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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 41


Page 41 of 42

New research shows migrating animals learn by experience

A study by researchers at the University of Wyoming and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that migrating animals refine their behavior with age, suggesting experiential learning plays a crucial role in successful migration. As young birds explore new places during migration, they gradually adopt more direct routes, resultin...

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2024

University of Houston engineer Metin Akay featured in study highlighting 50 scientists' contributions to biomedical engineering advancements

A new study highlights the contributions of 50 top scientists from elite universities to transforming medicine through cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances. Five primary medical challenges are identified, including precision engineering for personalized care and tissue engineering for human health.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 4, 2024

Data science approach to identifying thermal conductivity-related structural factors in amorphous materials

Researchers used data science techniques to analyze the atomic structure of amorphous germanium materials, revealing that smaller atomic rings are associated with lower thermal conductivity and larger rings with higher conductivity. This discovery could lead to the development of new metastable phase-integrated thermal control materials.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

Pollution: Impact of agricultural activities on PM2.5 in Lombardy is comparable to that of urbanization, industry and transportation

Agricultural activities in Lombardy have a significant impact on PM2.5 concentration, comparable to other known sources of pollution. The study used innovative GEOAI models to analyze the relationship between land use and air pollution, providing new insights into agricultural pollutants.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalChemosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

Firearm ownership is correlated with elevated lead levels in children, study finds

A new study led by Brown University researchers found an association between household firearm ownership and elevated lead levels in children's blood in 44 states. The study suggests that firearm-related lead ammunition use is a significant source of lead exposure in the US, disproportionately affecting children.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2024

NUS researchers invent new triple-junction tandem solar cells with world-record efficiency

The National University of Singapore (NUS) team engineered a new cyanate-integrated perovskite solar cell that achieves a certified world-record power conversion efficiency of 27.1%, surpassing other multi-junction solar cells. The triple-junction perovskite/Si tandem solar cell remains stable and efficient even after extended testing.

Metal-based electrocatalysts for ammonia electro-oxidation reaction to nitrate/nitrite: past, present, and future

The article provides an overview of the research progress on metal-based electrocatalysts for ammonia electro-oxidation reaction, proposing strategies to enhance performance and inhibit side reactions. The study highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by ammonia electrocatalysis and its development trend.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateMar 4, 2024

Effects of “blue light” on human health still unclear

The ICNIRP panel states that research on SWL exposure is inconsistent, with some studies indicating possible effects on alertness or sleep and others not supporting such effects. The panel also notes that potential long-term adverse effects of SWL exposure are unclear, particularly regarding its impact on chronic diseases and conditions.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHealth Physics·DateMar 4, 2024

Communities severed by roads and traffic experience a larger number of collisions in New York City

A new study from Columbia University finds that communities severed by roads and traffic in NYC experience a larger number of collisions, including pedestrian and cyclist injuries. The Community Severance Index developed for this study can help identify areas requiring targeted interventions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 4, 2024

Conservation value of field research stations grossly misunderstood and underfunded according to 173 conservation scientists in new study

A new study by 173 conservation scientists found that field research stations have a substantial impact on habitat quality, reducing deforestation and hunting rates. The stations also support local economies and generate significant scientific output, informing conservation policies.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalConservation Letters·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2024

Editor-in-Chief of Sustainability and Climate Change Madhavi Venkatesan named USA TODAY Woman of the Year for Massachusetts for leading plastic bottle ban efforts

Madhavi Venkatesan's leadership led to the implementation of single-use plastic bottle bans in 15 towns on Cape Cod, reducing plastic waste. Her non-profit organization, Sustainable Practices, inspires change at the state level with a commercial single-use plastic water bottle ban.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalSustainability and Climate Change·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2024

Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion

Researchers at MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems confirm their high-temperature superconducting magnet design meets the criteria for a compact fusion power plant. The successful test marks a significant milestone in fusion research, with the potential to usher in an era of virtually limitless power production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity·DateMar 4, 2024

From Tatooine to reality

Researchers applied Bayesian network analysis to a corpus of 142 science fiction works, investigating the representation of extrasolar planets. They found that after the discovery of real exoplanets in 1995, fictional exoplanets became less Earth-like, reflecting the scientific reality of vast numbers of diverse exoplanet types.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2024

Network of quantum sensors boosts precision

Physicists have developed a method to make quantum signals accessible again by analyzing simultaneous changes in states of multiple sensors. This approach enables precise measurement of magnetic field variations and distance between sensors, outperforming entanglement-based methods.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

Hyper spectral resolution stimulated raman spectroscopy with amplified fs pulse bursts

Scientists develop innovative approach for hyper-spectral resolution and high-speed spectral acquisition using amplified femtosecond-pulse bursts. The technique offers high spectral resolution and motion-free scanning, promising applications in gas sensing, chemical analysis, and molecular dynamics tracking.

Modulation of cellular recycling by calcium ion dynamics across cellular compartments

Researchers discovered rapid calcium influx into mitochondria upon autophagy induction, coinciding with fluctuations in ER membrane calcium concentrations. Mitochondrial calcium transport may regulate mitophagy velocity, shedding light on disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic avenues for Parkinson's disease.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalMitochondrial Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2024

Most smokers in England wrongly believe vaping is at least as harmful as smoking

A study led by UCL researchers found that over half of English smokers believe vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking. The survey data showed a sharp increase in perceived harm from 2021, coinciding with rising youth vaping rates. Better communication about health risks is needed to help smokers make informed choices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2024

An overgrowth of nerve cells appears to cause lingering symptoms after recurrent UTIs

A study by Duke University researchers found that an overgrowth of nerve cells in the bladder may be responsible for persistent pain and urinary frequency after recurrent UTIs. The team identified a potential new treatment strategy by targeting mast cells, which release chemicals that drive nerve growth factor and increase sensitivity.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 1, 2024

Software speeds up drug development

A new algorithm called GlycoSHIELD enables fast but realistic modeling of sugar chains on protein surfaces, reducing computing hours from thousands to just minutes. This breakthrough could improve drug and vaccine development by predicting the structure and dynamics of sugar layers.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2024

New insights on how galaxies are formed

A team of 160 researchers from 60 institutions used supercomputers to simulate galaxy formation, correcting limitations and assumptions. The results show disc galaxies formed early in the Universe's history, solving the 'missing satellites problem'.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2024

Latest booster reduces adults’ risk of moderate or severe COVID by more than half

A recent study found that the latest COVID-19 booster shot significantly reduces adults' risk of moderate or severe disease. The study analyzed data from September 2023 to January 2024 and showed that the updated vaccine provided protection against emergency department visits and hospitalizations, with a reduction of over half.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateMar 1, 2024