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Science News Archive May 2024 - Page 28


Page 28 of 44

Meet the new insect killing Utah’s fir trees

A new study from the University of Utah documents the current extent of the balsam woolly adelgid infestation in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, with 41% of subalpine fir biomass exposed to damage. By 2100, climate projections predict that 79% of the area will be exposed to some level of damage.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

Analysis of previously unstudied areas of the human genome suggests people with more copies of ribosomal DNA have higher risks of developing disease

A new study analyzed 500,000 individuals and found a strong statistical association between rDNA copy number and well-established markers of systemic inflammation, as well as kidney function. The research suggests that wider genome analysis could bring opportunities for preventative diagnostics and novel therapeutics.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCell Genomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

An easy pill to swallow – new 3D printing research paves way for personalized medication

Researchers have developed a method to fabricate customized pharmaceutical tablets with tailored drug release profiles using Multi-Material InkJet 3D Printing. This technology can print multiple drugs in a single tablet, simplifying complex medication regimens and providing precise treatment options for patients.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMaterials Today Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

USTC reveals experimental demonstration of inequivalent mutually unbiased bases

Researchers from USTC demonstrated that inequivalent mutually unbiased bases (MUBs) exhibit distinct performance in quantum state estimation tasks. The experimental results showed a significant difference of 4% between the maximum and minimum fidelity, validating theoretical predictions with an average deviation of 0.16%.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 14, 2024

Bitter makes the stomach acidic, but how?

A study by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology has uncovered a molecular link between bitter taste receptors and gastric acid release. Bitter substances stimulate parietal cells to secrete protons, leading to acidic stomach conditions. The findings hold promise for innovative treatments of gastric diseases.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Insilico Medicine publishes CDK8/19 novel inhibitor powered by generative chemistry platform to treat multiple cancers

Insilico Medicine's lead compound demonstrates strong enzymatic activity, selectivity, and favorable ADME properties, as well as antitumor activity in various animal models. The company's generative AI-powered platform generated over 3,600 candidate molecules before identifying the promising lead compound.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 14, 2024

Study tallies heatwave deaths over recent decades

A new study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that more than 150,000 people die annually from heatwaves worldwide, with the highest number of deaths in Asia and Europe. The research also reveals regional disparities in heatwave-related mortality, with areas having dry climates and lower-middle incomes experiencing the highest rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

More than half of Americans give to charity at checkout, survey shows

A survey conducted by Binghamton University found that 53% of Americans give impulsively to charities at checkout, with women, Black respondents, and middle-class individuals under 50 being top-giving demographics. The total raised from checkout campaigns has increased yearly since 2012, but the frequency of donation requests may lead ...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024

New drug makes exercise, everyday tasks easier for people with common heart condition

A clinical trial found that aficamten significantly increased maximum oxygen use in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This improvement enables patients to perform everyday tasks more easily, such as walking and household chores. Researchers believe aficamten has promise as a treatment for this condition.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2024

How miniature backpacks led to the discovery of the world’s largest hummingbird species

Researchers attached miniature tracking devices to giant hummingbirds and discovered they migrate up to 13,000 feet in elevation, pausing for days to acclimate. The team found two distinct species of giant hummingbirds, one living year-round in the high Andes, after analyzing DNA from 154-year-old specimens.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Soil testing time saver predicts key soil health characteristics

A new study predicts key soil health indicators such as organic matter content and soil texture using standard tests. This can guide fertilization, irrigation, and herbicide decisions, reducing turnaround time by at least half. The models are accurate for fine and medium soils but less so for sandy soils.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalAgrosystems Geosciences & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2024

Name that odor

Identical odors are processed differently in the brain based on their assigned labels, according to new research. The study found that participants rated odors with different names as more dissimilar than those labeled with the same name.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Kallistatin contributes to the beneficial metabolic effects of weight loss

Researchers found that Kallistatin expression increases after weight loss in individuals with overweight and obesity. Additionally, human Kallistatin improves hepatic insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests that Kallistatin may be an interesting therapeutic target for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Is the end of the package holiday provider near? Blockchain technology could revolutionize our travel experiences

A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that blockchain technology could eliminate traditional package holiday providers, slashing costs and giving property owners direct income. Customers would also benefit from greater control over their personal data thanks to enhanced security and privacy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalTourism Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

Healing faster: Unveiling the future of tissue & organ repair

A team of scientists at the University of Ottawa has developed a novel peptide-based hydrogel that can be used for on-the-spot repair to damaged organs and tissues. The material shows great potential for closing skin wounds, delivering therapeutics to damaged heart muscle, and reshaping and healing injured corneas.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

A CNIC study reveals the key role of mitochondrial proteins in cardiac regeneration

A CNIC study explores the mechanisms of supercomplex assembly and uncovers a major impact of mitochondrial assembly factors on cardiac regeneration. The researchers found that Cox7a1 plays a fundamental role in forming CIV dimers, which are crucial for correct mitochondrial function.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Better nutrition can help firefighters fight cancer

A recent study found that American firefighters recognize the link between diet and cancer risk and are interested in acquiring knowledge and support to change their dietary habits. The study suggests that targeted interventions focusing on individualized support and evidence-based interventions can help mitigate cancer risks among fir...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024

New Study: The price tag of phasing-out coal

A new study finds that government plans for coal phase-out around the world include monetary compensation to affected parties, with a total estimated global cost of USD 200 billion. However, if China and India were to adopt similar plans, the cost would skyrocket to over USD 2 trillion. The researchers argue that international finance ...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 13, 2024

To avenge or not to avenge? Psychologists dig deeper into how people see revenge and those who do it

A study published in the Social Psychological Bulletin found that people who take revenge are morally condemned, but those who experience pleasure from doing so may be viewed as immoral. The researchers also discovered that when participants imagined themselves taking revenge, they perceived themselves as less moral than others.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMay 13, 2024

Getting out of the political echo chamber

Research suggests that presenting a balanced and pragmatic approach can foster respect and increase willingness to engage in discussions with those holding opposing views. By focusing on practical solutions and showing concern for both sides' interests, individuals can break down polarized debates and build bridges.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

New method unravels the mystery of slow electrons

Researchers have developed a new method to study slow electrons in solids, allowing for the deciphering of previously inaccessible information. By combining data from fast and slow electrons, scientists can now investigate how electrons release energy in their interaction with materials, crucial for applications such as cancer therapy ...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Microstructure, elastic/mechanical and thermal properties of CrTaO4: A new thermal barrier material?

Researchers have discovered a new thermal barrier material, CrTaO4, which improves the oxidation resistance of high-entropy alloys. The material displays elastic/mechanical properties comparable to yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), making it a promising candidate for refractory metals and ultra-high temperature ceramics.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 13, 2024

Exceptionally large transverse thermoelectric effect produced by combining thermoelectric and magnetic materials

A team of researchers has created a thermoelectric composite that exhibits a substantially larger transverse thermoelectric effect than existing magnetic materials, enabling the development of simpler thermoelectric devices. The device achieved a maximum output voltage of 15.2 μV/K, approximately six times larger than expected.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Diamond heat

Researchers used supercomputer simulations and machine learning to map diamond's phonon stability boundary in six dimensional strain space. This framework guides the engineering of materials through elastic strain engineering, enabling the development of new devices such as computer chips and quantum sensors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2024

Why students cheat in online exams

Researchers at the University of Cologne found that students' negative perceptions of online exams can lead to increased cheating behavior, while positive perceptions and moral norms can reduce it. The study suggests that lecturers should consider students' psychological factors when designing courses and exam formats.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Learning·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024