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Science News for July 24, 2024


Researchers discover faster, more energy-efficient way to manufacture an industrially important chemical

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a faster and more energy-efficient way to manufacture propylene, a key chemical in producing polypropylene. The new process uses zirconium combined with silicon nitride, yielding higher catalytic activity and lower operating temperatures.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 24, 2024

How can intelligent technology and scenario-based operations transform urban neighborhoods into smart, future-ready environments?

This article proposes a pathway for creating smart neighborhoods by integrating intelligent technology with scenario-based operations. It explores how this approach can improve the design, construction, and operation of future urban neighborhoods, providing a reference for China's smart neighborhood construction.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeCase study·DateJul 24, 2024

George Mason University researchers lead breakthrough study to find functional cure for HIV

Researchers at George Mason University's Center for Infectious Disease Research have made a breakthrough in finding a functional cure for HIV. Using an HIV-like virus particle called HIV Rev-dependent lentiviral vector, the team was able to reduce viral reservoirs and boost the immune system to produce antiviral neutralizing antibodies.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalGene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Nanoscale device simultaneously steers and shifts frequency of optical light, pointing the way to future wireless communication channels

Researchers have developed a metasurface that can reflect light at multiple frequencies, enabling faster wireless communication channels. The device operates in reflection mode at optical frequencies, offering thousands of times more bandwidth than current Wi-Fi.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Older adults want to cut back on medication, but study shows need for caution

A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 2024

New study finds alarming rise in persistent ‘forever chemicals’ in pesticides

A comprehensive study reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly added to US pesticide products, contaminating waterways and posing potential threats to human health. The study found that pesticides containing PFAS are widely used in staple foods, flea treatments for pets, and insect-killing sprays.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

Advanced printing crafts precision scaffolds for tissue regeneration

Researchers developed core-shell microfibrous scaffolds that excel in rotator cuff repair, restoring natural morphology and mechanical properties. The acellular, in situ tissue engineering technology harnesses stem cell regenerative abilities to provide robust biological regeneration without cell seeding.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 24, 2024

Researchers highlight ChatGPT’s role in bioinformatics and biomedical informatics

ChatGPT has shown impressive capabilities in tasks related to knowledge-mining and text-generation, but exhibited limitations in quantitative analysis and reasoning. The researchers emphasize the importance of human expert augmentation and efficient prompt engineering to minimize hallucination and improve response accuracy.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalQuantitative Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

A brittle interface with low modulus to improve the mechanical properties of multiphase ceramics: A unique design approach?

Researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University developed a new design approach for low-modulus brittle interfaces in multiphase ceramics, improving their strength and toughness. The optimized ceramics exhibit significant enhancements in flexural strength and fracture toughness compared to non-optimized counterparts.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJul 24, 2024

Fighting leukemia by targeting its stem cells

Researchers identified genetic and metabolic characteristics of leukaemic stem cells, including a specific iron utilisation process that can be blocked to kill these cells without harming healthy ones. This breakthrough paves the way for new therapeutic strategies to combat leukemia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 24, 2024

Rice researchers develop innovative battery recycling method

A research team at Rice University has pioneered a new method to extract purified active materials from battery waste, enabling efficient separation and recycling of valuable battery materials. The technique uses solvent-free flash Joule heating to create unique features with magnetic shells and stable core structures.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2024

Study reveals close host–symbiont interactions in deep-sea chemosynthetic tubeworm

A recent study published in Science Advances has shed light on the close host–symbiont interactions in deep-sea chemosynthetic tubeworms. The research found distinct cell populations within the trophosome expressing genes associated with gas transport and metabolite shuttling, revealing a biochemical gradient facilitating chemosyntheti...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2024

Physical activity improves early with customized text messages in patients with heart problems

Researchers found that personalized text messages effectively increased physical activity among patients after significant heart events, with Apple Watch users showing a 10% increase in step count. However, the benefits later tapered off as patients became accustomed to the messages.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

New England Journal of Medicine publishes outcomes from practice-changing E1910 trial for patients with BCR::ABL1-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The E1910 trial demonstrated a significant survival advantage with blinatumomab immunotherapy, improving overall and relapse-free survival in patients with BCR::ABL1-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This finding contributed to the recent FDA approval of blinatumomab for these patients.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

Wearable devices can increase health anxiety. Could they adversely affect health?

A new study by UNC School of Medicine researchers found that wearable devices can significantly amplify anxiety and increase healthcare use in patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients with Afib who use wearables are more likely to be preoccupied with their heart symptoms and report concerns about their treatment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

New analysis offers most comprehensive roadmap to date for more targeted Alzheimer’s research and drug discovery

A team of researchers has developed a comprehensive ranking of genes and proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease, providing a roadmap for more targeted research and drug discovery. The study integrates findings from multiple fields and identifies thousands of potential therapeutic targets.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

How to eliminate racial disparities in colon cancer

Researchers found that eliminating racial disparities in follow-up colonoscopy rates and quality would significantly reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. By closing these gaps, the study aims to achieve health equity and find innovative solutions for true change.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

The secret to finding balance: improving interoception

A new Reichman University study demonstrates how external representation of physiological signals can improve internal balance. The researchers created an immersive multisensory environment that mirrors the user's breathing pattern, leading to significant improvements in interoceptive sensibility and flow among users.

SourceReichman University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

HKU chemists develop a clickable tryptophan modification strategy for late-stage diversification of native peptides

A team of researchers from HKU developed a new approach to modify peptides at the late stage of development, allowing for precise targeting and improved drug properties. This method enables the installation of various functional groups onto tryptophan residues within native peptide structures.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Variants in the genome affect DNA methylation

Scientists at deCODE Genetics found that genome variants drive the correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression. The research uses new nanopore sequencing technology to analyze DNA sequences in real-time, revealing a link between noncoding sequence variants and diseases.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

New study determines incidence of and risk factors for hepatitis C virus reinfection among men with HIV, offers new insight on transmission

A new study found that the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection among men with HIV is 10-fold higher than primary infection rates in New York City. The researchers identified receiving semen in the rectum as the only risk factor for reinfection, contradicting previous assumptions about transmission routes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 24, 2024

Research finds no difference in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome prevalence caused by COVID-19 and other acute illnesses

A new study led by UCLA found a 3% to 4% prevalence of ME/CFS-like illness among participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, similar to those who tested negative. The research suggests COVID-19 may not be the primary cause of ME/CFS.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 2024

How spaceborne satellites can help with forest monitoring

The study uses spaceborne lidar to estimate canopy height, providing accurate measurements over large geographic regions. The results show promising accuracy for evergreen forests with dense canopy cover, highlighting the potential of ICESat-2 in monitoring forest recovery and detecting health issues.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 24, 2024

Hens blush when they are scared or excited

Researchers found that domestic hens exhibit distinct facial expressions, including flushing and feather fluffing, to convey different emotions. The study provides a window into the emotional lives of farmed poultry, potentially improving their welfare.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

New research suggests few people get sick after bite from ticks infected with Powassan virus

Researchers found that most Powassan-positive bites cause nonspecific presentations without symptoms, and estimated 3,000-5,000 people in the US are exposed to ticks carrying the virus each year. The study used a new testing approach to detect the virus in ticks and linked it to human disease outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

Chung-Ang University researchers study real-time electricity pricing model to enhance power grid balance

A new study proposes a predictive home energy management system with a customizable bidirectional real-time pricing mechanism to promote residential demand response and reduce peak loads. The system enhances user comfort and accuracy of forecasting, while also providing cost savings.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 24, 2024

SIAT team investigates nonlinear current response in perovskite X-ray detectors

Researchers proposed a design strategy to mitigate nonlinear responses in polycrystalline metal halide perovskite X-ray detectors, addressing issues like 'delay' and 'ghosting'. The study demonstrated high-resolution X-ray imaging with suppressed ghosting contrast and top sensitivity for similar X-ray energies among polycrystalline per...

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 24, 2024

'Gene misbehavior' widespread in healthy people

A recent study found that 'gene misbehaviour' is a common phenomenon in the healthy human population, with over half of inactive genes showing misexpression. The researchers used advanced techniques to analyze blood samples from 4,568 healthy individuals and identified mechanisms behind these gene activity errors.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 24, 2024

Toward a quantum electron microscope: a compact pulse hollow cone hybrid TEM/SEM by CityUHK to revolutionize electron microscopy

A team from City University of Hong Kong has designed a compact hybrid transmission and scanning electron microscope that can operate at room temperature, offering high-resolution imaging capabilities without cryogenic temperatures. The new system reduces radiation damage to samples and provides improved image contrast using pulse elec...

The ocean is becoming too loud for oysters

Research from the University of Adelaide reveals that human activity is interfering with oysters' natural settlement process due to increased noise pollution. The study found that acoustic enrichment techniques may not be effective in areas with high levels of anthropogenic noise.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJul 24, 2024

Schematics for the transition-state structure for enantioselectivity determining step. (Image by FU et al.)

A study published in PNAS reveals that active matter and shear flows exhibit similar thinning behaviors due to micro-mechanism of breaking up percolating particle clusters. This finding offers a possible explanation for the 'superfluid'-like phenomena observed in biological organisms.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2024

NUS researchers develop new battery-free technology to power electronic devices using ambient radiofrequency signals

A team of NUS researchers developed a compact and sensitive rectifier technology that uses nanoscale spin-rectifiers to convert ambient wireless radio frequency signals into DC voltage. The technology overcomes challenges in existing energy harvesting modules, enabling battery-free operation for small electronic devices.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Preventing brain damage in preterm babies

A recent study has identified a blood protein called fibrin as the root cause of developmental delays and brain damage in preterm infants. The researchers found that fibrin interferes with a cell-signaling pathway essential for neuron creation, particularly in the cerebellum.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2024

Neurons in the frontal cortex help macaque monkeys decode social interactions

Research on macaque monkeys reveals that neurons in the frontal cortex respond differently to real and filmed partners during turn-taking exercises. This finding suggests that these neurons may be involved in spatial perspective-taking, a cognitive operation that enables individuals to mentally rotate themselves into others' positions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Foam fluidics showcase Rice lab’s creative approach to circuit design

Engineers have shown that air flow through open-cell foam can be used to perform digital computation, analog sensing, and combined digital-analog control in soft textile-based wearable systems. The researchers designed foam-based fluidic resistors to create two-dimensional pneumatic logic circuits embedded in textile-based devices.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Electrical stimulation for brighter persistent luminescence

Researchers create a new yellow-green luminescent material to address growing industrial demand for brighter afterglow. They successfully apply an electric field stimulation method, increasing the initial luminance of the SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor and demonstrating its potential for high brightness long afterglow emission.

Large genetic study on severe COVID-19

Researchers found that mutations in the TLR7 gene significantly increase the risk of severe COVID-19, as well as changes in the TBK1, INFAR1, and IFIH1 genes. The study also suggests gender-specific differences in how genetic factors influence disease progression.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·DateJul 24, 2024

First long term study shows use of socially assistive robot improves stroke rehabilitation

Researchers found that socially assistive robots improved stroke rehabilitation outcomes by encouraging people to continue their treatment in a non-judgmental setting. Participants who used the robots showed significant improvements in kinematic and clinical measures, including smoothness of movement and upper-extremity assessments.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

Can anxiety increase the risk of developing dementia?

A prospective cohort study found that both chronic and new anxiety were associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. The presence of chronic anxiety was linked to a 2.8-time higher risk, while new onset anxiety was associated with a 3.2-time higher risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 24, 2024

Under pressure: how cells respond to physical stress

Researchers at UNIGE have discovered how yeast cells respond to physical stress on their membranes. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed that specific lipid domains can stabilize and trigger cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. This study sheds light on the role of membrane compartmentalization in cell survival.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateJul 24, 2024

High-speed camera for molecules: entangled photons enabled raman spectroscopy

Researchers developed a microscopic theory for ultrafast stimulated Raman spectroscopy with quantum-light fields, enabling high-speed imaging of molecules. The technique leverages the quantum advantages of entangled photon sources to enhance both temporal and spectral resolution.

The aroma of tomato resistance

The IBMCP team has identified a new volatile compound, alpha-terpineol, that effectively protects plants from Pseudomonas syringae, a pathogenic bacterium causing severe crop damage. This natural strategy could serve as a protective barrier against bacteria and even protect plants from drought.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Preventing cancer cells from colonizing the liver

Cancer cells can attach themselves to liver cells when specific proteins are present, allowing them to colonize and form new tumors. This discovery provides insights into the metastatic process and may lead to potential treatments that prevent cancer from establishing new tumors.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Tiny deletion in heart muscle protein briefly affects embryonic ventricles but has long-term effects on adult atrial fibrillation

Researchers found that a tiny deletion in the titin protein causes developmental defects in embryonic ventricles, leading to increased potassium ion current and abnormal ANP expression. This remodeling leads to impaired atrial contractility and an increased risk of adult atrial fibrillation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Trajectory planning could boost safety in medical robotics

Researchers have developed a complex algorithm to choreograph the movement of two robotic arms, ensuring a clear space between them and maintaining a consistent magnetic field. This innovative system uses two robotic arms to steer magnetic medical devices, such as vine robots, with precise control and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Dark matter seen through a forest

Researchers used hydrogen to track dark matter's presence in the universe, revealing a tension between observations and theoretical predictions. The findings suggest that an unknown particle or new physics may be responsible for this discrepancy.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

Lower dose prostate cancer treatments retain efficacy while improving tolerability

Researchers found that lower doses of radiopharmaceutical therapy approaches for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer were just as effective as the standard dose, with better tolerability among patients. The study showed improved PSA response rates and comparable median overall survival in both groups.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 24, 2024