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Science News Archive September 2024 - Page 4


Page 4 of 41

Ancient sunken seafloor reveals earth’s deep secrets

Researchers discovered a mysterious subduction zone deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, reshaping our understanding of Earth's interior structure. The team found an unusually thick area in the mantle transition zone, suggesting the presence of colder material that slows down oceanic slabs as they sink through the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Discovery of 3,775-year-old preserved log supports ‘wood vaulting’ as a climate solution

A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Return of the elephants seals: From a few to thousands

Northern elephant seals nearly went extinct due to overhunting but have since recovered to around 225,000 individuals. The recent study found the species' genetic diversity was reduced during this period, which may impair their ability to cope with future environmental changes.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Study highlights complex ocean conditions facing world’s most powerful tidal turbine

Researchers used aerial drone technology and boat-based surveys to map complex tidal flows around the world's most powerful tidal turbine, O2. The study provides new insights into optimal turbine placement and site-specific assessments to address uncertainties surrounding interactions with marine habitats and environments.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2024

Research findings offer a unique opportunity for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers propose a better understanding of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, identifying an early pathogenic macrophage cell/gene signature that shapes the inflammatory environment. This discovery offers a unique opportunity for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

The Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä has measured more detailed data on the "magic" N=50 neutron shell closure

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä have measured more detailed data on the magic N=50 neutron shell closure in the silver isotope chain. The new information improves state-of-the-art theoretical models, benefiting the global description of the atomic nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Estimated long-term benefits of finerenone in heart failure

Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 27, 2024

Addressing global water security challenges: New study reveals investment opportunities and readiness levels

A recent study published in Global Environmental Change highlights the pressing need for innovative economic strategies to address global water scarcity and pollution. The research found that 71% of the world's population has high existing water security needs, with significant disparities in readiness across regions.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Preterm births are on the rise, with ongoing racial and economic gaps

A new study analyzing over five million births found a 10.6% increase in preterm births between 2011 and 2022, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions became more common, while protective factors such as prenatal care and WIC participation declined.

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2024

New addition to standard-of-care treatments for non-small-cell lung cancer patients has potential to increase progression-free survival

Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting enhanced survival outcomes for NSCLC patients with novel treatment combinations. The model neutralizes the negative effects of miR-155, boosting standard-of-care treatments like cisplatin and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

Fruit juice offers a fresh take on kombucha

Researchers have successfully fermented fruit juices, including apple and passion fruit, using a SCOBY to create kombucha-like beverages with boosted antioxidant levels. The resulting drinks showed promise as an alternative to traditional kombucha, with the apple juice variant ranking high in taste testing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateSep 27, 2024

Menopausal hormone therapy use among postmenopausal women

A cross-sectional study found that menopausal hormone therapy use has decreased significantly over the past two decades among US postmenopausal women. Notably, women from racial and ethnic minority groups had lower rates of menopausal hormone therapy use compared to non-Hispanic white women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 27, 2024

Global warming leads to higher nitrogen requirements - New wheat varietys can contribute to food security

Researchers found that new wheat cultivars achieve 16% higher yields under current climate conditions, but overall nitrogen needs will increase with global warming. The team recommends a systemic approach to food security, combining agricultural science, environmental aspects, and policy makers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

Temporarily apart

Researchers induced fast switching between electrically neutral and charged luminescent particles in an ultra-thin, two-dimensional material. The result opens up new perspectives for optical data processing and flexible detectors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Role of hydrogen sulfide in the expression of iron uptake genes in escherichia coli

In this study, researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that hydrogen sulfide-dependent transcription factor YgaV regulates iron uptake dynamics in Escherichia coli. The team observed elevated intracellular H2S levels resulting in increased antibiotic resistance and upregulated genes involved in sulfur metabolism.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

New recycling process for rare-earth elements could transform green technology and boost carbon neutrality

A new recycling process for rare-earth elements has been developed, promising to significantly advance recycling technology and support global efforts towards carbon neutrality. The selective extraction–evaporation–electrolysis (SEEE) process achieved recovery rates of 96% for neodymium and 91% for dysprosium, with both metals reaching...

SourceEngineering·JournalEngineering·DateSep 26, 2024

Ultrasound technology accelerates drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals

A novel multi-frequency ultrasonic drying technology accelerates the drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals by up to 50% while minimizing energy consumption. This method demonstrates superior stability in aqueous solutions and aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

These fish use legs to taste the seafloor

Researchers discovered that sea robins' legs are covered in sensory papillae with taste receptors, allowing them to detect and uncover food. The findings reveal an ancient gene controlling leg development and sensory organ formation, shedding light on the evolution of complex traits in wild organisms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Long-range-interacting topological photonic lattices breaking channel-bandwidth limit

Researchers implement defect-robust multi-channel signal processor by tailoring long-range interactions in topological photonic lattices. This approach enables multichannel topologically-protected edge modes and breaks the trade-off relation between channels and bandwidth, leading to enhanced information capacity.

Catalytically active prokaryotic Argonautes employ phospholipase D family proteins to strengthen immunity against different genetic invaders

This study reveals that catalytically active prokaryotic Argonautes employ phospholipase D family proteins to strengthen immunity against different genetic invaders. The AgaP system, composed of Ago and AgaP proteins, restricts plasmid transformation and provides effective immunity against viruses.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalmLife·DateSep 26, 2024