muster an inflammatory antiviral response without immune system help when exposed to the virus.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

On-chip spectrometer with high performance, low power-consumption and simple control logic

A miniaturized spectrometer with programmable photonic circuits achieves high performance while conserving energy by 'parking' inactive interferometers. The device also offers ultra-high-performance mode for high-resolution spectral analysis, making it suitable for various applications including health monitoring and scientific research.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateJul 23, 2024

Pagliarini named HHMI Investigator

Pagliarini's research aims to shed light on the underlying genetic causes of mitochondrial disorders, which affect one in 5,000 people. He will use this funding to expand his work on mitochondrial proteins and their functions, with a focus on coenzyme Q.

Nanoscopic imaging aids in understanding protein, tissue preservation in ancient bones

A new study uses nanoscopic 3-D imaging to analyze ancient bone samples, revealing insights into protein and tissue preservation during fossilization. The technique shows that Ice Age bones still retain original collagen protein frameworks, offering a potential proxy for screening specimen suitability for molecular sequencing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournaliScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Drawing water from dry air

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a compact rapid cycling fuel-fired atmospheric water harvesting device that can produce clean drinking water in arid places. The device uses hygroscopic materials to draw water molecules out of non-humid air and then applies heat to release those molecules into liquid form.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Innovative photobiomodulation technique illuminates a new frontier in neurodegenerative disease treatment

A breakthrough near-infrared photobiomodulation technique has shown potential in suppressing neuroinflammation and promoting microglia cell proliferation. The study's findings suggest that LEDs with broadband NIR emission could offer a cost-effective, side-effect-free treatment option for millions suffering from neurodegenerative disea...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

Light emission from nanostructures, revealed using 3D printing method for the first time

A team at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute has successfully fabricated light-emitting materials in nanowire structures using 3D printing technology. The highly directional light emission pattern observed is suitable for high-performance devices such as displays, optical storage media and encryption technologies.

New car smell reaches toxic levels on hot days

High levels of formaldehyde and aldehydes are emitted from new cars on hot summer days, exceeding national safety limits. A machine learning model has been developed to predict in-cabin concentrations of volatile organic compounds, potentially informing exposure assessments and intelligent car systems.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 23, 2024

Research spotlight: Machine learning classification of functional neurological disorder

A machine learning algorithm was trained to predict individuals with functional neurological disorder (FND) by analyzing their brain structure. The algorithm achieved significant above-chance accuracy in classifying FND participants against healthy controls and psychiatric samples, highlighting the importance of considering both brain ...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

UBC Okanagan study raises concerns about partner violence in queer relationships

A UBC Okanagan study reveals that 98% of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence, with 70% showing symptoms consistent with a brain injury. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches to address IPV in queer relationships and acknowledges the intersectional nature of oppression.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Exploratory analysis associates HIV drug abacavir with elevated cardiovascular disease risk in large global trial

An exploratory analysis associates current or previous use of antiretroviral drug abacavir with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with HIV. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found no elevated MACE risk for other antiretroviral drugs included in the analysis.

Towards net-zero energy houses: optimizing the size of photovoltaic systems

A new framework enables efficient calculation of optimal solar panel and battery sizes for residential neighborhoods, making it feasible to achieve net-zero energy houses. The approach leverages linear programming transformations to overcome computational challenges, demonstrating that ZEH status does not significantly elevate costs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

When it comes to butterflies, people prefer pretty ones. That’s a problem for scientists.

A new study reveals that data on popular community science platforms is biased towards easily identifiable and attractive species. Researchers found that iNaturalist's reliance on photos creates a personal bias, underreporting certain species and overreporting others.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 23, 2024

Nonlinear encoding in diffractive optical processors based on linear materials

The study compares simpler-to-implement nonlinear encoding strategies with the performance of data repetition-based methods, revealing that data repetition enhances inference accuracy but compromises universal linear transformation capability. Phase encoding without data repetition offers a simpler alternative with comparable inference...

Taco-shaped arthropod from Royal Ontario Museum’s Burgess Shale fossils gives new insights into the history of the first mandibulates

Researchers reveal Odaraia alata's intricate system of spines that could capture prey, and its pair of large appendages with grasping edges indicative of mandibles. The study provides new insights into the evolution and ecology of early mandibulates in marine ecosystems.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJul 23, 2024

Study identifies best bioenergy crops for sustainable aviation fuels by U.S. region, policy goals

The study analyzed four biofuels crops and found that each feedstock performed best in a specific region of the rainfed United States. The researchers identified miscanthus and switchgrass as the most environmentally friendly options, while energy sorghum was the cheapest to produce.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 23, 2024

How staph slips around

A study by Michigan State University reveals that certain proteins and peptides in the nasal and oral environments create lubricants for bacterial colonies to move towards vulnerable sites. The discovery provides new insights into how staphylococcus bacteria spread, shedding light on conditions that accelerate their movement.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

DIF-1(+3): Combating drug-resistant malaria parasites

Researchers developed a new antimalarial agent, DIF-1(+3), effective against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. The compound showed stronger growth inhibitory effects than previous derivatives and significantly increased survival time in infected mice, suggesting it may offer more treatment options for malaria-endemic areas.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalBiochemical Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Natural drylands are grossly under-protected and are predicted to face major threats due to human land-use conversion in the 21st century

Drylands cover 42% of the earth's land surface but receive inadequate protection, with only a small fraction slated for conservation. The study highlights the urgent need to protect dryland species and ecosystems due to human actions, which may lead to severe biodiversity loss.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Butterflies accumulate enough static electricity to attract pollen without contact, new research finds

Researchers found that butterflies and moths collect enough static electricity while flying to attract pollen from flowers across air gaps of several millimeters or centimeters. This discovery suggests a trait that can be adaptive, allowing evolution to act upon it through natural selection.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Study evaluates treatment interventions for severe obesity in adolescents

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that meal-replacement therapy paired with financial incentives resulted in a greater reduction in body mass index compared to MRT alone. The study enrolled 126 adolescents and found that the combination treatment led to a significant decrease in BMI and total body fat mass.

Decoding early Lyme disease

Early Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose due to its flu-like symptoms and the limitations of current testing methods. The new guidance article provides recommendations for clinicians to improve Lyme disease outcomes by assessing criteria for positivity and mitigating factors, as well as optimal timing of testing.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 23, 2024

Digital food ordering drives increased indulgence and spending, USF study finds

A USF study reveals that digital food ordering platforms significantly influence consumer behavior, often leading to more indulgent food choices and increased spending. The study found that 61% of digital orders were unhealthy, and consumers who are more proficient with technology may be less susceptible to the Google Effect.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

‘Floating duck syndrome’ tricks people into working hard but failing to achieve their goals

A study found that 'floating duck syndrome', where individuals present themselves as effortlessly high-achieving, leads to underinvestment of effort towards goals and spreading oneself too thinly. This phenomenon is exacerbated by social media platforms and institutional public relations, causing individuals to invest too much total ef...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

HR departments ‘not trusted’ to deal with bullying

A new study published in the Journal of Business Ethics found that HR departments fail to address workplace bullying adequately, with employees describing them as weak and ineffective. The research suggests systemic failures due to factors such as legal ramifications, reputational damage, and concerns about losing perpetrators.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers discover tumor suppressor protein Par-4 triggers unique cell death pathway in cancerous cells

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered that the tumor suppressor protein Par-4 can cause a unique type of cell death called ferroptosis in human glioblastoma cells, while sparing healthy cells. This new understanding has the potential to inform the development of novel treatments for various hard-to-treat cancers and neurodegener...

SourceNew York University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 23, 2024

Researchers led by Rice’s James Tour develop more environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for soil remediation

Researchers have developed a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process that can remediate synthetic chemicals in soil, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The method uses electrical inserts and biochar to heat contaminated soil, converting PFAS into nontoxic minerals.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateJul 23, 2024

The unintended consequences of success against malaria

A new study reviewing the academic literature on indoor pest control reveals that successful mosquito treatments have unintended consequences, including the return of household pests like bed bugs and flies. This has led to community distrust and abandonment of these treatments, contributing to rising rates of malaria.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 23, 2024

Pioneering the cellular frontier

Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed an effective way to image a single cell using multiple techniques, providing significant implications in medicine and agriculture. The team used advanced X-ray imaging technologies to capture high-resolution images of the cellular structure and chemical processes within cells.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Perceptions of income inequality drive consumers’ interests in counterfeit luxury goods, study finds

A new study found that consumers value counterfeit luxury products for their 'egalitarian value', a sense of restoring equality in society. The research, involving over 2000 participants from Sweden and the US, suggests that perceived income inequality is a major driver behind people buying fake luxury items.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 23, 2024