Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2024 - Page 6


Page 6 of 44

Giant rats could soon fight illegal wildlife trade by sniffing out elephant tusk and rhino horn

Researchers have trained African giant pouched rats to detect illegally trafficked wildlife species, including pangolin scales, elephant ivory, rhino horn, and African blackwood. The rats showed perfect retention scores after months of non-exposure, suggesting their cognitive performance resembles that of dogs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

University of Toronto study uncovers new role for cell’s waste disposal system in spread of pancreatic cancer

Researchers discovered that INPP4B drives the movement of lysosomes to the periphery of pancreatic cancer cells, releasing their contents into the extracellular space and disrupting the structural support network. This process enables the cells to migrate and invade other tissues, making it easier for the cancer to spread.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Most patients can continue diabetes, weight loss GLP-1 drugs before surgery, those at highest risk for GI problems should follow liquid diet before procedure

A new clinical guidance from the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends continuing GLP-1 drugs for patients with diabetes and weight loss before elective surgery, except for those at highest risk for gastrointestinal problems. Patients at high risk should follow a liquid diet or other measures to minimize risks.

UCSB materials scientist Chris Van de Walle receives top computational physics award from the American Physical Society

Chris Van de Walle, a distinguished professor at UCSB, has been awarded the American Physical Society's 2025 Aneesur Rahman Prize for Computational Physics. He was recognized for his development and application of first-principles methods to compute structural, electronic, and optoelectronic properties of point defects and interfaces.

Newly discovered cyanobacteria could help sequester carbon from oceans and factories

Researchers have discovered a novel strain of cyanobacteria that can grow rapidly in high-CO2 environments, sink in water, and produce valuable commodities. The 'Chonkus' strain has traits useful for biologically-based carbon sequestration and bioproduction.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2024

Mapping the pulse of the city: innovative framework for dynamic population insight

Researchers have developed an innovative framework combining remote sensing and mobile phone data to create highly accurate monthly population maps at fine resolutions, providing detailed insights for urban planning and emergency response. The approach leverages building area, vegetation cover, and machine learning techniques to captur...

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateOct 29, 2024

Discovery of a potential molecular mechanism to reduce cardiovascular risk in 6 genetic regions through the metabolites they regulate

Researchers have identified 44 genetic regions associated with metabolite levels in the body, which can influence cardiovascular risk. The study found a potential molecular mechanism by which six genetic loci are linked to cardiovascular risk through the metabolites they regulate.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

The Lancet: Health threats of climate change reach record-breaking levels, as experts call for trillions of dollars spent on fossil fuels to be redirected towards protecting people’s health, lives and livelihoods

The Lancet's Countdown report reveals record-breaking human costs of climate change, including heat-related deaths increasing by 167% globally in 2023. The report calls for trillions of dollars spent on fossil fuels to be redirected towards protecting people's health and lives.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

Unexpected findings provide a deeper understanding of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

A new study provides deeper understanding of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) by revealing an unexpected link between the cardiac condition and SCN5A protein. The research found that reducing fetal SCN5A expression did not correct heart defects, suggesting alternative approaches may be needed to address the condition.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

A KAIST team develops face-conforming LED mask showing 340% improved efficacy in deep skin elasticity​

A KAIST team created a face-conforming LED mask with improved efficacy in skin rejuvenation. The FSLED mask demonstrated a 340% improvement in deep skin elasticity compared to conventional masks, showing significant benefits for anti-aging treatment.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 29, 2024

Weddell seals in the Antarctic strategically time their most extreme dives to maximize foraging

Researchers found that Weddell seals strategically conduct extreme dives earlier in the day to maximize their oxygen stores and foraging success. By avoiding midday dives, the seals can spend more time underwater, taking advantage of high-light conditions, which is ideal for visual hunting.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2024

People’s exposure to toxic chemicals declined in the U.S. following listing under California law

A study found that levels of toxic chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide following the listing of over 850 chemicals under Proposition 65. This decline suggests that the law has led to widespread reformulation of products, reducing exposure to harmful substances.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

‘Weekend warrior’ exercise pattern may equal more frequent sessions for lowering cognitive decline risk

Research suggests that just one or two sessions of physical activity per week can lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, which may be more convenient for busy people than regular exercise. The 'weekend warrior' pattern was found to be associated with a 25% lower risk of cognitive decline compared to non-exercisers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2024