Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2024 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41

Local food production saves costs and carbon

A study by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found that local food harvesting is more economically-efficient and less carbon-intensive than industrial food production in the Canadian Arctic. Replacing locally-harvested foods with market substitutes would cost over $3 million per year and emit over 1,000 tonnes of CO2-e...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2024

Published research from the Parkinson’s Foundation shows genetic variants are more common in people with Parkinson’s disease than originally thought

The PD GENEration study has found that 13% of participants have a genetic form of Parkinson's disease, significantly higher than previous estimates. The study, which reached its goal of 15,000 participants ahead of schedule, provides insights into the genetics of the disease and its potential for precision medicine.

SourceParkinson's Foundation·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

Duke-NUS study reveals peer influence can promote healthier shopping habits

Researchers found that adding behavioural nudges and financial incentives improved diet quality by 14% when consumers saw front-of-pack nutrition labels and how their peers' baskets compared. The combined effect was akin to moving average nutritional quality from C grade to B grade, resulting in significant sugar and sodium reductions.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalFood Policy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

NUS researchers develop a novel technique to fabricate three-dimensional circuits for advanced electronics

The NUS researchers developed a state-of-the-art technique called CHARM3D to fabricate three-dimensional electronic circuits with high electrical conductivity, self-healing capabilities, and recyclability. This new technique enables the printing of free-standing metallic structures without support materials or external pressure.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 29, 2024

The sooner the better: teaching healthy habits in elementary school reduces abdominal fat

A large-scale study published in JACC shows that promoting healthy habits in elementary school children can effectively reduce abdominal fat and obesity markers. The study found that early intervention, particularly during the first three years of school, was more effective than delayed interventions.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

A camera trap for the invisible

A new AI-powered image recognition technique could help scientists detect dark matter at the LHC by flagging fleeting tracks before collisions occur. The technique, developed by Ashutosh Kotwal and his team, processes images in under 250 nanoseconds and weeds out uninteresting data points.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2024

Researchers realize multi-heterojunctioned plastics with high thermoelectric figure of merit

Researchers have developed a novel polymeric multi-heterojunction structure that surpasses traditional materials' limitations, achieving a high dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) exceeding 1.0. The new design manipulates thermal conductivity in organic systems, leading to a significant reduction in lattice thermal conductivity and exce...

Fetal brain impacted when mom fights severe flu: New mouse study explains how

A new study using live mice and influenza virus sheds light on how maternal immune response affects fetal brain development. Researchers found that only a subset of severe infections can cause changes in the developing fetal brain, increasing the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.

Many juvenile ‘lifers’ freed

A US study has compiled data on 2,904 juvenile 'lifers', revealing significant progress in resentencing and release, but also highlighting challenges faced by those returning to society. The research underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to facilitate successful reintegration.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2024

Carbon assurance likely to become mandatory

Research from Edith Cowan University finds that carbon assurance will likely become mandatory due to growing stakeholder demand and IFRS climate change disclosures. Companies with existing systems in place for tracking carbon emissions are expected to reap benefits, including increased shareholder investment.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalThe British Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

Researchers create ADP- or ATP-containing molecules with improved yield and consistency

A team of researchers developed a new chemical reaction to synthesize ADP- and ATP-containing molecules with high yields, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The reaction uses a hydrolysis-stable reagent and achieves reproducible access to these molecules.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2024

Avocado genome assembled from tip to toe: uncovering disease resistance and fatty acid secrets

The study reveals genes instrumental in synthesizing unsaturated fatty acids and orchestrating the plant's defense against pathogens. This comprehensive genomic map enriches our understanding of avocado biology, offering a robust foundation for breeding new varieties with enhanced nutritional values and improved disease resilience.

Evidence-based information combats misleading and false claims on the internet and social media about the anti-Mullerian hormone test

Researchers found that when given accurate information about the anti-Mullerian hormone test, women had less interest in taking the test compared to those who viewed misleading online claims. The study highlights the importance of providing evidence-based information to women seeking fertility treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2024

Transformative approach in cassava breeding: Inbred-parent-based hybrids promise enhanced efficiency and resilience

Researchers propose a transformative approach to cassava breeding, leveraging self-compatibility, flower-inducing technology, and genomics advancements. This innovative strategy aims to purge deleterious mutations, utilize heterosis, and create heterotic pools, enhancing adaptability and resilience in cassava production.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTropical Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2024

Omics technologies accelerating yam research progress

Yam researchers reviewed the current state of genomic research on the Dioscorea genus to facilitate more in-depth studies. The study highlights advances in yam genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, with a focus on expanding whole-genome sequencing and applying multi-omics technologies.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalVegetable Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2024

Conflicting health advice from agencies drives confusion, study finds, but doctors remain most trusted

A new study in Frontiers in Medicine found that individuals who perceive conflict among experts about health recommendations have significantly lower trust in health information provided by government health agencies. Doctors were the most trusted source of information, with high trust reported by 95% of respondents.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2024

New additive process can make better — and greener — high-value chemicals

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an eco-friendly method to precisely mix fluorine into olefins using natural enzymes and light, offering a more efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.