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Science News Archive September 2024 - Page 22


Page 22 of 41

Large potential of strengthening the land carbon sink in China through anthropogenic interventions

Researchers assessed the potential of two alternative methods in strengthening China's land carbon sink. Ozone control and litter removal showed significant gains in regional carbon sinks, with conservative forestation contributing up to 12 Pg C a^-1 by 2060. This can help limit temperature rise to below 2°C above preindustrial levels.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 14, 2024

Getting autism right

A Rutgers study finds that many autistic adults are aware of their feelings and can label them in vivid detail. Participants reported difficulty with 'affective contact' between autistic and nonautistic individuals due to misinterpretation. New therapy strategies focus on improving mutual understanding and embracing autistic perspectives.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy·TypeSurvey·DateSep 14, 2024

USTC identifies superionic iron hydride as key to ultralow-velocity zones at Earth’s core-mantle boundary

A USTC study suggests that superionic iron hydride formed from slab-derived water is a crucial factor in ULVZ formation, explaining seismic anomalies at the CMB. The research reveals that this state of FeHx exhibits extremely low seismic velocities and a density matching those of ULVZs.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2024

Patterned doping for constructing 2D lateral p-n junction via ion implantation

A new method of constructing 2D lateral p-n junctions using low-energy ion implantation has been developed, enabling precise modulation of 2D material conductivity and fabricating patterned doping. This technique demonstrates the universality of the method on various 2D semiconductors.

New study reveals potential of edible coatings to extend shelf life of pointed gourd and green chillies

Researchers have identified a promising method for extending the shelf life of perishable produce by using edible coatings made from chitosan and beeswax. The study found that these coatings significantly enhance the preservation of pointed gourds and green chillies, reducing weight loss and delaying visible decay.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFood Materials Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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.