ScienceDaily: All - June 21, 2024
Today's top research news
Scientists at uOttawa develop innovative method to validate quantum photonics circuits performance
A team of researchers has developed an innovative technique for evaluating the performance of quantum circuits. This significant advancement represents a substantial leap forward in the field of quantum computing.
Image: HelloRF Zcool/Shutterstock.com
Iron meteorites hint that our infant solar system was more doughnut than dartboard
Iron meteorites are remnants of the metallic cores of the earliest asteroids in our solar system. Iron meteorites contain refractory metals, such as iridium and platinum, that formed near the sun but were transported to the outer solar system. New research shows that for this to have happened, the protoplanetary disk of our solar system had to have been doughnut-shaped because the refractory metals could not have crossed the large gaps in a target-shaped disk of concentric rings. The paper suggests that the refractory metals moved outward as the protoplanetary disk rapidly expanded, and were trapped in the outer solar system by Jupiter.
Scientists discover new behavior of membranes that could lead to unprecedented separations
Argonne scientists have used isoporous membranes -- membranes with pores of equal size and shape -- and recirculation to create separations at the nanoscale that overcome previous limitations.
Changing climate will make home feel like somewhere else
The impacts of climate change are being felt all over the world, but how will it impact how your hometown feels? An interactive web application allows users to search 40,581 places and 5,323 metro areas around the globe to match the expected future climate in each city with the current climate of another location, providing a relatable picture of what is likely in store.
Walking brings huge benefits for low back pain
Adults with a history of low back pain went nearly twice as long without a recurrence of their back pain if they walked regularly, a world-first study has found.
Scientists devise algorithm to engineer improved enzymes
Scientists have prototyped a new method for 'rationally engineering' enzymes to deliver improved performance. They have devised an algorithm, which takes into account an enzyme's evolutionary history, to flag where mutations could be introduced with a high likelihood of delivering functional improvements. Their work could have significant, wide-ranging impacts across a suite of industries, from food production to human health.
How your sleep patterns change can tell you about your health
Your sleep tracker might give you information about more than just your sleep -- specifically, it might give you information about chronic conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and illnesses such as COVID-19. This is one of the findings of a study that analyzed data from 5 million nights of sleep across roughly 33,000 people.
Sweat health monitor measures levels of disease markers
A wearable health monitor can reliably measure levels of important biochemicals in sweat during physical exercise. The 3D-printed monitor could someday provide a simple and non-invasive way to track health conditions and diagnose common diseases, such as diabetes, gout, kidney disease or heart disease. The monitor was able to accurately monitor the levels of volunteers' glucose, lactate and uric acid as well as the rate of sweating during exercise.
Removal of ovaries before menopause associated with reduced white matter in brain
Women who have their ovaries removed before menopause, particularly before the age of 40, have reduced white matter integrity in multiple regions of the brain later in life, a new study suggests. White matter refers to the nerve fibers that connect neurons in different areas of the brain.
Scientists have developed a new, more energy-efficient way for AI algorithms to process data. His model may become the basis for a new generation of AI that learns like we do. Notably, these findings may also lend support to neuroscience theories surrounding memory's role in learning.
Newly discovered dinosaur boasts big, blade-like horns
First conclusive evidence that a terrestrial leech species can jump
A new study presents video evidence that at least one species of terrestrial leech can jump, behavior that scientists have debated for more than a century.
Creation of a power-generating, gel electret-based device
A team of researchers has developed a gel electret capable of stably retaining a large electrostatic charge. The team then combined this gel with highly flexible electrodes to create a sensor capable of perceiving low-frequency vibrations (e.g., vibrations generated by human motion) and converting them into output voltage signals. This device may potentially be used as a wearable healthcare sensor.
Embryo and organoid models do not threaten the definition of personhood, bioethicist says
Advances in organoids and embryonic models of human development have the potential to prompt social and existential questions --e.g., what defines human individuality? However, bioethicists say that these models have the potential to strengthen rather than weaken the concept of human individuality when considered within the philosophical frameworks of 'personhood' and sentience.
New genetic cause of obesity could help guide treatment
Scientists have discovered a new cause of why people who lack a specific blood group are genetically predisposed to be overweight or obese.
Climate models underestimate carbon cycling through plants
The carbon stored globally by plants is shorter-lived and more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought, according to a new study.
Hurricane changed 'rules of the game' in monkey society
A devastating hurricane transformed a monkey society by changing the pros and cons of interacting with others, new research shows.
New catalyst unveils the hidden power of water for green hydrogen generation
A team of scientists reports a new milestone for the sustainable production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis. Their new catalyst design harnesses so far unexplored properties of water to achieve, for the first time, an alternative to critical raw materials for water electrolysis at industrial-relevant conditions.
Drugs for enlarged prostate may also protect against dementia with Lewy bodies
Certain drugs commonly used to treat enlarged prostate may also decrease the risk for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), according to a new study. The researchers think that a specific side effect of the drugs targets a biological flaw shared by DLB and other neurodegenerative diseases, raising the possibility that they may have broad potential for treating a wide range of neurodegenerative conditions.
Study finds one copy of protective genetic variant helps stave off early-onset Alzheimer's disease
New research finds one copy of a protective genetic variant, APOE3 Christchurch, delayed onset of Alzheimer's disease for 27 members of a ~6,000-person family in Colombia at high risk for early-onset Alzheimer's in their 40s due to carrying the 'Paisa' (Presenilin-1 E280A) mutation. This work builds on a 2019 case report of a woman in this family who had two copies of the Christchurch variant and delayed Alzheimer's into her 70s. The new findings are the first to show that one copy of the variant confers some level of protection and increases the researchers' confidence that this genetic pathway should be targeted for therapeutics.
Researchers have developed a non-chemotherapy treatment regimen that is achieving full remissions for some people with aggressive B-cell lymphoma that has come back or is no longer responding to standard treatments. The five-drug combination targets multiple molecular pathways that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tumors use to survive.