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Science News Archive July 2024 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

From empowering women to being empowered by women: A gendered social innovation framework for tourism-led development initiatives

The study explores gendered social innovation in tourism, revealing transformative trajectories of female entrepreneurs in Ecuador and Mexico. Relational empowerment is found to arise from interactions with family members, community leaders, and colleagues, while structural limitations such as sexism and limited access to resources res...

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalTourism Management·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024

UQ research reveals exercise brain boost can last for years

High-intensity interval exercise improves brain function in older adults for up to 5 years, with structural and connectivity changes in the hippocampus detected on high-resolution MRI scans. The study found that only high-intensity interval exercise led to cognitive improvement retained for up to 5 years.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAging and Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 9, 2024

Researchers listen to the hearts of bats in flight

Researchers from Max Planck Institute tracked the heart rates of male common noctule bats during flights, revealing a significant increase in heart rate from 6 to 900 beats per minute. The study found that bats consume up to 42% more energy in summer compared to spring, and develop unique strategies to survive in different seasons.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024

Researchers introduce new method to fine-tune properties of layered transition metal dichalcogenides crystals

Researchers have developed a novel approach to manipulate inter-layer coupling strength in layered TMDs crystals, enabling fine-tuning of their physical properties. The method involves deliberately introducing fractional misalignment of adjacent layers, revealing the dualistic insulating nature of certain materials.

Brain neurotransmitter receptor antagonist found to prevent opioid addiction in mice

A UCLA Health study discovered that suvorexant, an insomnia medication, blocks brain receptors for hypocretin and prevents opioid addiction in mice. The drug maintains behavioral alertness at lower doses than those inducing sleep. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans with opioid use disorder.

Hepatitis C leaves “scars” in immune cells even after successful treatment

Researchers found that the frequency of activated TREG cells remained elevated during treatment and continued to be high even after the virus was eliminated. Inflammatory features, such as increased TNF signaling, were sustained in TREG cells, indicating long-term immune system changes induced by the chronic infection.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

Water stored under artificial turf could make cities cooler and safer to play in

Researchers in the Netherlands have developed a self-cooling artificial turf system that stores rainwater under the surface, reducing surface temperatures by up to 35°C. This innovation makes sports fields safer for players and helps mitigate urban flooding, while also offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Cities·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

Key electronic device developed for the massive arrival of 6G networks

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a telecommunications switch capable of operating at high frequencies with lower power consumption than current devices. The switch uses non-volatile material hBN, allowing it to activate its ON or OFF state with an electrical voltage pulse instead of a constant signal.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

A time crystal made of giant atoms

Scientists at Tsinghua University and TU Wien have created a time crystal made of giant Rydberg atoms, exhibiting spontaneous symmetry breaking and oscillating light absorption. This breakthrough deepens our understanding of the time crystal phenomenon, offering potential applications in sensors.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

A treatment for anorexia nervosa?

A study published in Nature Communications has identified a neurological mechanism underlying anorexia nervosa and found a possible cure using donepezil, a medication increasing acetylcholine levels. Ongoing studies show positive results for patients with severe anorexia nervosa treated with low doses of donepezil.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2024

Brain-computer interface therapy for stroke survivors

A brain-computer interface therapy called RehabSwift has been shown to significantly enhance hand mobility in stroke survivors. Participants who used the system showed improvements in overall arm function, hand movement tests, reaction times, and hand strength after 18 sessions.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 9, 2024

Pusan National University researchers propose backscatter communication technique for low-power internet of things communication

A research team at Pusan National University proposes a novel backscatter communication system that utilizes transfer learning and polarization diversity to achieve 40% energy efficiency gains compared to conventional systems. The system enables integrated sensing and communication technology, facilitating smart cities, efficient indus...

SourcePusan National University·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

‘Unhealthy’ gut microbiome patterns linked to heightened risk of death after organ transplant

Research found that unhealthy gut microbiome patterns are associated with a heightened risk of death after solid organ transplant. The analysis revealed that the more the gut microbiome patterns diverge from those of the general population, the more likely they are to die sooner after their procedure. High numbers of certain bacterial ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024

Bacterial glitter

Researchers sequenced DNA of 87 structurally colored bacteria to identify genes responsible for their glittering structures. The findings could lead to environmentally friendly dyes and materials.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateJul 9, 2024

Whale remains tracked to highlight sustainable disposal benefits

A new study has found that tracking and disposing of whale remains offshore can have significant ecological benefits, including retaining nutrients within the marine ecosystem. The research used a 14m humpback whale as a test subject and successfully predicted its drift trajectory, allowing for more effective management of whale remains.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering·DateJul 9, 2024

Exemplar-based data generation and leaf-level analysis for phenotyping drought-stressed poplar saplings

Researchers developed a novel method combining computer vision and deep learning for drought-stressed poplar saplings, achieving 99% variety identification accuracy. The methods proposed hold significant potential for drought-resistant poplar screening and precise irrigation decision-making.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

Pigs are social but only dogs are attached

A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that domestication and human socialization alone are insufficient to trigger a human-analog attachment bond in companion animals. Dogs displayed specific behaviors typical of the attachment bond, unlike pigs, which did not exhibit these behaviors.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2024

Nitrite-driven anaerobic ethane oxidation

A novel genus, Candidatus Alkanivoras nitrosoreducens, is described as potentially performing nitrite-driven anaerobic ethane oxidation. The study reveals a prospective fumarate addition pathway for anaerobic ethane oxidation and a complete denitrification pathway for nitrite reduction.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

Empowering Ugandan female youth with self-esteem, self-efficacy, and gratitude using Transcendental Meditation

A study found that Transcendental Meditation increases self-esteem, self-efficacy, and gratitude in Ugandan female youth while decreasing tiredness and excessive alcohol use. The technique improved their mental and physical health, as well as relationships with family and community members.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalHealth Care For Women International·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

Life underground suited new dinosaur fine

The newly discovered dinosaur Fona shares anatomical features with burrowing animals and has preserved fossils in a manner that suggests it spent time underground. The species' small size and fragile bones are often found in bundles, indicating that it likely buried itself to escape predators.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024