ScienceDaily: Technology - September 30, 2024
Top technology research news
Climate change likely to increase diarrheal disease hospitalizations by 2100s in Dhaka, Bangladesh
By 2100, hospitalizations from diarrheal diseases are predicted to increase in the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh as a result of climate change, even if global warming stays under 2 degrees Celsius, according to a new study.
Each year, about 2.2 million bone-grafting procedures are performed worldwide, the gold standard of care being autografting, which uses the patient's own bone for tooth implantation and to repair and reconstruct parts of the mouth, face and skull.
A method of 'look twice, forgive once' can sustain social cooperation
Using mathematical modeling, researchers found a way to maintain cooperation without relying on complex norms or institutions.
Image: Malenkka/Shutterstock.com
This rocky planet around a white dwarf resembles Earth -- 8 billion years from now
A 2020 microlensing event was caused by a planetary system with an Earth-like planet and brown dwarf. The star type was uncertain. The team has determined that the star is a white dwarf, a system resembling what our sun-Earth system will look like in 8 billion years. The good news: the planet survived its star's red giant phase, so maybe Earth will too. The bad news: it's still uninhabitable.
Artificial intelligence may enhance patient safety, say researchers
Researchers tested an advanced publicly available genAI model, GPT-4, to determine its ability to answer questions across five key areas of patient safety in the 50-question self-assessment for the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) exam, a standardized multiple-choice certification exam for patient safety professionals. GPT-4 answered 88% of the questions correctly, demonstrating a high level of performance.
Grazing zooplankton severely impacted by nanoplastic particles
Researchers have studied how nanoplastic affects aquatic organisms in lakes and rivers. The results are surprising and the researchers are the first to show that some species are being wiped out, while others -- such as cyanobacteria that contribute to algal blooms -- are completely unaffected.
ESO telescope captures the most detailed infrared map ever of our Milky Way
Astronomers have published a gigantic infrared map of the Milky Way containing more than 1.5 billion objects -- the most detailed one ever made. Using the European Southern Observatory's VISTA telescope, the team monitored the central regions of our Galaxy over more than 13 years. At 500 terabytes of data, this is the largest observational project ever carried out with an ESO telescope.
Who lives in the treetops? DNA-collecting drone provides insights
Squinting into the treetops won't reveal the tiny organisms up there. But these creatures leave clues, in the form of DNA, on the leaves and branches. Now, researchers report that they have developed a way to collect this genetic material: a drone with a specialized fabric probe. The team flew the drone above the rainforest and, based on DNA collected by the probe, identified the invertebrates in the canopy.
New continuous reaction process can help turn plant waste into sustainable aviation fuel
Scientists successfully tested a new way to produce sustainable jet fuel from lignin-based agricultural waste. The team's research demonstrated a continuous process that directly converts lignin polymers, one of the chief components of plant cells, into a form of jet fuel that could help improve performance of sustainably produced aviation fuels.
NASA's Hubble finds that a black hole beam promotes stellar eruptions
In a surprise finding, astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have discovered that the blowtorch-like jet from a supermassive black hole at the core of a huge galaxy seems to cause stars to erupt along its trajectory. The stars, called novae, are not caught inside the jet, but apparently in a dangerous neighborhood nearby.
Unique straining affects phase transformations in silicon, a material vital for electronics
Scientists have used pressure with a twisting shear to permanently deform silicon, an important material for electronics. The resulting changes in silicon's microstructure produce material phases that feature different and potentially useful properties.
AI trained on evolution's playbook develops proteins that spur drug and scientific discovery
The key insight with a new strategy for training protein engineering models, called EvoRank, is to harness the natural variations of millions of proteins generated by evolution over deep time and extract the underlying dynamics needed for workable solutions to biotech challenges.
Fluoride-free batteries: Safeguarding the environment and enhancing performance
A research team has developed a new fluorine-free binder and electrolyte designed to advance eco-friendly, high-performance battery technology.
AI could predict breast cancer risk via 'zombie cells'
Women worldwide could see better treatment with new AI technology which enables better detection of damaged cells and more precisely predict the risk of getting breast cancer, shows new research.
How special is the Milky Way Galaxy?
The SAGA Survey just published three new research articles that provide us with new insights into the uniqueness of our own Milky Way Galaxy after completing the census of 101 satellite systems similar to the Milky Way's.
Researchers innovate sustainable metal-recycling method
A research team has developed a method to recycle valuable metals from electronic waste more efficiently while significantly reducing the environmental impact typically associated with metal recycling.
Mars' missing atmosphere could be hiding in plain sight
New research suggests Mars' missing atmosphere -- which dramatically diminished 3.5 billion years ago -- could be locked in the planet's clay-covered crust. Water on Mars could have set off a chain reaction that drew CO2 out of the atmosphere and converted it into methane within clay minerals.
Manganese cathodes could boost lithium-ion batteries
Manganese is earth-abundant and cheap. A new process could help make it a contender to replace nickel and cobalt in batteries.
Replacing hype about artificial intelligence with accurate measurements of success
A new article notes that journal articles reporting how well machine learning models solve certain kinds of equations are often overly optimistic. The researchers suggest two rules for reporting results and systemic changes to encourage clarity and accuracy in reporting.
Researchers harness AI to repurpose existing drugs for treatment of rare diseases
New AI model identifies possible therapies from existing medicines for thousands of diseases, including rare ones with no current treatments. The AI tool generates new insights on its own, applies them to conditions it was not trained for, and offers explanations for its predictions. AI can expedite the development of more precise treatments with fewer side effects at far lower cost than traditional drug discovery.
Mapping distant planets: 'Ridges', 'deserts' and 'savannahs'
Researchers examined Neptunian exoplanets -- these planets share similar characteristics to our own Neptune, but orbit outside of our solar system. Scientists discovered a new area called the 'Neptunian Ridge' -- in between the 'Neptunian desert' and the 'Neptunian Savannah'. A new 'map' of distant planets shows a ridge of planets in deep space, separating a desert of planets from a more populated savannah.
Shrinking AR displays into eyeglasses to expand their use
Augmented reality (AR) takes digital images and superimposes them onto real-world views. But AR is more than a new way to play video games; it could transform surgery and self-driving cars. To make the technology easier to integrate into common personal devices, researchers report how to combine two optical technologies into a single, high-resolution AR display. In an eyeglasses prototype, the researchers enhanced image quality with a computer algorithm that removed distortions.
To make fluid flow in one direction down a pipe, it helps to be a shark
Researchers have discovered a new way to help liquid flow in only one direction, but without using the flaps that engines and our circulatory system rely upon to prevent fluid backup. The team created a flexible pipe with an interior helical structure inspired by the anatomy of shark intestines -- creating a prototype inspired by biology but with applications in engineering and medicine.
Webb discovers 'weird' galaxy with gas outshining its stars
The discovery of a 'weird' and unprecedented galaxy in the early Universe could 'help us understand how the cosmic story began', astronomers say. GS-NDG-9422 (9422) was found approximately one billion years after the Big Bang and stood out because it has an odd, never-before-seen light signature -- indicating that its gas is outshining its stars. The 'totally new phenomena' is significant, researchers say, because it could be the missing-link phase of galactic evolution between the Universe's first stars and familiar, well-established galaxies.
Scientists discover a single-electron bond in a carbon-based compound
The discovery of a stable single-electron covalent bond between two carbon atoms validates a century-old theory.
Protein behavior can be predicted with simple math
Researchers have discovered that mutations affect protein stability following remarkably simple rules. The discovery has profound implications for accelerating the development of new treatments for diseases or the design of new proteins with industrial applications.
How do rare genetic variants affect health? AI provides more accurate predictions
Researchers have introduced an algorithm based on deep learning that can predict the effects of rare genetic variants. The method allows persons with high risk of disease to be distinguished more precisely and facilitates the identification of genes that are involved in the development of diseases.
New milestone in plant magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a versatile technique in the biomedical field, but its application to the study of plant metabolism in vivo remains challenging. A research team reports the establishment of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) for plant MRI. This method enables noninvasive access to the metabolism of sugars and amino acids in complex sink organs (seeds, fruits, taproots, and tubers) of major crops (maize, barley, pea, potato, sugar beet, and sugarcane).
Researchers acquire and analyze data through AI network that predicts maize yield
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the buzz phrase of 2024. Though far from that cultural spotlight, scientists from agricultural, biological and technological backgrounds are also turning to AI as they collaborate to find ways for these algorithms and models to analyze datasets to better understand and predict a world impacted by climate change. Scientists have now demonstrated the capability of a recurrent neural network -- a model that teaches computers to process data using long short-term memory -- to predict maize yield from several remote sensing technologies and environmental and genetic data.
Rates of e-bike injuries rise fourfold and powered scooter injuries nearly double
The rate of e-bike and powered scooter injuries surged between 2019 and 2022 -- by 293 percent and 88 percent, respectively. The research adds to the existing information and gap in knowledge on the sociodemographic and risk factor variables that might be contributing to micro-mobility vehicle-related injuries.
First observation of ultra-rare process that could uncover new physics
Scientists have discovered an ultra-rare particle decay process, opening a new path to find physics beyond our understanding of how the building blocks of matter interact.
Language agents help large language models 'think' better and cheaper
Specially designed video games may benefit mental health of children and teenagers
Scientists conclude that some video games created as mental health interventions can be helpful -- if modest -- tools in improving the mental well-being of children and teens with anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Thermal effects in spintronics systematically assessed for first time
Spintronics -- devices that use microscopic magnetism in conjunction with electric current -- could lead to computing technology as fast as conventional electronics but much more energy efficient. As such devices are developed and studied, an important unresolved question is how device operation is affected by heating.
Innovative electrolytes could transform steelmaking and beyond
Scientists are pioneering a new approach to designing electrolytes for more energy-efficient and less carbon-intensive electrochemical processes. They hope to improve electrolyte performance in applications such as iron production for steel.
Lasers provide boon for manufacturing of ceremonial Thai umbrellas
The tiered umbrella is one of Thailand's oldest and most sacred ornamental symbols. Constructing one of these ornate pieces, also called chatras, can take master artisans up to six months. However, researchers demonstrate a technique for constructing seven-tiered umbrellas using high-powered lasers, which dramatically reduces the production time. Employing carbon dioxide lasers, they were able to fashion umbrellas from stainless steel in a matter of days while preserving their intricate beauty.
Extinct volcanoes a 'rich' source of rare earth elements
A mysterious type of iron-rich magma entombed within extinct volcanoes is likely abundant with rare earth elements and could offer a new way to source these in-demand metals, according to new research. Rare earth elements are found in smartphones, flat screen TVs, magnets, and even trains and missiles. They are also vital to the development of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines.
New catalyst developed for sustainable propylene production from biomass
Researchers have found a way to use a component of glycerol to produce bio-based propylene.
AI chatbots rival doctors in accuracy for back pain advice, study finds
A new study reveals that artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may be almost as effective as consulting a doctor for advice on low back pain.
Astronomers catch a glimpse of a uniquely inflated and asymmetric exoplanet
Astronomers have observed the atmosphere of a hot and uniquely inflated exoplanet using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.
Graphene spike mat and fridge magnet technology to fight against antibiotic resistance
With strong bactericidal properties, graphene has the potential to become a game changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So far there have been no efficient ways to control these properties -- and thus no way to make use of graphene's potential in healthcare. Now researchers have solved the problem by using the same technology found in an ordinary fridge magnet. The result of which, is an ultra-thin acupuncture-like surface that can act as a coating on catheters and implants -- killing 99.9 percent of all bacteria on a surface.
Low-temperature conversion of ammonia to hydrogen via electric field-aided surface protonics
Ammonia (NH3) can be decomposed to produce hydrogen gas without releasing CO2. The ease of transport and high hydrogen density make it valuable for the green energy industry. A drawback of using NH3 is that it requires very high temperatures for decomposition reactions. Researchers have now presented a surface protonics-assisted method for the on-demand production of green hydrogen from ammonia using an electric field and Ru/CeO2 catalyst.
Improved cement to protect the living treasures of our coastlines
Artificial coastlines, including human-made dikes and other engineered constructions, can help prevent erosion and protect from storms and flooding. However, ecological functions remain unprotected from many of these structures. So researchers in China have investigated the use of specialized types of cement. The team started with a limestone and clay cement that hardens underwater and then added polyacrylamide and chitosan. The two treatments were mixed into the cement to form the hardened substrate, and they were sprayed onto previously hardened cement as a surface treatment. After two days, biofilm was found active and growing well on the surface-treated samples.
New battery cathode material could revolutionize EV market and energy storage
A research team has developed a low-cost iron chloride cathode for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, which could significantly reduce costs and improve performance for electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems.
Potential indicators of life on other planets can be created in a lab
Researchers find certain biosignature molecules may not indicate life is present, contrary to popular thought.
New origami-inspired system turns flat-pack tubes into strong building materials
Engineers have designed an innovative tubular structural system that can be packed flat for easier transport and pop up into strong building materials. This breakthrough is made possible by a self-locking system inspired by curved-crease origami -- a technique that uses curved crease lines in paper folding.
Low gravity in space travel found to weaken and disrupt normal rhythm in heart muscle cells
Scientists who arranged for 48 human bioengineered heart tissue samples to spend 30 days at the International Space Station report evidence that the low gravity conditions in space weakened the tissues and disrupted their normal rhythmic beats when compared to earth-bound samples from the same source.
Paving the way for new treatments
Researchers have created a computer program that can unravel the mysteries of how proteins work together -- giving scientists valuable insights to better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other diseases. The tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to build the three-dimensional atomic structure of large protein complexes.
Research quantifying 'nociception' could help improve management of surgical pain
New statistical models based on rigorous physiological data from more than 100 surgeries provide objective, accurate measures of 'nociception,' the body's subconscious perception of pain.
Early-universe quasar neighborhoods are indeed cluttered
Observations confirm astronomers' expectation that early-Universe quasars formed in regions of space densely populated with companion galaxies. DECam's exceptionally wide field of view and special filters played a crucial role in reaching this conclusion, and the observations reveal why previous studies seeking to characterize the density of early-Universe quasar neighborhoods have yielded conflicting results.
Compact 'gene scissor' enables effective genome editing
CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known 'gene scissor' but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells. Using protein engineering and AI algorithms, researchers have now enhanced TnpB capabilities to make DNA editing more efficient and versatile, paving the way for treating a genetic defect for high cholesterol in the future.