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Science News Archive May 2024 - Page 22


Page 22 of 44

Using solar energy to generate heat at high temperatures

Scientists at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap that can deliver heat at temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius using solar radiation. This technology has the potential to decarbonize energy-intensive industries on a large scale, making it an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalDevice·DateMay 16, 2024

Military physicians give high-ranking military patients preferential treatment over lower-ranking patients

A new study found that military physicians provide better treatment to high-ranking patients than lower-ranking ones, with more effort and resources allocated to those above their rank. This highlights the existing power dynamic between doctors and patients in the US Military Health System, favoring the physician's discretion.

Keir Starmer’s reputation as “Mr Rules” reflects the growing “juridifcation” of politics, study shows

A recent study by experts suggests that Keir Starmer's emphasis on probity and competency in politics is symptomatic of the 'juridification' of politics. This trend prioritizes rules, norms, and procedures over values-based politics, leading to a reliance on law and administration to address public policy issues.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Politics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

Shedding light on perovskite hydrides using a new deposition technique

Researchers develop a new method to grow single-crystal perovskite hydrides, allowing for accurate measurement of intrinsic H- conductivity. The technique enables the production of high-quality crystals with minimal imperfections, paving the way for sustainable energy technologies and hydrogen storage applications.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Men at greater risk of major health effects of diabetes than women

A long-term study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that men with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, leg/foot complications, and eye disease compared to women. The study analyzed data from over 25,000 people with diabetes and found that men were 51% more likely to develo...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

What is "time" for quantum particles?

Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review explores cell-based immunotherapies for sepsis

Researchers review cell-based therapies for comprehensive sepsis management, highlighting the potential of mesenchymal stem cells and innate immune cells like macrophages. The review also emphasizes the need for further studies on optimal dosage, administration routes, and storage methods to maximize efficacy and safety.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 16, 2024

More efficient bioethanol production might be possible using persimmon tannin to help yeast thrive

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that persimmon tannin improves the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of ethanol. The antioxidant properties of persimmon tannin limit oxidative damage, allowing yeast to thrive and increasing bioethanol production efficiency by 8.9-fold.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Offering both colonoscopy and at-home tests doubled colorectal cancer screening

A study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that offering patients a choice between colonoscopy and at-home tests more than doubled colorectal cancer screening rates. Approximately 10% of participants received colonoscopies, while around 11% completed at-home fecal immunochemical tests.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

Early arrival and expansion of palaeolithic people on Cyprus

Researchers found that Pleistocene hunter-gatherers settled in Cyprus around 14,257 to 13,182 years ago, suggesting the island was attractive for early human habitation. The rapid expansion of the population coincided with increased temperature, precipitation, and environmental productivity.

SourceFlinders University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2024

Healthy diets for people and the planet

Researchers analyzed diets of 856 schoolchildren in Germany, finding potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing eating habits. However, nutrient adequacy was not optimized, highlighting the need for context-related nutritional recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 16, 2024

Colorectal cancer: Tracking down subtypes

A meta-analysis suggests combining microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) can optimize prognostic assessment in early-stage colorectal cancer. Patients with high MSI and TIL had the best prognosis, while those with low immune cells found in the tumor tissue had a poor outcome.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

A boost for HIV vaccine research

Researchers at Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have developed a comprehensive platform for HIV vaccine research using the mRNA-LNP system. The platform has shown promising results in preclinically validating next-step boost immunogens and providing new insights into the basic biology of antibody responses.

Listening to mental health podcasts reduces stigma

A new study finds that listening to mental health podcasts reduces stigma, supports the development of mental health literacy, and increases help-seeking. The research highlights the importance of accessible platforms for education and encourages listeners to develop self-compassion and positive attitudes towards help-seeking behavior.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalRural and Remote Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

An endemic island falcon that plays

Researchers discover Striated Caracaras' playful behavior, showing they interact with objects for fun and explore novel items. The study sheds light on how these birds learn about their environment and could provide insights into the evolution of play in nature.

SourceRaptor Research Foundation·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·DateMay 16, 2024

Biomarker could improve prediction of response to immunotherapy in black skin cancer

Researchers have discovered a liquid biopsy biomarker that can identify the effectiveness of treatment at an early stage, enabling more individualized treatment for melanoma patients. The biomarker, SHOX2 methylation in circulating cell-free DNA, was found to be elevated in 60% of melanoma patients and correlated with response to therapy.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2024

Global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years by 2050 despite geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats, reports new global study

Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.

Judges and physicians have very different views about appointing a legal guardian for people with dementia

Judges and physicians hold vastly different opinions on appointing legal guardians for people with dementia. Cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as memory impairment and impulsivity, are evaluated differently by medical and legal professionals. Research emphasizes the need for consistency in assessments to ensure equal treatm...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateMay 16, 2024

The number of people experiencing poor health and early death caused by metabolism-related risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI has increased by 50% since 2000, reveals new global study

The Global Burden of Diseases study reveals a 49.4% increase in global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to metabolism-related risk factors between 2000 and 2021. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI are key contributors to poor health and early death.

Archaeology: Egyptian pyramids built along long-lost Ahramat branch of the Nile

The study reveals that the pyramids were concentrated in a narrow desert strip due to a former river branch, known as Ahramat, which is now buried beneath farmland and desert. The findings suggest that the river branch was used for transporting construction materials and could help prioritize archaeological excavations along its banks.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMay 16, 2024

Why do we overindulge?

Research found that distractions while engaging in hedonic activities lead to lower enjoyment and satisfaction, resulting in overconsumption. Participants who were distracted during lunch reported lower enjoyment and satisfaction, which was associated with increased snacking later in the day.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Eyes in the sky: How China's advanced earth observation system shapes global progress

China's Earth Observation System has evolved into a sophisticated network of satellites supporting various global applications, including sustainable development, meteorological forecasting, and disaster response. The system's capabilities are enhanced by new technologies, allowing for real-time global surveillance and data collection.

SourceWuhan University·JournalGeo-spatial Information Science·DateMay 16, 2024

Study identifies ‘hot-spots’ of high rates of depression linked to deprivation

Research identifies areas with high rates of depression and poverty, highlighting the need for region-specific interventions. The study found that socioeconomic conditions account for up to 39% of recorded depression levels across England, with pockets of high depression rates in areas such as the North West and North East.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalSSM - Population Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

Ground-breaking accelerated discovery research unveils 21 novel materials for advanced organic solid-state laser technology: a global collaboration success story

Researchers from six teams in five labs worldwide used self-driving labs to discover 21 top-performing OSL gain candidates, accelerating the discovery process by months. The decentralized workflow enabled rapid replication of experimental findings and democratized the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2024

SMART breakthrough research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite

A recent study reveals that a cellular process called transfer Ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification influences the malaria parasite’s ability to develop resistance. This breakthrough discovery could help researchers develop new drugs to combat resistance and better tools for studying RNA modifications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024