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Science News for November 29, 2024


Harnessing multi-element perovskites as catalysts for selective oxidation of light alkanes

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo successfully developed a multi-element perovskite catalyst that selectively oxidizes light alkanes to alcohols with high yield and selectivity. The breakthrough catalyst operates under mild conditions and exhibits excellent stability and reusability.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024

Speaking up and feeling empowered?

A new study by Shereen Fatimah and colleagues suggests that employees who speak up with improvement-oriented ideas (promotive voice) boost their sense of power, while those who focus on problems (prohibitive voice) deflate it. The research highlights the importance of framing issues in a positive tone to exert influence.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 29, 2024

Re­cent stud­ies high­light the pos­i­tive im­pacts of artis­tic and cul­tural ac­tiv­i­ties on phys­i­cal and men­tal health

Researchers at the University of the Arts Helsinki found that art and cultural activities support social factors, foster a sense of belonging, and improve stress management. Engagement in creative activities positively impacts well-being across all age groups, from newborns to the elderly.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 29, 2024

Curbing plastics pollution could help reduce global burden of breast cancer

A new study suggests that addressing plastic pollution could play a critical role in lowering breast cancer rates. Researchers identified nearly half of the chemicals linked to breast cancer risk as being used in plastics, including 175 potential carcinogens that should be prioritized for regulatory action.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2024

Provable secure authentication key agreement for wireless body area networks

A new authentication scheme is proposed to address the security challenges in wireless body area networks (WBANs), which guarantee timely data processing and secure information preservation. The proposed scheme requires fewer communication and computation resources, while having stronger security attributes than existing research.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024

Long COVID: SARS-CoV-2 spike protein accumulation linked to long-lasting brain effects

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified a mechanism explaining Long COVID's neurological symptoms: SARS-CoV-2 spike protein remains in the brain for up to four years after infection. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce spike protein accumulation, but persistent presence poses a toxic risk.

Room-temperature ferroelectricity and data storage potential in tellurium nanowires

Researchers have discovered room-temperature ferroelectricity in single-element tellurium nanowires, paving the way for advancements in ultrahigh-density data storage. The discovery also enables fast switching speeds of less than 20 nanoseconds and impressive storage density exceeding 1.9 terabytes per square centimeter.

Interim dollar gains, cybersecurity pains

Research by SMU's School of Accountancy found that data breaches rose nearly eight times between 2005 and 2018, with average costs reaching US$388 million. To mitigate this issue, managers should realign incentives and foster a corporate culture valuing long-term sustainability over short-term gains.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Banking & Finance·DateNov 29, 2024

HKUST research unveiling the possible origin of life from deep earth

A collaborative team led by Prof. Ding Pan has made significant progress in studying abiotic synthesis and stability of biomolecules in C-H-O-N fluids under deep Earth conditions. The findings suggest that these synthesized biomolecules can stably exist, potentially providing initial components for the early stages of life's origin.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2024

Bacteria ditch tags to dodge antibiotics

Researchers found that bacteria like E. coli assemble new ribosomes with altered tags, making them more resistant to antibiotics streptomycin and kasugamycin. This novel mechanism of antibiotic resistance could have significant implications for the fight against global antimicrobial resistance.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024

New CAR-T cell therapy gives hope for patients with aggressive blood cancer

A new chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy called obe-cel has delivered promising results in treating patients with an aggressive blood cancer. The treatment reduced immune toxicity and persisted for longer in patients, overcoming two common limitations of earlier CAR-T cell therapies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2024

An enzyme in training camp

Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed a new, efficient metabolic pathway to convert acetyl-CoA into pyruvate, enabling effective CO2 utilization. The 'lactyl-CoA mutase' enzyme can produce valuable products like 3-hydroxypropionate for sustainable plastics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024

Revolutionizing carbon materials: Engineered biochar for a greener future

Researchers developed engineered biochar with enhanced properties for environmental remediation and energy storage. The study highlights the potential of biochar in soil amendment, water purification, supercapacitors, and batteries, but also identifies challenges such as complex biomass composition and lack of standardized protocols.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2024

Breakthroughs in thermal photonics enable efficient subambient daytime radiative cooling for vertical surfaces

Researchers have developed a new thermal emitter that can achieve subambient daytime radiative cooling on vertical surfaces, breaking the limitations of traditional blackbody radiation. The design strategy enables flexible tuning of thermal emission and has potential impacts on reduced heating and global energy consumption.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2024

Special issue: Osteogenesis imperfecta from bench to bedside and from cradle to grave

This special issue of Calcified Tissue International presents a collection of critical reviews and original research articles on osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), covering essential aspects of the condition, including its nosology, genetics, and clinical presentation. The contributions also discuss treatment strategies for both children an...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2024

6,300 Austrian jobs are dependent on VW

Researchers from CSH and ASCII investigate Austrian companies linked to VW, finding 6,300 jobs dependent on the German carmaker. The study highlights the impact of VW's crisis on component suppliers and machine manufacturers, with long-term losses expected.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2024

Fine particulate air pollution may play a role in adverse birth outcomes

A new study finds that fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) exposure is associated with altered immune responses and increased inflammation in pregnant women, leading to adverse birth outcomes. The study highlights the importance of minimizing air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024

What came first, life or evolution?

Researchers demonstrate key Darwinian evolution principles in self-replicating molecules, indicating evolution predates life. Competitive exclusion among these molecules curtails chemical diversification, shedding light on potential emergence of life from non-living materials.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024