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Science News Archive May 2024 - Page 9


Page 9 of 44

Warmer wetter climate predicted to bring societal and ecological impact to the Tibetan Plateau

Climate change projections suggest that land-locked lakes on the Tibetan Plateau will increase in volume fourfold by 2100, leading to significant land loss and related impacts. This could alter the landscape, affect wildlife migration routes, and exacerbate climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2024

A new spiking neuron narrows the gap between biological and artificial neurons

Researchers at the University of Liège created a new type of spiking neuron, the Spiking Recurrent Cell (SRC), which combines simplicity with the ability to reproduce biological neuron dynamics. This innovation offers exciting prospects for neuro-inspired artificial intelligence, particularly in energy-efficient applications.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNeuromorphic Computing and Engineering·DateMay 27, 2024

Will generative AI change the way universities communicate?

A new study in JCOM monitored changes in university communication within the German landscape six months after the launch of ChatGPT 3. Practically all responding universities use generative AIs mainly to increase process efficiency, with some caution towards ethical aspects such as data protection.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2024

Cultural and linguistic networks of Central African hunter-gatherers have ancient origin

A study led by Andrea Migliano from the University of Zurich has discovered previously unknown links between culture, language, and genes among different hunter-gatherer populations in Central Africa. The team found that musical instruments were exchanged long before agricultural populations arrived in the region, suggesting extensive ...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2024

Study assesses cancer-related care at US hospitals predominantly serving minority populations compared with non-minority serving hospitals

A study analyzing data from the National Cancer Database found that patients receiving care at minority-serving hospitals were 17% less likely to receive definitive treatment for breast cancer and up to 31% less likely for prostate, lung, and colon cancers. Improving treatment rates could lead to additional patient outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 27, 2024

Earth scientists describe a new kind of volcanic eruption

Researchers describe a new type of volcanic eruption mechanism at Kīlauea volcano, where explosive eruptions are driven by sudden pressure increases and collapse-induced stomp-rocket effect. This discovery provides new insights into the dynamics of past volcanic eruptions and allows for better forecasts and warnings for future eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 27, 2024

Diagnosis of lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer using nanoparticle technology - diagnosis, therapy, imaging, treatment

Researchers explore nanoparticle-based therapies to specifically target lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer, providing a promising solution for patient treatment. Nanoparticles deliver drugs directly to tumors, targeting cancer cells to destroy them or slow their growth, while also enhancing the immune response.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Neuroimaging Journal·DateMay 27, 2024

Cu-optimized long-range interaction between Co nanoparticles and Co single atoms: Improved Fenton-like reaction activity

Researchers have developed a Cu-optimized Co nanoparticle system that boosts Fenton-like reaction activity, resulting in improved carbamazepine removal efficiency. The addition of Cu enhances the interaction between Co nanoparticles and single atoms, optimizing energy barriers for PMS adsorption and oxidation reactions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMay 27, 2024

Changes in surface heat fluxes on Sensitive areas for global climate change - the north and south slopes of Mount Everest

Researchers studied surface energy flux patterns on Mount Everest's north and south slopes to understand land-atmosphere interactions. The study found differences in sensible and latent heat fluxes between the two slopes, with varying effects of altitude and vegetation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 27, 2024

The effect of combinations of antibiotics and natural products on the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Researchers tested seven antibiotics in combination with various natural compounds, finding synergistic effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study suggests combining antibiotics with plant extracts or phytochemicals could be a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Infectious Diseases Journal·DateMay 27, 2024

Symmetry separated NiS ultrafine nanorod

Researchers have discovered a NiS ultrafine nanorod with unique crystal structure, exhibiting radial rotational symmetry and axial translational symmetry. The nanorod displays combined magnetic properties of striped and vortex domains in different directions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 27, 2024

Exploring chromatin accessibility and its diagnostic potential in cancer through the utilization of cell-free DNA

This study investigates the potential of chromatin accessibility in cancer diagnosis via cell-free DNA analysis. The research team found that cfDNA coverage in promoter regions can accurately distinguish gastric cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from healthy individuals and other types of cancer.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMay 27, 2024

First in-human investigator-initiated clinical trial to launch for refractory prostate cancer patients: Novel alpha therapy targets prostate-specific membrane antigen

A new alpha-ray therapeutic agent ([At-211] PSMA-5) has been developed to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in refractory prostate cancer patients. The therapy has shown efficacy in animal models and is now being tested in a first-in-human clinical trial.

SourceOsaka University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 2024

Climate change is moving tree populations away from the soil fungi that sustain them

A study found that climate change is shifting tree populations away from mycorrhizal fungi, which supply plants with critical nutrients. Trees in the pine family are most at risk, and those that survive in harsh conditions have more diverse fungal partners.

SourceSPUN (Society for the Protection of Underground Networks)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2024

Dementia fighter: Orienteering helps brain and body alike, with greater benefits for those who move quickest

Research from McMaster University found that orienteering exercise can improve spatial memory and delay cognitive decline. Those who ran while orienteering showed greater benefits than those who walked or exercised without navigation. The study suggests that orienteering could be a preventative measure for age-related cognitive decline.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 2024

Rethinking the sun’s cycles

The study presents a comprehensive physical explanation for the sun's activity cycles, attributing them to Rossby waves mediated by planetary tidal influences. This model successfully explains the Schwabe cycle and other solar cycles, providing strong evidence for the planetary hypothesis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSolar Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2024

Surprising properties of elastic turbulence discovered

Elastic turbulence, a chaotic fluid motion in non-Newtonian fluids, exhibits universal power-law decay of energy and intermittent behavior. This study reveals its unexpected similarity to classical Newtonian turbulence, paving the way for developing a complete mathematical theory and predicting flow patterns.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2024

Altering cellular interactions around amyloid plaques may offer novel Alzheimer’s treatment strategies

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Neuroscience provides new insights into brain cell communication and opens the door to innovative treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease. The research team identified a novel way to potentially slow down or halt disease progression by manipulating the plexin-B1 protein.

Effective lymph node transfer eases arm swelling in breast cancer patients

A recent study by Dr. Zhaohua Jiang successfully demonstrated VLNT's effectiveness in reconnecting the lymphatic system and improving patient outcomes. The procedure involves transplanting healthy lymph nodes into the affected area, promoting regeneration and reconnection of lymphatic vessels.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2024

Companies can improve the sustainability of their products in the earliest product-design stages

A new tool and framework allow companies to assess the circularity of their products in early design stages, enabling them to create sustainable new products. The circular design framework consists of 10 categories and includes interactive questions, helping entrepreneurs and designers think systematically and collaborate better.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2024

Air pollution during pregnancy linked to low birth weight, study finds

A recent study reveals a significant link between PM2.5 air pollution exposure during pregnancy and low birth weight in newborns worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for stricter air pollution controls. The study emphasizes the impact of air quality on prenatal development and draws attention to regional variations in health risks.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 26, 2024

Cosmic light shows decoded: HKU space scientists unravel the unified framework for diverse aurorae across planets unlocking pathways for better space weather prediction

Researchers have discovered a new parameter controlling the main auroral structure of planets, explaining differences in aurora displays on Earth, Saturn and Jupiter. This study provides insights into planetary magnetic fields and solar wind interactions, enhancing our understanding of space environments.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2024

New study unveils how water dynamics slows down at low temperatures

A recent study published in The Journal of Chemical Physics has uncovered the role of dynamic disorder in jump motions that govern the dynamic slowdown of supercooled water. At lower temperatures, water molecules become trapped within stable, low-density domains, leading to increasingly slow and intermittent motion.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2024

A leap in lunar exploration: HI-13 accelerator enhanced capability to uncovers clues from supernovae in lunar dust

Researchers at China Institute of Atomic Energy have developed a more sensitive method to detect iron-60 in lunar samples, allowing for deeper understanding of cosmic events. The new technique has improved detection sensitivity better than 4.3 × 10−14 and potentially reaching 2.5 × 10−15.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2024

Echidnapus identified from an ‘Age of Monotremes’

Australian researchers have identified a new species of ancient 'echidnapus', which exhibits platypus-like anatomy alongside echidna-like features. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of monotremes, revealing six different egg-laying mammals living together in the same area over 100 million years ago.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·DateMay 26, 2024

International study reveals surprising twist in how diabetes drugs help the heart

A clinical trial found that SGLT2 inhibitor drugs improve cardiac outcomes and heart health by activating a defence mechanism that abolishes potential diuretic effects. The study suggests alternative mechanisms of action, such as metabolic changes that improve organ function.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 26, 2024

Carbon nanotube yarns generate electricity from waste heat

Researchers at Okayama University have developed a novel method to produce carbon nanotube yarns with excess electrons that can harvest waste heat. The yarns achieved high thermoelectric power factors within temperatures ranging from 30 to 200 °C, making them suitable for practical applications such as fabric-based modules.

SourceOkayama University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2024

Can triglycerides-HDL-C ratio, HOMA-IR, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and free cholesterol be laboratory-associated flags of female coronary atherosclerosis regardless of being diabetic?

Research finds insulin levels correlate with triglycerides, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and free cholesterol in women with atherosclerotic coronary disease. The study suggests these laboratory-associated flags indicate early coronary atherosclerosis in both diabetic and non-diabetic women.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Biomarkers Journal·DateMay 24, 2024

ASCO: Large precision oncology study identifies differences in prostate cancer genomics among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of U.S. veterans

A genomic study of over 5,000 veterans with advanced prostate cancer reveals significant differences in frequencies of alterations associated with race and ethnicity. Alterations in immunotherapy targets were more common in Black veterans, potentially leading to opportunities for precision-based therapy.

Autonomous medical intervention extends ‘golden hour’ for traumatic injuries with emergency air transport

A breakthrough in trauma care has nearly quadrupled the 'golden hour' for treating large animals with internal bleeding during emergency ground and air transport. Researchers used a closed-loop, autonomous intervention system to resuscitate pigs with traumatic injuries, extending their survival time by several hours.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalIntensive Care Medicine Experimental·DateMay 24, 2024

PKMYT1, a potential ‘Achilles heel’ of treatment resistant ER+ breast cancers with the poorest prognosis

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified PKMYT1, a protein kinase associated with resistance to endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors in ER+ breast cancers. The study found that combining a PKMYT1 inhibitor with chemotherapy drug gemcitabine selectively reduced the viability of resistant cancer cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2024

Understanding a broken heart

A new study reveals that heart failure leaves a 'stress memory' in hematopoietic stem cells, which can lead to recurrent heart failure and other health issues. The researchers propose improving TGF-β levels as a new avenue for treating recurrent heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2024