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Science News Archive November 2024 - Page 20


Page 20 of 44

Cause of the yo-yo effect deciphered

A study by ETH Zurich researchers has found that epigenetic markers in fat cells can lead to the yo-yo effect, where weight drops but returns. The researchers also found evidence of this mechanism in humans, suggesting that obesity can leave a lasting mark on gene expression.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

Machine learning and supercomputer simulations help researchers to predict interactions between gold nanoparticles and blood proteins

Scientists have developed a methodology that can predict the most favorable binding sites of gold nanoparticles to five common human blood proteins. This breakthrough enables researchers to investigate how drug-carrying nanoparticles interact with blood proteins, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2024

Anti-obesity drugs, lifestyle interventions show cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss

Studies published in JACC found that anti-obesity drugs such as tirzepatide and semaglutide improved cardiac structure and function, as well as reduced cardiac risk biomarkers with lifestyle interventions. These findings suggest that these treatments may have a transformative impact on cardiovascular health beyond weight loss.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 18, 2024

New study shows how social bonds help tool-using monkeys learn new skills

A new study at Durham University found that social tolerance enables social learning in wild bearded capuchin monkeys, leading to the transmission of skills and traditions. The research showed that individuals with strong social tolerance were more likely to learn from others and share information about solving complex tasks.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2024

This year’s dazzling aurora produced a spectacular display… of citizen science

The unusual magenta color of this year's aurora over Japan was discovered through a massive citizen science effort, which collected data from over 775 grassroots submissions. The researchers found that the preheating of the atmosphere due to solar activity, combined with high-altitude ionized molecular nitrogen, created a unique optica...

How humans evolved to be ‘energetically unique’

A new Harvard study finds humans possess higher metabolic rates than primates and apes, allowing for bigger brains, longer lifespan, and increased reproduction. Humans have 'escaped a tradeoff' between resting and active metabolism due to unique sweating ability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Plastic bag bans have lingering impacts, even after repeals

A study by University of California - Riverside found that banning free plastic bags for groceries resulted in customers purchasing more plastic bags, despite the policy's goal to reduce waste. The behaviors spurred by the ban lingered even after the rules were repealed, with some impacts not beneficial to the environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2024

Can podcasts create healthier habits?

Researchers found that podcasts significantly improved health knowledge, increased exercise levels, and boosted healthy eating habits. Engagement with health-related podcasts was generally high, suggesting they could be an effective medium for health information and behavior change interventions.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalDigital Health·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2024

Nanoplastics can impair the effect of antibiotics

A study from Umea University reveals that nanoplastics can absorb and accumulate antibiotics, reducing their targeted effect and risking the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers found a strong bond between nylon nanoplastics and tetracycline, a common broad-spectrum antibiotic.

SourceUmea University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2024

Diagnosing knee abnormalities like an experienced radiologist: A novel deep learning model by HKUST engineering school

A novel deep learning model called Co-Plane Attention Across MRI Sequences (CoPAS) has been developed to assist with classifying 12 common types of knee abnormalities. The model achieved high classification accuracy comparable to that of radiologists, improving diagnostic efficiency and reducing errors.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Political shadows cast by the Antarctic curtain

A Kobe University research team analyzes the political repercussions of a proposed underwater curtain to protect Antarctic ice sheets from melting. The team highlights concerns around authority, sovereignty, and security, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to avoid conflict.

SourceKobe University·JournalInternational Affairs·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 18, 2024

First successful synthesis of naphthocyclinones since their discovery fifty years ago

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo develop an innovative strategy to produce β- and γ-naphthocyclinones, challenging compounds that have potential for medical and biological applications. They successfully synthesize the molecules using a retrosynthetic analysis approach, achieving yields of over 70%.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

SLU study explores the pandemic’s impact on breastfeeding practices in historically marginalized communities

A Saint Louis University study found that COVID-19 stay-at-home orders facilitated easier breastfeeding, stronger mother-child bonding, and extended breastfeeding duration for many women. However, the pandemic also presented significant barriers, including limited access to lactation support and heightened maternal stress.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateNov 18, 2024

New paradigm of quantum information technology revealed through light-matter interaction!

Researchers at DGIST have introduced a novel quantum state and mechanism for extracting and controlling quantum information using exciton and Floquet states in two-dimensional semiconductors. This discovery offers valuable insights into the exciton formation process, advancing quantum information technology.

Editorial interview in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics on the future of optical modulators and integrated photonics

Industry and academic experts discuss the potential of new materials, configurations, and integration technologies to overcome bandwidth limitations and operational robustness issues in silicon photonic modulators. These advancements are expected to impact emerging applications such as data centers, AI, quantum information processing, ...

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 18, 2024

Scientist proposes deducing commonality from complexity to resolve global challenges

Professor LI Jinghai proposes Mesoscience, a concept exploring common principles among complex systems at mesoscales. This approach aims to identify and develop solutions for global challenges such as climate change, human health, and sustainable development goals.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateNov 18, 2024

Alcohol-related deaths in the US more than double from 1999 to 2020

Researchers found that alcohol-related deaths in the US surged dramatically between 1999 and 2020, with a nearly fourfold increase in those aged 25-34. The study highlights significant gender differences and regional disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to combat the growing US alcohol mortality epidemic.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Ytterbium thin-disk lasers pave the way for sensitive detection of atmospheric pollutants

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light create a novel laser system that can detect a wide variety of atmospheric compounds with minimal interference. The system's ability to target the short-wave infrared range and generate high-power, stable pulses enables unprecedented detection sensitivity and accuracy.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalAPL Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

A single cell’s siesta

Researchers found that the cell's chloroplast shrinks by 40% in bright white light, minimizing damage. The structure responsible is a network of thin filaments that can contract and expand in all directions.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2024