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Science News Archive November 2024 - Page 5


Page 5 of 44

Astronomers may have discovered the answer to a mysterious stellar event

Researchers from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research have discovered a possible explanation for a rare and mysterious stellar event. By conducting a meta-analysis of existing data, they were able to identify key factors contributing to this phenomenon, shedding light on its underlying mechanisms.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 26, 2024

University of Miami, partners awarded $16 million NOAA grant for groundbreaking coral restoration project

The University of Miami, partnering institutions, receive a $16 million NOAA grant to enhance the resilience of Florida's restored coral reefs. The team aims to implement novel interventions and leverage innovative technology to increase heat tolerance in corals and scale up new approaches.

A matter of time

Researchers at ISTA used miniature 2D organs and rubbery silicone molds to study morphogen signaling dynamics during spinal cord development. The study found that BMP morphogen signaling gradients emerge quickly, then fade away, only to reappear again, shedding light on the complex process of tissue development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Study details how cancer cells fend off starvation and death from chemotherapy

Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered two ways cancer cells evade chemotherapy's effects: by slowing down pyrimidine synthesis and activating anti-apoptotic proteins. This better understanding could lead to more effective combination therapies and diagnostic tests, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Maritime pine seeds remember temperature conditions

Researchers found that maritime pine seeds retain memories of temperature conditions experienced during embryonic development, influencing gene expression and potentially affecting tree growth. The study suggests epigenetic mechanisms could play a crucial role in helping trees adapt to environmental stressors and climate change.

How long ring fingers can point to a love of alcohol

A new study by Swansea University researchers found a relationship between high alcohol consumption and long ring fingers compared to index fingers. The study used a sample of 258 university students and revealed that high prenatal testosterone relative to oestrogen is linked to high alcohol consumption in men, but not women.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2024

New tool reveals how malaria sticks to red blood vessels

A new gene-editing tool enables precise study of variable proteins that allow malaria parasites to stick to red blood cells and evade the immune system. The study introduces a platform to explore how malaria causes disease and identifies new proteins involved in the cytoadhesion process.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 26, 2024

New route based on lattice disorder developed to improve electrocaloric effect

A research team has developed a new route to improve the electrocaloric effect in BaTiO3-based systems by introducing lattice disorder. The study found that this approach resulted in an impressive temperature drop of about 0.80 K using an electric field, with potential applications for cooling devices.

How catalysts secretly lose their stability

Researchers found that COFs' catalytic activity comes from oxidic nanoparticles formed when cobalt ions detach, not the framework itself. The nanoparticles provide a suitable reaction environment and hold the catalysts in place, enabling efficient catalysis even under harsh conditions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 26, 2024

USTC finds γ rays drive the conversion of aqueous-phase methane to complex organic molecules including glycine

A research group at USTC found that γ rays can facilitate the conversion of aqueous-phase methane to diverse products, including hydrocarbons, oxygenated compounds, and amino acids like glycine. The reaction rate is contingent on free radical concentrations and does not significantly influence temperature.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Shape-shifting antenna poised to transform communications

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have created a shape-shifting antenna that can change its shape based on temperature, transforming communications capabilities. The technology has transformative potential in military, scientific and commercial applications, enabling dynamic RF band adaptability.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Pharmacokinetics comparison of aumolertinib, Osimertinib, gefitinib and their major metabolites in mouse model and NSCLC patients

This study compares the pharmacokinetics of aumolertinib, osimertinib, and gefitinib in mouse models and NSCLC patients. Aumolertinib exhibits better pharmacokinetic profiles, with higher concentrations in plasma and tissues, making it a promising candidate for EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC treatment.

To catch financial rats, a better mousetrap

Researchers propose a new and more effective way to gauge earnings quality, identifying companies that may be using accounting tricks to cover up problems. The Earnings Quality Score (EQSCORE) model has been shown to outperform existing approaches in predicting fraud, providing valuable insights for investors and regulators.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateNov 26, 2024

Improved catalyst turns harmful greenhouse gases into cleaner fuels, chemical feedstocks

Researchers at ORNL have developed a catalyst that can convert two polluting greenhouse gases into valuable building blocks for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The catalyst, made of zeolite material, is resistant to degradation at high temperatures and has been shown to provide outstanding performance with extremely slow deactivation.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

USTC develops high-entropy-alloy catalyst to boost propane dehydrogenation efficiency

A USTC research team has developed a Pt-based high-entropy-alloy catalyst that significantly enhances the efficiency of propane dehydrogenation. The catalyst achieved propylene formation rates of 256 and 390 mol C₃H₆ gₚₜ⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 550 °C and 600 °C, respectively, with high selectivity for propylene in a long-term stability test.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 26, 2024

Alcohol use and antiobesity medication treatment

A cohort study found that nearly half of participants who consumed alcohol at baseline decreased their alcohol use after initiating anti-obesity medication treatment. The medications, such as naltrexone and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), may have properties that lead to reduced cravings for alcohol.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 26, 2024

Irregular sleep-wake cycle linked to heightened risk of major cardiovascular events

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that irregular sleep-wake cycles are associated with a heightened risk of major cardiovascular events. People with regular sleep patterns were 26% less likely to experience these events than those with irregular patterns, even if they met recommended sleep quotas.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2024

Heterogeneous photocatalyst achieves record-breaking performance for CO2 conversion

A new microwave-assisted synthesis route has improved the performance of a coordination polymer photocatalyst, achieving a record-breaking value for CO2-to-formate conversion with a nearly ten-fold increase in apparent quantum yield. The improvements are attributed to well-crystallized material and surface area increases.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Team unlocks new insights on pulsar signals

A study published in The Astrophysical Journal reveals that pulsar signals change as they move through the interstellar medium, highlighting a need for updates to current ISM density models. The research found that models incorporating galactic structures tend to better fit the data, but predictions of newly discovered pulsars were worse.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 26, 2024

Moffitt study shows how cancer cell death may harm the immune system and promote tumor growth

Researchers found that a type of cancer cell death called necroptosis can release a molecule called interleukin-1α, weakening the immune response and allowing tumors to grow faster. By blocking this molecule, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy may become more effective.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2024

The lasting influence of experiences

Researchers find that experiences can create lasting mental imprints affecting future well-being and decision-making. Memorable consumption choices are influenced by both immediate utility and the ongoing utility derived from memory.

SourceBocconi University·JournalGames and Economic Behavior·DateNov 26, 2024

Simple secret to living a longer life

A new study led by Griffith University researchers found that increasing physical activity could add up to five years to an individual's life, with the most active quarter having a 73% lower risk of death. Even modest increases in movement could lead to significant life-extension benefits.

SourceGriffith University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 26, 2024

New study reveals genetic drivers of early onset type 2 diabetes in South Asians

A new study from Queen Mary University of London has identified the genetic drivers of early onset type 2 diabetes in South Asians, revealing a strong link to lower insulin production and unfavorable body fat distribution. The research also sheds light on treatment responses, highlighting the need for precision medicine approaches.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2024

Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath

A study published in PLOS ONE found that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto colorant was effective in treating halitosis in mouth-breathing children. The researchers used a LED light source to target the annatto, which generated reactive oxygen species that killed bacteria on the tongue, leading to improved oral health.

Wild boars could be a potential source of hepatitis E transmission to humans in the Barcelona metropolitan area

A study by University of Barcelona researchers found a close molecular similarity between wild boar and human hepatitis E virus strains. The researchers recommend avoiding contact with wild boars, washing hands after contact, and taking precautions in areas frequented by pets to prevent transmission.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Understanding the thermoelectric transport properties of organic semiconductors through the perspective of polarons

Researchers investigated the thermoelectric transport properties of organic semiconductors using a polaronic charge conduction model. They linked experimental observations to build a unified picture of thermoelectric transport physics in organic semiconductors, showcasing promising applications like thermoelectric radiation sensing.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeNews article·DateNov 26, 2024

Using antibiotics alone to treat children with appendicitis is a cost-effective and safe alternative to surgery, study shows

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that using antibiotics alone to treat children with uncomplicated appendicitis is a cost-effective and safe alternative to surgery. This approach resulted in lower costs and similar quality-of-life scores compared to upfront surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 26, 2024

New era in amphibian biology

Researchers at ISTA and Columbia University developed a technique using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to track a frog's nervous system throughout its metamorphosis, shedding light on the neural circuit and behavior changes during this transition. The breakthrough can help usher amphibian neurobiology into a new era.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Moving ‘hotspot’ created world’s longest straight underwater mountain belt

Researchers at Curtin University found that the Ninetyeast Ridge, the Earth's longest straight underwater mountain chain, formed as a massive volcanic chain between 83 and 43 million years ago. High-precision dating revealed that the hotspot responsible for the ridge moved by several hundred kilometres within the mantle over time.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2024

Sports betting and financial market data show how people misinterpret new information in predictable ways

Researchers found a pattern in how people interpret new information, overreacting to weak signals and underreacting to strong ones. This bias holds true across various settings, including financial markets, according to a study analyzing millions of betting transactions and prices on options contracts.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 26, 2024

Engineering hypoallergenic cats

A team of scientists used CRISPR technology to investigate the role of Fel d 1, a gene that triggers cat allergies. By analyzing genetic diversity and expression levels, they found that cats genetically modified to lack CH2 were healthy, suggesting that the allergen may not be essential for feline health.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 26, 2024