Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 13, 2024


Swallowing triggers a feeling of elation

A study at the University of Bonn has revealed that fly larvae have special sensors triggered by swallowing, releasing serotonin to continue eating. This control circuit may also exist in humans and could help understand eating disorders such as anorexia or binge eating.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Impact of 2020 Labor Day wildfires on highway infrastructure: a historical perspective on megafires and roadway damage in Washington, Oregon, and California

The study assesses roadway damage from the 2020 wildfires in comparison to historical megafires in the region, finding significant increases in damage since the 2000s. The research emphasizes the critical need for targeted preventive measures and improved fire management strategies.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Super golden lettuce richer in vitamin A

Researchers have successfully multiplied beta-carotene levels in lettuce leaves by up to 30 times using biotechnological techniques and high light intensity. The discovery represents a significant advance for improving nutrition through biofortification of leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and chard.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

E-cigarette brands are skirting the rules about health warning labels on Instagram

A new study by Boston University researchers found that the majority of social media posts from e-cigarette brands left out health warnings, despite a federal requirement to include them. The study used AI to analyze over 2,000 Instagram posts and discovered that only 13% complied with FDA health warning requirements.

SourceBoston University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2024

Axon-mimicking materials for computing

A team of researchers discovered a class of materials that mimic the behavior of axons by spontaneously amplifying electrical pulses. These materials can harness internal instabilities to create spiking behavior and amplify signals, potentially leading to more efficient computing and artificial intelligence.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2024

Machine learning could help reduce hospitalizations by nearly 30% during a pandemic, study finds

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that machine learning can be more effective than traditional methods for distributing scarce treatments to patients most vulnerable during a public health crisis. The model reduces expected hospitalizations by about 27 percent compared to actual and observed care.

A green chemistry breakthrough: Sustainable collagen extraction from sardine bones using banana peel water extracts

Researchers develop eco-friendly method to extract collagen from marine waste, reducing reliance on traditional processes that harm the environment. The study employs statistical modeling to optimize conditions, achieving high collagen yields and paving the way for more sustainable production practices.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFood Materials Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Breakthrough in solid oxide fuel cell technology with direct internal reforming of ethanol: new model offers insight for efficient power generation

Researchers introduce a new mathematical model tailored for SOFCs using direct internal reforming of ethanol, validated against experimental data. The study reveals how operating conditions influence the reactions inside the SOFC, improving hydrogen yield and performance at increased current densities.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Climate change accelerates extreme melting in Greenland, with global impacts

A recent study found that extreme melting episodes in Greenland have doubled in frequency since the 1950s, with significant consequences for the global climate. The increased risk of large ice blocks breaking off into the ocean is linked to global warming and is expected to continue, with potential impacts on Europe's climate.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Climate·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2024

The ethics of biobanking for conservation: BioRescue adjusts ethical assessment tool for the use of genome research banks

The BioRescue team evaluated ethical considerations for biobanking, including animal welfare, sample ownership, and good scientific practice. It introduced a modified ETHAS tool to provide a structured approach for biobank managers, enabling them to make wise decisions on conservation and research.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalCryobiology·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 13, 2024

Urban heating and cooling to play substantial role in future energy demand under climate change

A new study suggests that urban heating and cooling systems will significantly impact future energy demand due to climate change, with smaller-scale city-level waste heat contributing to local microclimates. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive climate impact assessment and science-based policymaking to address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2024

Simple shift could make low Earth orbit satellites high capacity

Researchers developed a system to effectively split transmissions from a single antenna array into multiple beams without additional hardware, allowing satellites to overcome the one-to-one user ratio. This enables significant reductions in cost and power consumption, potentially leading to fewer satellites, smaller satellites, or both.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalIEEE Transactions on Signal Processing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2024

How a Fjord in Greenland generated a global seismic signal

Researchers used realistic numerical models to solve mysteries about Earth vibrations of unknown origin and discovered a 'seiche' phenomenon caused by a massive rockslide in the fjord. The event generated seismic waves detectable globally for nine days, highlighting the interrelations between climate change and geological processes.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 13, 2024

The within-year distribution of temperature and precipitation could rearrange significantly, challenging both modelers and nature

Researchers at HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research found that specific climate periods can shift by several months or even six months within a year, affecting species distribution. This shift poses significant challenges for distribution models, potentially leading to extinction or migration of species.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2024

Scientists discover potential cause of an enigmatic vascular disease primarily impacting women

Researchers identified changes in the UBR4 gene as a key driver of fibromuscular dysplasia, a blood vessel disorder affecting up to five percent of adults. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches for the condition, particularly beneficial for women who account for 90% of cases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Harnessing the power of porosity: A new era for aqueous zinc-ion batteries and large-scale energy storage

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their inherent safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The study reveals the potential of porous zinc anodes in overcoming the limitations of traditional planar zinc anodes, including dendrite growth.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy Materials and Devices·DateSep 13, 2024

Flowers use adjustable ‘paint by numbers’ petal designs to attract pollinators

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that flowers like hibiscus use an invisible blueprint to dictate the size of their bullseyes, which can significantly impact their ability to attract pollinating bees. Larger bullseyes are preferred by bees and can potentially boost efficiency for both bees and blossoms.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Telecom-band multiwavelength vertical emitting quantum well nanowire laser arrays

Researchers have developed a novel multi-step facet engineering approach for growing wurtzite-based InGaAs/InP MQW NWs with controlled size, morphology and high crystal quality. This enables the design of controllable nanowire optical cavities, allowing for tunable lasing peaks across the telecommunication O and C bands.

Exceptional warm air intrusions and omnipresent aerosol layers in the stratosphere.

Researchers have gained insights into clouds in Antarctica using a new platform, discovering warm air intrusions and sulphate aerosol at high altitudes. The study, conducted over 12 months, was the first to investigate vertical distribution of aerosol particles and clouds above the German Neumayer Station III.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2024

Adolescents and young adults’ sources of contraceptive information

A study reveals discrepancies between preferred and actual sources of contraceptive information among adolescents and young adults. Clinicians are the most commonly preferred source, yet they also pose the largest discrepancy between preference and use. This highlights the importance of clinicians in supporting informed contraceptive d...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 2024

Towards the realization of compact and portable nuclear clocks

Researchers from Okayama University successfully controlled the population of the thorium-229 isomeric state using X-rays, a crucial step towards building a compact and portable nuclear clock. This achievement demonstrates the potential for nuclear clocks to advance fundamental physics research and other applications such as GPS systems.

SourceOkayama University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

A novel Mullite Anti-Gyroid/SiC Gyroid ceramic metastructure based on digital light processing 3D printing with enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption and mechanical properties

A novel mullite anti-gyroid/SiC gyroid composites are fabricated through DLP 3D printing, demonstrating significant improvement in mechanical properties and EMW absorption. The metastructure's gyroid structure design enables tunable EMW absorption and impedance matching.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateSep 13, 2024

The largest and highest laboratory in the world—how the Tibetan Plateau is helping us to understand the current and future climate

The Tibetan Plateau plays a crucial role in atmospheric synergy between westerly and Asian monsoon systems. Research efforts, such as the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific and Research program, have improved understanding of water vapor changes and land–atmosphere interactions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 13, 2024

UNM professor reveals critical discovery in traumatic brain injury research

A new study published by UNM Department of Psychology Assistant Professor Jeremy Hogeveen and colleagues found that adolescents who experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) showed no significant increase in depression compared to those without a history of TBI. The study, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Developmen...

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalBrain Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2024

Can we reduce carbon dioxide emissions by simply allowing forests to recover?

Researchers found that regrowing tropical forests on pastureland can reduce soil carbon emissions by nearly two-fold, offering a quick win in the fight against climate change. This unexpected finding is attributed to warmer temperatures experienced by soils in pastureland, which may explain higher carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 13, 2024

New research finds employees feel pressure to work while sick, which has been shown to cost companies billions

New research finds that employees who feel pressure to work while sick experience deviant behaviors like theft and mistreatment of coworkers. The cost of such behavior, known as 'presenteeism,' can be staggering, with annual losses estimated at up to $150 billion.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2024

The RESILIENCE trial: Preventing heart injury caused by anticancer drugs

The RESILIENCE clinical trial explores the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning to prevent cardiotoxicity in lymphoma patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The trial aims to reduce heart failure prevalence and improve quality of life for cancer survivors.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 13, 2024

The dynamic anti-counterfeiting application based on fluorescent electrophoretic display

A new dynamic anti-counterfeiting application has been developed based on fluorescent electrophoretic display technology. The device exhibits multifunctional anti-counterfeiting capabilities with a fast response time, high contrast ratio, and bright green fluorescence.

Unveiling the math behind your calendar

Researchers used mathematical modeling to calculate the likelihood of successfully scheduling a meeting based on several factors. As the number of participants grows, the probability of scheduling a successful meeting decreases sharply, with a critical point where the likelihood drops significantly.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2024

Systematic evaluation of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis E virus infection

The study evaluated 7 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HEV infection, finding significant variability in quality and consistency. The guidelines scored poorly in areas such as stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, and applicability, highlighting the need for improvements.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateSep 13, 2024

Cleveland Clinic study identifies key factors that can impact long-term weight loss in patients with obesity who were prescribed GLP-1 RA medications

A Cleveland Clinic study identified key factors that can impact the long-term weight loss of patients with obesity who were prescribed injectable semaglutide or liraglutide. The study found that medication's active agent, dosage, treatment indication, and persistence with the medication were associated with weight change.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 2024

Complex dynamics of the 2024 M7.6 Noto Hanto earthquake in Japan — the long-lasting swarm and its immediate foreshocks

A new study examines the relationship between the 2024 M7.6 Noto Hanto earthquake and a preceding earthquake swarm in Japan's Noto Peninsula. The research highlights the importance of monitoring seismic swarms and understanding fluid migration patterns to enhance predictive models for future seismic events.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEarthquake Research Advances·TypeCase study·DateSep 13, 2024

Characterization of microbial structure and function in the rhizosphere of Boehmeria nivea L.:A comparative study of volcanic cone and crater

The study reveals significant spatial differences in diversity, structure, and function of microbial communities in the rhizosphere of Boehmeria nivea L. Volcanic soil plays a key role in forming microbial community diversity. Bacterial generalist species dominate, while fungi show greater ability to break down complex organic polymers.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

New method in the fight against forever chemicals

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to degrade perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS), a subgroup of forever chemicals. Using piezocatalysis, the team was able to break down 90.5% of PFOS molecules in water samples, offering a potential solution to environmental pollution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalSmall Science·DateSep 13, 2024

Emergency department screening identifies suicide risk in nearly 80% of transgender and gender diverse youth

A study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that nearly 80% of transgender and gender diverse youth screened positive for suicide risk, with one out of four having active suicidal thoughts. The study highlights the importance of universal suicide screening for all youth, regardless of reason for seeking care.

Simulated construction of plant-based fish meat with composite structure via 3D printing

A team of researchers from China successfully created plant-based simulated yellow croaker meat tissues using dual-nozzle 3D printing. The study found that the texture characteristics, moisture distribution, and nutrient content of the simulated fish were close to those of real fish, with a printing accuracy of over 90%.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFood Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024