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Science News Archive July 2024 - Page 18


Page 18 of 41

From roots to leaves: The nitrogen connection to photosynthetic efficiency

Researchers found that different nitrogen forms impact leaf anatomy, affecting photosynthesis efficiency. NH4+ nutrition leads to lower photosynthesis due to thicker cell walls and fewer chloroplasts. Optimizing nitrogen form applications can enhance photosynthesis and plant growth, particularly in crops like Lonicera japonica.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy marks a milestone in cancer treatment

The FDA approval of lifileucel, the first commercial tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, marks a major advancement in personalized cancer treatment. Moffitt researchers are expanding this therapeutic approach to treat other solid tumor cancer types, such as lung, sarcoma, cervical and bladder.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 18, 2024

Montana State researcher studies nano-scale materials that mimic enzymes to convert CO2 into chemical building blocks

A Montana State University researcher has developed nano-scale materials that can convert carbon dioxide into chemical building blocks, marking a potential step forward in reducing atmospheric CO2. The materials mimic enzymes and have the ability to selectively capture CO2 from the air.

SourceMontana State University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Can doomscrolling trigger an existential crisis?

A recent study found that habitual doomscrolling on social media can lead to feelings of existential anxiety, pessimism about human nature, and distrust. Researchers surveyed 800 university students from Iran and the US, discovering a link between excessive negative news consumption and increased anxiety, despair, and misanthropy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJul 18, 2024

Energy efficiency may keep rodents at bay

A Yale University study suggests that retrofitting homes with efficient insulation and sealing leaky windows can reduce rodent infestations, while also decreasing wasteful energy usage. The research found that large-scale retrofitting schemes can be effective in excluding rats from homes and increasing predation across neighborhoods.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 18, 2024

Novel drug application shows improved survival for patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia

A novel strategy using venetoclax and azacitidine demonstrates significant anti-cancer effect with mild toxicity for relapsed/refractory AML patients. The treatment showed markedly better survival rates after one year compared to a control group, with improved 'graft-versus-leukemia effects' via alterations of immune cells.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBlood Cancer Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2024

Time-lapse imaging for embryo selection in IVF does not improve the odds of live birth compared with conventional methods, according to largest study of its kind

A large-scale randomized controlled trial found no difference in live birth rates between time-lapse imaging and standard approaches used in IVF. The study suggests that time-lapse imaging does not improve clinical outcomes for women undergoing fertility treatment, contrary to theoretical benefits.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 18, 2024

Rising antimicrobial resistance in certain Salmonella serovars isolated from retail chicken meat

Emerging antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates found in retail chicken meat poses a significant threat to public health. The study found a dramatic increase in multidrug-resistant S. Infantis, which has been linked to high levels of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes.

HKUST engineering researchers develop advanced solid-state electrolytes for high-performance all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Researchers at HKUST have developed a novel strategy to create solid-state electrolytes with high performance, achieving exceptional ionic conductivity and lithium-ion transport capability. The new electrolyte enabled the fabrication of a full cell demonstrating an initial discharge capacity of 141.5 mAh g−1 at room temperature.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Your therapist wants you to go outside

A meta-analysis of existing research found that spending time in nature, even as little as 10 minutes, can yield short-term benefits for adults with mental illness. The analysis examined 30 years of published research on the social, mental, and physical health effects of exposure to nature.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcopsychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2024

Pusan National University study provides breakthrough in enhancing solid oxide fuel cell efficiency with rapid PrOx coating method

A team of researchers led by Professor Beom-Kyeong Park has made a breakthrough in enhancing solid oxide fuel cell efficiency with a rapid PrOx coating method. The study demonstrated significant enhancements in SOFC electrode performance, reducing polarization resistance and boosting peak power density.

SourcePusan National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Unlocking the power of nanopores

Researchers have successfully designed transmembrane β-barrel pores with custom shapes and properties, enabling miniaturization of sensing and sequencing applications into portable devices. The design method uses computational tools to control the shape and chemistry on a molecular level, resulting in stable and quiet signal generation.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

GIST researchers develop novel electrode for improving flowless zinc-bromine battery

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon-coated thick GF electrode to suppress the crossover phenomenon in flowless zinc-bromine batteries. The new electrodes effectively prevented self-discharge, improving battery performance and lifespan.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Synthesis of a new compound with excellent intrinsic magnetic properties using smaller amounts of rare earth elements

Scientists have successfully synthesized a new SmFe-based magnetic compound, exhibiting superior intrinsic magnetic properties compared to traditional NdFeB compounds. The compound's high magnetization and anisotropy field make it suitable for electric vehicle applications without the need for critical rare-earth elements.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalActa Materialia·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Groundcherry gets genetic upgrades: Turning a garden curiosity into an agricultural powerhouse

Researchers have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to improve groundcherry's growth habit and fruit characteristics. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields and reduce the need for pesticides. The study also highlights the potential of groundcherry as a model species for studying plant biology.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Cross-kingdom regulation of silkworm development and cocooning by mulberry microRNAs——a fresh clue to unravel the intricate dance of co-evolution

Researchers found that mulberry microRNAs can shape silkworm development and phenotypes by influencing gene expression in recipient animals. This study reveals the previously unrecognized role of plant-derived miRNAs as environmental determinants of animal development.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalInsect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Genetic study highlights importance of diversity in understanding health disparities

A large-scale genetic study found that genetic data from diverse groups, including non-European populations, can provide critical insights into health disparities. The study identified population-specific signals and unique genetic variations associated with specific traits or conditions, highlighting the importance of diversity in und...

Hackensack Meridian CDI Lab publishes papers pointing the way toward an exhaled-breath test for lung cancer

Scientists have successfully collected and profiled lung biomarkers from human breath, developing animal models to identify key markers for early detection of metastatic lung tumors. The research establishes a scientific roadmap for an exhaled-breath test, which may revolutionize the diagnosis and surveillance of human lung diseases.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

In China, property rights take wrong turn

A new study by Kishore Gawande finds that China's nationwide protection of private property rights in 2007 turbocharged its business climate. However, the country is now reversing course, with potential investors pulling back due to weakening property rights. This could lead to lower economic output and tax revenues for local governments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Law and Economics·DateJul 18, 2024

Using AI to scrutinize, validate theories on animal evolution

A new study uses machine learning to analyze the genetic diversity of two amphibian species, finding that different processes shaped their evolution. The research suggests that population demographic events and contemporary landscape factors played a significant role in shaping the genetic variation of these species.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·TypeCase study·DateJul 18, 2024

Illinois studies explore converting wastewater to fertilizer with fungal treatment

Studies explore converting leftover wastewater from hydrothermal liquefaction into fertilizer for agricultural crops. Using a fungal treatment, researchers found significant increases in nitrate and ammonia concentrations, increasing nutrient availability. The method also removes toxic compounds, enabling circular economy applications.

Drexel team identifies drug-like molecules that show early success in targeting breast cancer brain metastases

Researchers from Drexel University have identified two compounds, AD-5584 and AD-8007, that selectively kill cancer cells and block tumor growth by targeting a key metabolic enzyme in cancer cells. These findings show early success in shrinking breast cancer tumors in brain metastases and offer hope for more effective therapies.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 18, 2024