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Science News Archive July 2024 - Page 8


Page 8 of 41

Climate change will bring more turbulence to flights in the Northern Hemisphere

Researchers predict a rise in clear air turbulence over most northern mid-latitude regions due to climate change, particularly in North Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East. The study found that the probability of clear air turbulence will increase with each degree of warming, posing a significant threat to aviation safety.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateJul 25, 2024

CU Anschutz scientists identify key protein behind spread of shingles virus

Researchers discovered a new evasion strategy used by the varicella zoster virus to affect tissues far from the original site of infection. The virus uses small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) to package and shuttle a protein called IE62, which can travel to distant cells and shut down their antiviral response.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Ancient marine animal had inventive past despite being represented by few species, new study finds

A new study reveals that brachiopods, despite being represented by few species, were evolving new shell shapes and ecological behaviors after the end-Permian mass extinction. The research found that disparity and diversity are decoupled in brachiopod history, with innovative shell forms not translating to many new species.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 25, 2024

Intelligent engineering: AI transforms spatial arrangement of hydropower underground facilities

Researchers developed a knowledge graph methodology to optimize spatial arrangement of underground powerhouses, enhancing digital intelligent design and operation. The approach addresses existing challenges in spatial arrangement, paving the way for improved accuracy and efficiency in hydropower engineering projects.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Intelligent Construction·DateJul 25, 2024

Antisense oligonucleotide treatment shows promise in treating Parkinson's disease progression

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University demonstrate a proof of concept for antisense nucleic acid therapy to prevent the spread of α-synuclein pathologies in synucleinopathies. The treatment, involving antisense oligonucleotides, effectively reduces Lewy pathology-like neuronal inclusion by over 90%.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateJul 25, 2024

Physical training improves quality of life in advanced breast cancer

A randomized controlled trial found that structured exercise programs significantly improved the quality of life and reduced fatigue in women with metastatic breast cancer. The program, which included twice-weekly training sessions, also showed improvements in pain, shortness of breath, and social participation.

Good lives can be provided to the whole world’s population while reducing environmental damage

A new study suggests that ending mass human deprivation and providing good lives for the whole world's population can be achieved while reducing environmental damage. The research proposes that only 30% of current global resources and energy use are required to provide universal access to basic goods and services.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalWorld Development Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024

Exploring the dynamics of combatting market-driven epidemics

A new case definition of market-driven epidemics (MDEs) helps address critical barriers to timely prevention and mitigation. The study highlights the success of US efforts to reduce cigarette, sugar, and opioid consumption, demonstrating that public health leaders can save lives through earlier, more decisive action.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2024

Energy planning in Ghana as a role model for the world

The MEASURES project in Ghana provides insights into the impact of informal economy, climate migration, and rising temperatures on energy system planning. The researchers developed an energy system model for Accra, which yielded cost-, carbon- and resilience-optimized energy system capacity and operational planning decisions.

In clinical trial, fecal matter transplant helped half of patients with gastrointestinal cancers overcome resistance to immunotherapy treatment

A clinical trial found that fecal microbiota transplants can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in a range of gastrointestinal cancers. The study identified specific bacterial strains associated with better or worse responses, and showed promise for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2024

After Trump’s election, women of color had more underweight, premature babies, study finds

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley reveals a significant increase in underweight and premature births among non-white women in the US after Trump's election. Black mothers had the largest increases, with about 3,783 fewer infants born underweight if Trump hadn't been elected.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024

New study shows at-home colon cancer screening test reduces risk of colorectal cancer death, as effective as screening colonoscopy

A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that an at-home fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) screen can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%, comparable to screening colonoscopy. FIT is a non-invasive test that involves mailing a stool sample to the laboratory for analysis.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024

Study identifies unique treatment preference profiles in men with prostate cancer

Researchers at UCLA Health Sciences identified three distinct patient preference-based profiles among men with low-risk prostate cancer. Despite differences in preferences, physician recommendations played a crucial role in determining treatment choices. The study highlights the need for better integrating patient preferences into trea...

Size doesn’t matter for mammals with more complex brains, according to new study

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that mammals with more developed brains tend to exhibit smaller sexual size dimorphism (SSD), meaning there is less difference in size between males and females. This suggests that complex brain development may be linked to other traits such as social behavior and mate selection.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2024

KTU scientists’ innovation for indoor solar cells can maximize the use of light energy

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) develop materials to improve indoor photovoltaic cells, generating electricity even in low-intensity light. The innovation utilizes Internet of Things technologies to efficiently regulate device operation and optimize energy consumption.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Can a computer tell patients how their multiple sclerosis will progress?

A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that machine learning models can reliably predict the disability progression of multiple sclerosis. The models were trained on data from 15,240 adults with at least three years of MS history and had an average accuracy of 0.71 ± 0.01.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2024

Method enables fast, accurate estimates of cardiovascular state to inform blood pressure management

A new mathematical method, validated with experimental animal data, provides fast, reliable, and minimally invasive way of determining how to treat critical blood pressure changes. The method accurately tracks cardiac output and systemic resistance, mirroring estimates from more invasive catheters in some cases.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

The research was wrong: study shows moderate drinking won’t lengthen your life

A new analysis by researchers found that studies linking moderate drinking to health benefits suffer from fundamental design flaws. Moderate drinkers were compared with abstainer and occasional drinker groups that included older adults who had quit or cut down on drinking due to health conditions, leading to biased results.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 25, 2024

Spin qubits go trampolining

Researchers at QuTech have demonstrated the creation of somersaulting spin qubits, which can be controlled using baseband signals and small magnetic fields. This breakthrough enables universal quantum logic and simplifies control electronics for future quantum processors.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Quantum sensor for the atomic world developed through international scientific collaboration

A groundbreaking quantum sensor capable of detecting minute magnetic fields has been developed through international scientific collaboration. The sensor utilizes a single molecule to sense electric and magnetic properties of atoms, offering spatial resolution on the order of a tenth of an angstrom.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Chinese medicinal fungus shows promise in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

A recent study from China has found that Cordyceps sinensis can ameliorate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting mitochondrion-mediated oxidative stress. The fungus was shown to reduce pulmonary inflammation and collagen deposition, offering a promising alternative for patients suffering from this debilitating disease.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Future Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Innovative fire stewardship techniques to reshape landscape design to better adapt to and coexist with wildfire-prone environments

This article discusses co-creative strategies for embracing pyric forces in landscape architecture. It highlights the potential of beneficial fire and promotes collaboration with fire stewards to gain insights. Landscape architects are encouraged to become active stewards themselves.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Exploring consciousness with eureka moments

Researchers propose a new approach to studying conscious cognitive information processing, focusing on eureka moments and learning curves. By analyzing performance over time, scientists can identify the timing of conscious processes and observe brain activity using imaging or electrophysiological methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateJul 25, 2024

New Zealand’s flightless birds are retreating to moa refuges

Researchers have found that New Zealand's most threatened flightless birds are congregating in the same isolated areas where six species of moa once lived before extinction. The study reveals that these ancient habitats, including Mount Aspiring and the Ruahine Range, continue to harbor populations of takahē, weka, and great spotted kiwi.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2024

Save your data on printable magnetic devices? New laser technique’s twist might make this reality

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new laser-induced forward transfer technique using optical vortex to print magnetic ferrite nanoparticles with high precision. The resulting crystals exhibit helix-like twisted structures that can be controlled by changing the optical vortex's helicity.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAPL Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

A cool solution

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a two-phase cooling system that efficiently dissipates heat from server chips through phase change. This innovative system drastically reduces the amount of energy needed to keep equipment cool, with early tests showing significant reductions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateJul 25, 2024