Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2024 - Page 13


Page 13 of 41

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