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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 38


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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