Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 15


Page 15 of 42

Machine learning tools can predict emotion in voices in just over a second

Researchers developed machine learning models that can recognize emotions in voice recordings as short as 1.5 seconds with high accuracy comparable to humans. The study used three ML models and achieved an accuracy of over 90%, with potential applications in therapy, interpersonal communication technology and more.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

Excess temperatures cause low flocking concerns

A study found that days above 32°C during the mating week caused a 2.1 million fewer lambs produced in Australia each year. If global warming increases by 1°C or 3°C, annual losses could increase to 2.5 million and 3.3 million, respectively. The research also found that heat stress can reduce lamb birthweight by 0.6-1.4kg.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Food·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Lu(a)minar Flow Odyssey – the power of water and light towards early leukemia diagnostics

Researchers developed a unique microfluidics-based diagnostic system that combines optical tweezers with stimulated Raman spectroscopy to enable fast and accurate diagnosis of leukemia. The device can identify cancer cells based on their metabolic activities and metabolites, providing tailored treatment options.

Skeleton-wide study of blood cell formation yields surprising findings

A study published in Nature found that the response to hematopoietic insults differs across the skeleton, with certain bones specialized to respond to specific stresses. The research uses confocal imaging microscopy to count different cell types and provides new insights into blood cell production, potentially leading to improved treat...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

An endless domino effect

Topological solitons are created in a robotic metamaterial and move through the chain without needing 'reset' thanks to non-reciprocal interactions. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in robotics, sensing, and communication.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2024

Engineered for precise control of the active sites on Au@AuxIr1−x core-shell surface for efficient and durable water splitting in acidic media

Scientists designed a series of sub-10 nm core-shell nanocatalysts with an Au core and Au <sub> x </sub> Ir <sub> 1-x </sub> alloy shell to enhance water-splitting performance. The optimal ratio of IrO <sub> x </sub> combined with a suitable <em>d</em>-band center yields the best OER activity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 20, 2024

Rheumatic diseases associated with childbearing problems

Women with selected rheumatic diseases experience a higher prevalence of childlessness, while risks for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are increased for many conditions. Men with rheumatic conditions also face a higher risk of childlessness, although the impact on fertility varies among different diseases.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Ice-ray patterns: A rediscovery of past design for the future

A study discovers that traditional Chinese ice-ray lattice designs can provide unique stiffness and strength under asymmetric loads, offering an alternative to conventional gridshells. The research also explores the potential of integrating complex geometry into facade design and micro-scale material design.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

New route to recyclable polymers from plants

Researchers have created a method to make fully recyclable polymers from plant cellulose, which can replace some plastics and reduce plastic pollution. The new polymers have various structures that offer different applications, including high-performance materials for optical, electronic, and biomedical uses.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Mass timber could replace concrete and steel in high-rise U.S. buildings and significantly reduce carbon emissions, per modelling study examining this laminated timber product

A modelling study suggests mass timber can significantly reduce carbon emissions in high-rise US buildings by replacing traditional materials like concrete and steel. The study's findings have significant implications for the construction industry and could pave the way for more sustainable building practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2024

AI can now detect COVID-19 in lung ultrasound images

Artificial intelligence has been developed to spot COVID-19 features in lung ultrasound images, combining computer-generated images with real scans to identify signs of disease. The tool holds potential for developing wearables that track illnesses like congestive heart failure and monitor fluid buildup in patients' lungs.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateMar 20, 2024

Low-dose radiotherapy boost helps prevent local recurrence with better cosmetic outcomes in young breast cancer patients

Researchers found that young breast cancer patients who received a low-dose radiotherapy boost had a lower risk of local recurrence after 10 years, with only 4.4% experiencing recurrence. In contrast, high-dose boosts resulted in fewer recurrences but also more severe fibrosis and cosmetic issues.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 20, 2024

How neural inhibition could reduce alcohol use

A Scripps Research team found that inhibiting stress neurons may decrease alcohol consumption in comorbid cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. However, this approach did not mitigate anxiety. The study suggests that CRF plays a role in alcohol use among those with comorbid PTSD and AUD.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2024

“Tiny, beautiful, and completely unknown animals”: Citizen scientists discover new beetles from the Borneo forest

A team of citizen scientists, including local students, discovered a new beetle species in the Ulu Temburong forest. The newly described Clavicornaltica mataikanensis is one of the largest known relatives among its tiny flea beetle cousins, highlighting the need for further research on their ecology and diversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 20, 2024

Prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate may not increase children’s risk of autism spectrum disorder

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate does not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. In contrast, valproate has been linked to a heightened risk of ASD.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

The first Neolithic boats in the Mediterranean

Excavations at La Marmotta, Italy, uncovered five Neolithic canoes dating between 5700-5100BC, featuring advanced construction techniques. The discovery provides invaluable insights into early navigation and the technological sophistication of ancient communities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Revolutionizing gastric cancer treatment through personalized 3D bioprinting

Researchers have developed a vascularized organoid model (VOM) that accurately replicates the actual vasculature and environment of gastric cancer, enabling patient-specific predictions of response to anticancer drugs. The VOM demonstrates high cell viability rates and similarity to actual gastric cancer conditions.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 20, 2024

New study suggests that while social media changes over decades, conversation dynamics stay the same

A recent study analyzed data from multiple social media platforms over three decades, finding that toxic interactions are a persistent aspect of online discussions. The study suggests user resilience to negativity and highlights the importance of understanding human behavior in digital environments.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

Scientists uncover a causal relationship between remote extreme heat and the Canadian wildfires in 2023

A study by Prof. Xu YUE from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology found a causal relationship between remote extreme heat and the 2023 Canadian wildfires. The research revealed a significant correlation between high temperatures and fire intensity, with anomalies in maximum temperatures preceding severe wildfire events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 20, 2024