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Science News for October 21, 2024


Vaccine against the MERS coronavirus tested as safe and effective in phase Ib clinical trial

A phase Ib clinical trial has shown that the MVA-MERS-S vaccine candidate is safe and effective in healthy individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine was tested in a placebo-controlled study with no serious vaccine-related side effects, indicating promising results.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

A novel data-driven joint model enhances infrastructure planning and smart charging of shared electric vehicles

A novel data-driven joint model enhances infrastructure planning and smart charging of shared electric vehicles by optimizing charging strategies and predicting user behavior. The model aims to reduce charging costs and improve grid integration, with potential savings of up to 34.97%.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Thermal modification of multicore fiber increases image contrast in endoscopy

A team of scientists developed a method to increase the light collection efficiency in multicore optical fibers by thermally modifying them. This results in more than five times higher signal-to-noise ratio and significant gain in image contrast, making it suitable for minimally invasive medical procedures.

Shaking from April's sizable New Jersey earthquake traveled strangely far

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake in New Jersey triggered widespread alarm, but surprisingly, the epicenter showed minimal damage, while distant areas like NYC and Virginia experienced stronger shaking. An analysis of Lg waves revealed a previously unmapped fault with complex strike-slip motion and thrust, affecting regional hazard assessments.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

At-home brain stimulation for depression is safe and effective, according to research from UTHealth Houston, King’s College London, and University of East London

A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective treatment for depression when administered at home. Researchers reported significant improvements in depression severity and remission rates compared to a placebo control group.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

Communicating discovery science

A new special issue of JCOM explores the challenges and opportunities of communicating basic science, highlighting its relevance in everyday life. The issue emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the need to convey the impact of scientific discoveries on individuals.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·DateOct 21, 2024

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for medical non-adherence: A topical review and clinical recommendations

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a promising intervention for addressing medical non-adherence in pediatric patients with chronic illnesses. CBT successfully integrates principles of learning theory and cognitive science to address behavioral and emotional challenges that affect health outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateOct 21, 2024

Immigrants and military service

Research from the University of Utah suggests immigrants express a greater willingness to serve in the armed forces of both countries. This contradicts harsh narratives perpetuated by some Republicans who characterize immigrants as parasitic.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalArmed Forces & Society·TypeSurvey·DateOct 21, 2024

A blueprint for mapping melting ice sheets

The Open Radar Code Architecture (ORCA) offers scientists a standardized way to build ice-penetrating radar systems, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This enables glaciologists to collect and reuse data more effectively, advancing research into melting ice sheets and sea-level rise.

SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateOct 21, 2024

Researchers using $3.3M NCI grant to develop more accurate, comfortable breast cancer screening technology

College of Medicine – Tucson researchers are using a $3.3 million grant to test advanced breast computed tomography (CT) scans that create high-resolution 3-D images without physical compression, aiming to enhance early cancer detection and diagnosis for women with dense breasts. The technology has the potential to detect more breast c...

With support from the Joint Fire Science Program, new Cary Institute-led project will inform firefighting efforts to maximize carbon storage in Alaskan refuge

Researchers will map carbon distribution, identify high-risk areas, and inform fire suppression strategies to maximize carbon storage in the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The project aims to address the growing threat of permafrost thaw, which could release 1,700 billion metric tons of carbon.

Reinforcement learning paves the way for safer and smarter highway autonomous vehicles

A recent study reviews advancements in reinforcement learning for autonomous vehicle control, highlighting similarities and differences in DRL formulations and training algorithms. The research aims to enhance RL applications, making autonomous vehicles more capable of handling complex traffic situations under uncertain conditions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

The hidden role of air pollution in cognitive decline

A recent study found a potential link between air pollution and cognitive impairment, with fine particulate matter exposure correlating with declined cognitive processing time. Systemic inflammation, driven by an increase in monocytes, may act as a key intermediary linking PM2.5 exposure to impaired cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

New attribution studies: Increasing effects of global warming on fire dynamics and public health

Two new studies find that global warming is increasing fire dynamics, particularly in Australia, South America, Western North America, and Siberia, leading to more burned areas. Climate change also increased deaths from fire-related air pollution, with a 15.8% rise in global burned area from 2003 to 2019.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 21, 2024

A visit from the stork brings genomic hope for this endangered species

A new genomic study reveals high genetic diversity and low inbreeding in the endangered Oriental Stork population, a common finding in many critically endangered species. The study provides hope for the species' long-term survival and suggests that protecting its habitats could rapidly rescue this species from extinction.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Research spotlight: Investigating strategies to help clinicians and patients navigate prescription costs

Researchers found that co-payment cards can lower out-of-pocket costs for privately insured patients taking brand-name prescription drugs. Additionally, public assistance programs and direct-to-consumer pharmacies can provide affordable alternatives for uninsured individuals and those with Medicare Part D. The study suggests that clini...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2024

Methadone much more effective than buprenorphine/naloxone for treatment retention, with no difference in mortality risk

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that methadone is more effective than buprenorphine/naloxone in reducing treatment discontinuation rates among individuals with opioid use disorder. The risk of mortality was low and did not differ significantly between the two medications.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 21, 2024

Scan based on lizard saliva detects rare tumor

Researchers developed a new PET scan that accurately visualizes benign tumors in the pancreas, known as insulinomas, which can cause low blood sugar levels. The Exendin-PET scan uses a substance found in lizard saliva to detect these tumors, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

Evolution in action: How ethnic Tibetan women thrive in thin oxygen at high altitudes

A new study from Case Western Reserve University reveals how ethnic Tibetan women thrive in low-oxygen environments, with unique blood and heart traits enhancing oxygen delivery. The research provides valuable insights into human adaptation to extreme environments and offers clues about future environmental challenges.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

An advanced LiFePO4 battery charge estimation: Integration of ANN and PCA

A new method uses principal components-based feature generation and optimized Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to estimate the State of Charge (SoC) in LiFePO4 batteries. This approach improves the accuracy and robustness of existing SoC estimation methods, enabling real-time implementation.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Study combines woodchips and biochar to clean water of pharmaceuticals, nutrients

Researchers developed a system using woodchips and biochar to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The treatment-train approach showed significant removal of pollutants, with the biochar acting like activated carbon to efficiently remove pharmaceutical residues.

New ice core data provides insight into climate ‘tipping points’ during the last Ice Age

Research from multiple ice cores in Greenland provides new understanding of Dansgaard-Oeschger events, which represent 'tipping points' in Earth's climate. The findings suggest interactions between the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and wintertime sea ice play a key role in these events.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

How vitamin D deficiency can lead to autoimmune diseases

A McGill University study reveals that vitamin D deficiency early in life can lead to a higher risk of autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes. The research found that an aging thymus causes the immune system to become less effective, increasing the risk of misdirected immune cells attacking healthy tissues.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Novel electrothermal model enables co-estimation of SOC and SOT

Researchers developed an innovative electrothermal model to accurately estimate state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-temperature (SOT) of large-format lithium-ion batteries. The method improves prediction performance in a wide temperature range, reducing the risk of thermal hazards and enhancing vehicle safety.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Moffitt study reveals insights into oral HPV incidence and risks in men across 3 countries

A new study by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center researchers has uncovered crucial information about the incidence and risk factors of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among men in the US, Mexico, and Brazil. The study found that the risk of acquiring oral HPV was notably higher in the US compared to Brazil and Mexico.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

First ever Hispanic thrifty food plan published

The new Hispanic Thrifty Food Plan (H-TFP) is a cost-neutral alternative to the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, respecting traditional Hispanic eating patterns while adhering to established nutritional guidelines. The H-TFP aims to preserve cultural food preferences while promoting healthy eating at the same cost.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2024

Fatigue test rig no more: Simulating bulldozer strength

A new virtual vibration test rig (VTR) simulates the fatigue life of dozer push arms with unprecedented accuracy, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional physical testing. The VTR reduces testing time from hours to minutes while cutting costs, making it a game-changer for the construction industry.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse? Bright star Betelgeuse likely has a ‘Betelbuddy’ stellar companion

A new study suggests that Betelgeuse's pulsing is due to an orbiting companion star known as the 'Betelbuddy'. The star acts like a snowplow, pushing light-blocking dust out of the way and making Betelgeuse appear brighter. Researchers used computer simulations to confirm this hypothesis, ruling out other possible causes.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2024

Absolute numbers of women matter more than proportion for achieving gender equity in STEM

A recent study from Kyushu University found that the absolute number of women in STEM departments significantly influences research output, fostering a supportive environment and promoting higher and more stable results. Traditional metrics focusing solely on proportion show little correlation with academic performance.

SourceKyushu University·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Research Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Researchers have identified specific human endogenous retrovirus sequences associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The study suggests that these viral elements contribute to disease susceptibility by influencing brain function.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

Sweetened beverage taxes decrease consumption in lower-income households by nearly 50%, UW study finds

A new study from the University of Washington found that lower-income households decreased their purchases of sweetened beverages by nearly 50%, while higher-income households reduced purchases by 18%. The tax was implemented in four U.S. cities and resulted in a significant decline in consumption among lower-income households.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalHealth Economics·DateOct 21, 2024

Towards vehicle electrification: A mathematical prediction of battery electric vehicle ownership growth in Turkey

A new study predicts Turkey's battery electric vehicle (BEV) ownership growth using the Gompertz model, aiming to aid policymakers in preparing for a smooth transition. The predicted BEV market saturation is expected to occur approximately 15 years later than Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

New study finds abdominal aortic calcification results do not significantly increase fruit and vegetable intake

A new randomized controlled trial found that providing individuals with their abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) results did not motivate them to adopt healthier eating habits. However, the study showed improvements in secondary outcomes, including lipid profiles and reduced five-year estimated cardiovascular risk

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

Rapidly increasing industrial activities in the Arctic

A comprehensive assessment of human activity in the Arctic reveals that over 5% of the region is affected by light pollution, with an annual increase of 4.8%. The study highlights the critical need for monitoring and planning to support sustainable development and conservation in the Arctic.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

Cloud computing captures chemistry code

A team of scientists and experts led by PNNL has developed a cloud computing approach to democratize access to emerging resources. They demonstrated that cloud computing can provide an agile complement to high-performance computing facilities, enabling complex chemistry workflows to be completed in days instead of months. The initiativ...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2024

Dynamics of molten pool evolution and high-speed real-time optical measurement in laser polishing

A new optical time-stretch quantitative interferometry (OTS-QI) system records surface morphology during laser polishing with nanosecond-level temporal resolution. The system achieves remarkable measurement speeds exceeding 100 million times per second while preserving accuracy comparable to existing white light interferometers.

Creating a spatial map of the sea: New research visualizes how fishing communities can change fishing habits to adapt to climate change

A spatial map of the sea reveals that different fishing communities and gear types are adapting in unique ways to climate change, with some communities showing high flexibility and others facing challenges. The study's findings highlight the need for policy decisions to support adaptive capacity, rather than limiting it.

SourceWellesley College·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateOct 21, 2024

Researchers develop 3D atlas of the developing mammalian brain

A team of researchers at Penn State College of Medicine has developed a high-resolution 3D atlas of the developing mouse brain, providing a comprehensive view of brain development and structure. The atlas, published in Nature Communications, will help researchers understand neurodevelopmental disorders and analyze large-scale data sets.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

Creating a simplified form of life

Researchers have built two key components of life: an energy conversion system and a nutrient transport system. The first system uses just five components to convert energy, while the second system uses only two components to transport nutrients. These simplified systems demonstrate the feasibility of creating a synthetic cell.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Study uncovers the true burden of asthma in African pupils, highlighting need for better access to asthma diagnosis and care

A study from Queen Mary University of London reveals that nearly half of African pupils with asthma symptoms have undiagnosed cases, highlighting the need for better access to diagnosis and treatment. The research found that only a small percentage of diagnosed pupils were using medication effectively.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2024

A novel SOC estimation model: combining machine learning and Kalman filtering

The improved method achieves high accuracy in lithium-ion battery state of charge estimation, outperforming traditional methods such as Back propagation Neural Network and Long Short-Term Memory. The model's robustness is enhanced through periodic parameter updates based on battery operating conditions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Being part of a ‘civilization’ only reduces violence if you’re a woman in ancient Andes populations

A new study suggests that being part of a 'civilization' reduces violence for women, but not men, in ancient Andes populations. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed data from 8,607 adults over 3,000 years and found that women experienced reduced lethal violence in organized states.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

The asymmetric cosine distribution

The asymmetric cosine distribution model offers improved efficiency for analyzing data with values in [-1,1], including standardized scores and temperature anomalies. Key findings include satisfactory results on simulated and real data, as well as potential applications in machine learning models.

SourceELSP·JournalAsymmetry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

3D structures of biomolecules – “dictionaries” make fluorescence-based data for integrative structure models and their dynamics accessible

Researchers from Germany and the USA have developed a standardized data description to provide fluorescence-based integrative structural models and their dynamics for large biomolecules. This makes it possible to access experiment-based training data for next-generation AI tools.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 21, 2024

Advanced online method for battery model parameter identification: Bias-compensated forgetting factor recursive least squares

A new online method for battery model parameter identification is introduced, which improves accuracy under different noise conditions. The Bias-Compensated Forgetting Factor Recursive Least Squares (BCFFRLS) method shows significant improvements in reducing mean absolute and root mean square errors.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

The transformative power of film

Researchers from Stanford University found that watching the film Just Mercy increased participants' empathy towards formerly incarcerated people, leading to greater support for criminal justice reform. The study suggests that storytelling has a powerful impact on changing people's minds and perceptions.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2024

UAMS researchers find ground beef packs bigger muscle-building punch than soy-based alternative

A new study from UAMS reveals that 100% ground beef is more effective at building muscle than a soy-based alternative, requiring double the amount of protein to achieve the same results. The study found that just one serving of beef provided the necessary muscle-building benefits, while two servings of the soy-based product were needed.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

Sexual and gender-diverse individuals face more health challenges during COVID-19: Insights from a large-scale social media analysis

A new study by Zhejiang University highlights the disproportionate health challenges faced by sexual and gender-diverse individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. SGD individuals experienced higher rates of COVID-19 symptoms and mental health issues compared to non-SGD users, according to a large-scale social media analysis.

SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·DateOct 21, 2024

Unexpected beauty, major antimicrobial power boost as phages form into surprising flower shapes

A group of McMaster researchers have discovered that phages can form into three-dimensional flower-like shapes, making them 100 times more efficient at finding bacterial targets. This breakthrough has significant implications for the detection and treatment of diseases, as it enables the creation of novel antimicrobial materials.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Can aerobic exercise help prevent brain fog caused by chemotherapy?

Women who started an aerobic exercise program during chemotherapy reported improved cognitive function and quality of life compared to those receiving standard care. The study found that while cognitive performance was similar after chemotherapy completion, the exercise program had a positive impact on self-reported cognitive function.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 21, 2024