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Science News for March 5, 2024


Aluminum nanoparticles make tunable green catalysts

Rice University researchers have developed a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. This allows for modifying the structure of the oxide layer, making the nanoparticles versatile tools for different applications.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

Wild bees develop tolerance to veterinary drugs

Wild stingless bee colonies in the Colombian Andes develop tolerance to the insecticide abamectin, which is derived from cattle medication ivermectin. Despite high concentrations of abamectin being lethal to bees, tolerant colonies grow at similar rates as non-tolerant ones

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 5, 2024

Infotainment is coming for your news, warns Concordia Ph.D. student Robert Marinov

A new study found that 51% of Canadian newspaper coverage during the 2019 federal election was classified as infotainment, featuring personal foibles and horse races alongside substantive coverage. Infotainment categories include personalization, sensationalization, and decontextualization, with significant impacts on voter information.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Journal of Political Science·TypeCase study·DateMar 5, 2024

Taking 9000 to 10000 steps daily may counteract the risk of death and cardiovascular disease in highly sedentary people

A large population-based study found that taking 9000 to 10000 steps daily reduces death and cardiovascular disease risk in highly sedentary individuals. The optimal number of steps per day to counteract high sedentary time is between 4000 and 4500 steps/day, lowering mortality risk by 39% and incident CVD risk by 21%.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Rice’s Nai-Hui Chia wins NSF CAREER Award

Nai-Hui Chia, an assistant professor of computer science at Rice University, has received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to develop a new theoretical framework for efficient quantum algorithms. The grant aims to enhance the security of quantum cryptography and tackle complex problems in physics and machine learning.

New research details negative consumer impacts of BLM support on major companies and brands

A recent study published in Marketing Science found that brands supporting Black Lives Matter (BLM) suffer a decline in consumer social media activity, including fewer followers and likes. In contrast, brands with more historical prosocial posting on social media and socially oriented missions may benefit from BLM support.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

BU researcher examines clinicians’ attitudes towards major changes from the 2020 ACS Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

New research by Boston University School of Medicine found that while few clinicians have adopted the 2020 ACS cervical cancer screening guidelines, most are open to change if supported by scientific evidence and recommended by professional organizations. The study identified logistical issues and concerns about missed detection as bar...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCancer·TypeSurvey·DateMar 5, 2024

New ‘digital twin’ Earth technology could help predict water-based natural disasters before they strike

Scientists create detailed models of the terrestrial water cycle using high-resolution satellite data to predict floods, droughts, and other extreme events. The Digital Twin Earth Hydrology Platform allows for interactive simulations and visualizations to enhance flood and landslide prediction and optimize water resource management.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2024

Space research sheds new light on formation of planets

A team of international astronomers has captured stunning images of over 80 young stars and planetary discs using the ESO's VLT. The research provides a wealth of data on planet formation, revealing diverse populations of planets and planetary nurseries across three star-forming regions in the Milky Way galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Microalgae with unusual cell biology

Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 5, 2024

Unhealthy food environments may play a role in increasing rates of childhood obesity in low- and middle-income countries

A study published in Public Health Nutrition found that unhealthy food retailers and advertisements dominate urban school neighborhoods in Greater Tunis, contributing to high rates of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed over 3600 retailers and nearly 2100 advertisements, revealing that two-thirds were classified as unhealthy, w...

SourceArnold School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateMar 5, 2024

Running performance helped by mathematical research

Researchers developed a mathematical model to optimize World-class 400m and 1500m running performances by considering variability of motor control, oxygen consumption, and energy expenditure. The study found that improving aerobic metabolism and maintaining optimal velocity are crucial for achieving top performance.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers·TypeCase study·DateMar 5, 2024

The dangers of misaligned product co-development contracts—and how they can derail innovation in high-tech firms

Researchers found that firms with mismatched positioning strategies, functional capabilities, and governance modes experience reduced innovation outcomes. Strong marketing capabilities are associated with increased innovation performance in joint development agreements for high differentiation-oriented firms.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 5, 2024

A consortium of algae and bacteria boosts the production of green hydrogen and biomass while cleaning water

Researchers at the University of Córdoba discovered a mutually beneficial relationship between an algae and three bacteria that produces hydrogen and biomass while cleaning wastewater. The combination, composed of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii alga and Microbacterium forte sp. nov., Bacilluscereus, and Stenotrophomonas goyi sp. nov., yield...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

After decades of Arctic sea ice getting faster and more hazardous for transport, models suggest a dramatic reversal is coming, York University study finds

Climate models suggest Arctic sea ice will slow down during summer seasons, potentially reducing hazardous conditions for marine transportation, but still posing concerns for ecosystems and global climate change. A York University study found that while the slowdown is plausible, questions remain about its timing.

SourceYork University·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateMar 5, 2024

Juno spacecraft measures oxygen production on Jupiter’s moon, Europa

The Juno spacecraft has directly measured charged oxygen and hydrogen molecules from Europa's atmosphere, providing key constraints on the potential oxygenation of its subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that oxygen is continuously produced in the surface ice shell, with an estimated 12 kg per second, which could support habitability.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Study: Historic racial covenants in property deeds linked to disparities in exposure to dangerous heat

A study by Rebecca Walker found that places with historic racial covenants had lower temperatures, more tree canopy, and less impervious surfaces, indicating reduced exposure to extreme heat. This is particularly pronounced in middle- and lower-income neighborhoods where the covenants have a significant impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2024

Restoration of degraded areas in semi-arid region contributes to ‘return’ of soil microorganisms, study shows

A study reveals that restoration strategies in the semi-arid region of Brazil have led to a return of native ecosystem services by improving soil microbial properties. The techniques, including removal of cattle and cultivation of cover crops, have resulted in higher biodiversity and crop yields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 5, 2024

Daily step count of 9,000 to 10,000 may counteract risk of death and cardiovascular disease in highly sedentary people

A study found that increasing daily step count can counteract the health consequences of too much sedentary time. The optimal number of steps per day to achieve this benefit was between 9,000 to 10,000 steps/day, which lowered mortality risk by 39% and incident CVD risk by 21%.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Novel device for stomach complaints has successful human trial

A novel device developed by University of Auckland researchers has successfully measured faulty gut electrical signals in a human clinical trial. The endoscopic sensor device aims to provide clinicians with a clearer picture of exactly where the electrical signals are misfiring, improving diagnosis and treatment for stomach complaints.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

Smart optimization paves the way for improved silicon solar cell performance

A team of researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has developed an innovative Bayesian optimization scheme to optimize the performance of silicon heterojunction solar cells. The approach, known as constrained BO, combines three prediction models to determine optimal deposition conditions for catalytic chemic...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 5, 2024

The atlas of internet surveillance

A German-American research team created an 'atlas of internet surveillance' by mapping the global ownership of internet service providers. The study shows that authoritarian states control more influential internet service providers than democracies, and often use state-owned transit networks to surveil and censor content. Additionally...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 5, 2024

Evolving hydrogen-storage technology: guidelines developed for the design of anti-evaporation catalysts

A research team identified manganese oxide and cobalt oxide as effective catalysts for accelerating ortho-to-para conversion of molecular hydrogen. The study provides guidelines for designing anti-evaporation catalysts, which are crucial for long-distance hydrogen transportation.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalExploration·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

BU study finds robotic-assisted surgery for gallbladder cancer as effective as traditional surgery

A new study by Boston University researchers found robotic-assisted surgery for gallbladder cancer to be as effective as traditional open and laparoscopic methods, offering added benefits in precision and quicker post-operative recovery. The study's findings suggest robotic surgery may pave the way for wider adoption and improve patien...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Surgery·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 5, 2024

Radioguided surgery accurately detects and removes metastatic lymph nodes in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients

New research reveals that radioguided surgery can effectively detect and remove metastatic pelvic lymph nodes in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. The procedure targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen, improving nodal staging to guide treatment recommendations.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 5, 2024

Mystery of curling paper solved

Researchers at TU Graz have discovered that the cause of curling paper lies in solvents contained in the ink, which migrate towards the unprinted side over time. This causes the cellulose fibres on the unprinted side to swell and the paper starts to curl.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalMaterials & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

Tiny worms tolerate chornobyl radiation

A new study led by researchers at New York University finds that microscopic worms living in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone have not developed DNA damage from chronic radiation. The discovery suggests that these worms are exceptionally resilient and could provide clues for understanding human risk factors, but it does not mean the region...

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2024

AI art and human creativity

Text-to-image AI tools enhance human artists' output, but may hinder novel visual styles. Artists who adopt AI show increased productivity and favorable feedback, while those relying solely on AI struggle with creative stagnation.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 5, 2024

Study finds no safety concerns when the dapivirine vaginal ring is used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, according to results presented at CROI 2024

A new study by the Microbicide Trials Network found no safety concerns with using the dapivirine vaginal ring during all stages of pregnancy. The research provides sufficient evidence that the ring is safe to use throughout pregnancy to protect against HIV, which poses a higher risk than at any other time.

SourceMicrobicide Trials Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 5, 2024

Research suggests new tool-making timeline for East Asian hominins

A new study suggests that East Asian hominins possessed advanced knapping abilities equivalent to Mode 2 technological features as early as 1.1 million years ago. The research team discovered organized flaking techniques and standardized operational processes, indicating complex mental templates among the toolmakers.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Hazardous heat and humidity is widespread in US jails and prisons, and climate change is worsening conditions

Climate change is exacerbating dangerous humid heat conditions in US carceral facilities, with 44 states lacking universal air conditioning. Incarcerated people are disproportionately susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with preexisting health conditions increasing risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2024

Breakthrough discovery will improve medical monitoring, preventive care for elephants

Researchers at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have made a groundbreaking discovery that establishes individual baseline values for African elephant blood cell counts, enabling earlier detection and intervention of clinical EEHV infection. This study provides a tool for elephant care facilities to improve preventive medicine and lifesa...

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalJournal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

Perturbations in redox status, biochemical indices, and expression of XBP1s and NOX4 in the liver of channa punctatus following exposure to Mancozeb

The study found that Mancozeb exposure leads to increased reactive oxygen species, redox imbalance, and liver biomarker elevation. XBP1s and NOX4 gene expression is also upregulated in response to MZ toxicity, indicating potential for early bio-indicators of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateMar 5, 2024

New strategy boosts direct electrolysis of dilute carbon dioxide

A new strategy for direct electrolysis of dilute CO2 has been proposed, using a molecular enhancement method to improve performance. The approach involves modifying CoPc electrodes with poly(4-vinylpyridine) to create a reaction microenvironment that effectively captures and converts CO2 from flue gas.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 5, 2024

New method measures the 3D position of individual atoms

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Bristol have developed a new method to measure the 3D position of individual atoms using a single image. The technique utilizes an ingenious physical principle to determine the vertical position of the atom, allowing for precise control and tracking in quantum mechanics experiments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

Toward understanding sperm quality

A new screening system enables researchers to investigate sperm cell development and health at the molecular level, identifying a crucial gene Rd3 for maintaining sperm integrity during development. The study uses CRISPR technology to disrupt genes in living animals, revealing its significance in regulating oxidative stress.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Genomics·DateMar 5, 2024

Liquid lens based holographic camera for real 3D scene hologram acquisition using end-to-end physical model-driven network

A new holographic camera using a liquid lens and end-to-end physical model-driven network can capture high-quality holograms of real 3D scenes in 150 milliseconds. The camera solves two major bottlenecks of existing holographic technology, enabling fast acquisition and improved image quality.

Conservation actions for SA’s white shark population now a matter of urgency

A group of marine biologists challenge the notion of a stable white shark population shifting eastwards along South Africa's coastline. They argue that data cannot support population stability or redistribution claims, citing issues with dataset presentation and the onset of declines predating orca appearances.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2024

Predicting who will experience aesthetic chills

Researchers developed a model predicting aesthetic chills with 73.5% accuracy, using data from 2,937 people and emotional stimuli clips. Factors such as personality traits, demographics, and contextual conditions were found to correlate with high probabilities of experiencing chills.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 5, 2024

Game-changing sensor unveiled for spotting chemical threats

A new gas sensor has been developed to detect chemical warfare agents (CWAs) with high sensitivity and rapid response. The passive wireless sensor system uses surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology to identify substances like dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), offering a reliable means of early CWA detection in hazardous environments.

New technique developed for measurement of temperature distribution inside single catalyst particle

Researchers developed imaging technique with 800nm spatial resolution to measure three-dimensional temperature distribution inside industrial zeolite-catalyst particles. The technique revealed utilization of active sites and evolutions of reaction intermediates during MTO reactions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 5, 2024

Isomerism can control and increase the diversity of structure of covalent organic frameworks, emerging nanoporous solids

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered a method to generate three types of structural isomers in 3D-COFs, increasing their diversity and potential applications. The creation of these isomers allows for tunable properties such as density and pore size.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

What makes black holes grow and new stars form? Machine learning helps solve the mystery

A study using machine learning classifies galaxy mergers and finds that mergers are not strongly associated with black-hole growth. Cold gas at the center of the host galaxy is necessary for rapid growth, suggesting a more complex relationship between galaxy evolution and supermassive black holes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2024

Gender gap on Wikipedia

A study analyzing Wikipedia's content from 2007 to 2022 found significant gender gaps in authorship, academic disciplines, institutional affiliations, and readership. The research highlights the need for diversifying contributions and addressing the systemic problems perpetuating these biases.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProfesional de la información·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Nosy chemistry

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a small-scale system that forms three-dimensional patterns, which serve as chemical fingerprints that allow chemicals in solutions to be identified. The system utilizes fluid flows and flexible posts coated with enzymes to generate distinct visual patterns.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2024

Unveiling the sun from behind the clouds: Reshaping the chemical image resolution

A new Raman spectral preprocessing algorithm enhances biomedical applications by improving noise removal and baseline correction. The two-step strategy, RSPSSL, uses self-supervised learning to achieve high-fidelity denoising and visualization of clinical tissue samples.

Magnetic revolution: New soft magnetic materials for a high-frequency future

Researchers from Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory have developed amorphous soft magnetic composites with improved properties for use in next-generation electronics. The critical state approach enables the creation of strong yet efficient magnetic materials, paving the way for more efficient power transmission and storage.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

Food web flexibility through time

A 8-month study on a warm-temperate grassland ecosystem found that some predators switch prey and detritivore prey contribute to network stability. These 'network coordinators' offer a measure of flexibility to the overall network architecture.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 5, 2024

Electrolyte cation types control electrochemical reactions on an electrode surface

Researchers discovered that electron and proton transfer mechanisms during oxygen reduction reactions vary depending on electrolyte cations, enabling improved energy conversion efficiencies. This breakthrough suggests optimizing reaction pathways without using costly electrodes.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

PD-L1 expression guidance on sintilimab vs. pembrolizumab with/without chemotherapy in untreated patients with advanced NSCLC (CTONG1901)

The study found that sintilimab was efficacious and well-tolerated in treating advanced NSCLC, with a confirmed ORR of 51.4% in the monotherapy arm. Treatment-related adverse events were consistent with previous phase III studies, but sintilimab had a higher incidence of rash compared to pembrolizumab.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMar 5, 2024

Having self-control leads to power

A new study from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management found that individuals with high self-control are perceived as more powerful and better suited for powerful roles than those with low self-control. People who act in line with their goals, such as meeting ambitious reading goals, are seen as more powerful.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024