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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 4


Page 4 of 42

Dogs trained to detect trauma stress by smelling humans’ breath

Researchers teach two dogs to recognize the scent of trauma reactions on human breath, achieving 90% accuracy in discriminating between stressed and non-stressed samples. The study suggests that dogs may be able to detect stress VOCs linked to PTSD symptoms, potentially allowing them to interrupt episodes at an earlier stage.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Allergy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Unlocking how to use mRNA to target Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists at The Florey have developed an mRNA technology approach to target the toxic protein tau, which builds up in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This new method demonstrates that mRNA can serve purposes other than vaccine development, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

The emergence of molecule glasses capable of unveiling the mysteries of life marks the beginning of a new era in bioscience

Dr. Lee's CNT transistor enables detailed examination of molecular interactions, capturing serotonin and dopamine movements with unprecedented sensitivity. The research paves the way for high-precision study of intermolecular interactions, potentially leading to precise medical technology capable of controlling biological systems.

To keep volunteers, connect them

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that fostering social connections among volunteers can help organizations recruit and retain scarce volunteers. Researchers analyzed data from a Chinese crowdsourcing platform and found that social connections were a powerful predictor of volunteer behavior, with findings appl...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024

Ancient isolation’s impact on modern ecology

A new study reveals how deep-seated geographic isolation drove divergent evolutionary paths among mammals, resulting in unique biodiversity patterns. The research highlights the crucial role of isolation in shaping modern ecosystems, with implications for conservation efforts and understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2024

Rice research shows promise for advancing quantum networks

Rice University engineers have demonstrated a way to control the optical properties of T centers, paving the way toward leveraging these point defects for building quantum nodes. By embedding a T center in a photonic integrated circuit, they increased the collection efficiency for single photon emission by two orders of magnitude.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Individuals with multiple sclerosis face substantially greater risk of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19, despite high rates of vaccination

A UK study found that individuals with multiple sclerosis had a seven times greater risk of hospitalization and a four-fold increased risk of dying from COVID-19, even after repeated doses of vaccines. Vaccination alone may not adequately protect this vulnerable population, highlighting the need for additional preventive measures.

Revelation of the molecular code for constructing brain neural circuits with identification of the characteristics of excitatory synapses and memory cognition regulation mechanisms mediated by synaptic gene microexons

Scientists discovered the molecular code for brain neural circuits and identified characteristics of excitatory synapses that contribute to memory of new object locations. Fine-tuning of specific excitatory synapse traits may be used in developing treatments for related brain developmental disorders.

Going ‘back to the future’ to forecast the fate of a dead Florida coral reef

Researchers reconstructed a Late Holocene-aged subfossil coral death assemblage and compared it to modern reefs in Southeast Florida. The study reveals significant differences in coral composition between the two periods, suggesting that modern reefs may not be able to support range expansions of temperature-sensitive species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024

Promising advances in organosilica membranes for separating organic liquid mixtures

Scientists have created a novel organosilica membrane using imidazolium-type ionic liquids, achieving high selectivity and permeability in separating organic liquid mixtures. The findings suggest that this technology has the potential to replace energy-intensive distillation processes in chemical industries.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Land under water – what causes extreme flooding

Researchers analyzed over 3,500 river basins worldwide, finding that precipitation was the sole determining factor in only 25% of flood events. Soil moisture and air temperature were decisive factors in around 10% and 3% of cases, respectively. The study suggests that more extreme floods are caused by multiple factors interacting.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2024

A genetic difference in THC metabolism may explain why some young adults have negative experiences with cannabis

Researchers found that genetic variations in THC-metabolizing enzymes can influence how young adults experience cannabis, with slower metabolizers at higher risk for cannabis use disorder. The study suggests educating teens about the differences in cannabis effects could improve their understanding of risk factors.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAddictive Behaviors·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Super permeable wearable electronics developed for stable, long-term biosignal monitoring by scientists at City University of Hong Kong

Researchers create universal method for creating wearable electronics with increased sweat permeability, enabling reliable long-term monitoring of biosignals. The device allows for continuous and stable monitoring of vital signs without signal disruption from perspiration.

Curtin research unlocks supernova stardust secrets

Researchers have discovered a rare dust particle trapped in an ancient meteorite that formed from a star other than the sun. The particle contains exceptionally high levels of magnesium isotopes, which can only be explained by formation in a hydrogen-burning supernova.

SourceCurtin University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 27, 2024

Lighting up the future

Researchers at the Organic Semiconductor Centre have proposed a new approach to designing efficient light-emitting materials. The guidelines developed by the team will help OLED researchers develop materials that maintain high efficiency at high brightness, enabling brighter, more colourful displays and lighting.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2024

Despite dwindling resources, many older adult Israelis exhibited impressive resilience during the initial period of the Israel-Hamas war, Bar-Ilan University study finds

A Bar-Ilan University study found that older adult Israelis showed remarkable resilience during the conflict, with lower rates of acute stress and PTSD symptoms compared to younger adults. The study suggests that life experience, emotional regulation capabilities, and coping mechanisms played a significant role in this resilience.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateMar 27, 2024

Around 1 in 3 people with insecure migration status report experiencing interpersonal, community and state physical violence, with almost as many experiencing intimate partner violence, per global meta-analysis

A global meta-analysis reveals nearly a third of people with insecure migration status experience interpersonal, community, and state physical violence. Almost as many report intimate partner violence, highlighting the need for targeted support and protection measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2024

People with depression see no immediate change from common GP assessment, study shows

A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024

Paving new paths for sustainable construction

The Indian Institute of Science has developed new concrete materials using excavated soil, reducing the need for natural sand and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. The innovative materials show improved compressive strength and reduced waste, offering a scalable solution to the construction sector's environmental challenges.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

A new surgical technique enables smiling in patients with facial paralysis

A new study presents a novel surgical technique for treating Moebius syndrome, a rare condition that prevents smiling and affects social engagement. The technique involves utilizing the ipsilateral facial nerve to power gracilis free functional muscle transfer in select patients with residual facial nerve activity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024

Small Aussie mammal's bite 'packs a punch'

Researchers found that dwarf rock-wallabies have adaptations to harder biting, including shorter snouts and teeth positioned at the back of the jaw. They also discovered that some tiny species of rock-wallaby have the largest molars, which enable them to eat similar foods as relatives that are eight times larger.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024