Science
press releases.

Science5 Oct 2023

More than 10,000 pre-Columbian earthworks remain hidden throughout Amazonian forests

More than 10,000 Pre-Columbian archaeological sites likely rest undiscovered throughout the Amazon basin, estimates a new study. The findings, derived from remote sensing data and predictive spatial modeling, address questions about the influence of pre-Columbian societies on the Amazon region. “The massive extent of archaeological sites and widespread human-modified forests across Amazonia is critically important for establishing an accurate understanding of interactions between human societies, Amazonian forests, and Earth’s climate,” write the authors. ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

New, independent ages confirm antiquity of ancient human footprints at White Sands

New radiocarbon (14C) and optically simulated luminescence ages have confirmed the controversial antiquity of the ancient human footprints discovered in White Sands National Park, and reported in a study in 2021. Addressing the widespread criticism of their previous study, researchers report that the independent ages from multiple resolved sources conclusively show that the footprints were left behind between roughly 23,000 and 20,000 years ago, demonstrating that humans were present in southern North America during the Last Glacial ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

Discovery made about Fischer Tropsch process could help improve fuel production

A fundamental discovery about the Fischer Tropsch process, a catalytic reaction used in industry to convert coal, natural gas or biomass to liquid fuels, could someday allow for more efficient fuel production. Washington State University researchers discovered previously unknown self-sustained oscillations in the Fischer Tropsch process. They found that unlike many catalytic reactions which have one steady state, this reaction periodically moves back and forth from a high to a low activity state. The discovery, reported in Science, means that these well-controlled oscillatory states might be used in the future to enhance the reaction rate and the yields of desired ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

The end of genes: routine test reveals unique divergence in genetic code

Scientists testing a new method of sequencing single cells have unexpectedly changed our understanding of the rules of genetics. The genome of a protist has revealed a seemingly unique divergence in the DNA code signalling the end of a gene, suggesting the need for further research to better understand this group of diverse organisms. Dr Jamie McGowan, a postdoctoral scientist at the Earlham Institute, analysed the genome sequence of a microscopic organism - a protist – isolated from a freshwater pond at Oxford University Parks. The work was intended to test a DNA ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

Dr. Julie Damp named ACC Annual Scientific Session Vice Chair

The American College of Cardiology has announced Julie Damp, MD, FACC, as the next vice chair of the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session. Damp will serve as vice chair for ACC.25 and ACC.26 and transition to chair for ACC.27 and ACC.28. "ACC Annual Scientific Session is an incredibly impactful learning experience for cardiovascular care providers globally,” Damp said. “I am truly honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with the ACC team to provide effective and innovative education that impacts the care of our patients and expands the reach of cardiovascular science." Damp is a professor of medicine in cardiovascular medicine ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

Racial and ethnic disparities in glycemic control among insured adults

About The Study: In this study of 4,070 insured adults with diabetes, disparities in poor glycemic control persisted despite adjustment for social, health care, and behavioral factors. Research is needed to identify the barriers contributing to poor control even in populations with access to care. Authors: Sandra S. Albrecht, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York, is the corresponding author. To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/ (doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.36307) Editor’s Note: Please see the article ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

New research sheds light on genetics of placenta growth and link to preeclampsia in mother

New research has shed light on how genetics influences the growth of the placenta, revealing a link to risk of disease in the mother. Scientists from the University of Exeter worked with colleagues in Norway and Denmark to lead a largescale international collaboration which examined placental growth in the greatest detail yet. They caried out the first ever genome-wide association study of the weight of the placenta at birth, generating a number of revelations. Among the findings published in Nature Genetics, the team concluded that faster growth of the placenta can contribute to risk of preeclampsia, and to earlier delivery ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

Risk of gastrointestinal adverse events associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for weight loss

About The Study: This study found that use of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists for weight loss compared with use of bupropion-naltrexone was associated with increased risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction but not biliary disease. Given the wide use of these drugs, these adverse events, although rare, must be considered by patients who are contemplating using the drugs for weight loss because the risk-benefit calculus for this group might differ from that of those who use them for diabetes. Authors: Mahyar Etminan, Pharm.D., M.Sc., of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, is the corresponding author. To access the embargoed study: Visit ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

Successful morphing of inorganic perovskites without damaging their functional properties

A research team co-led by scholars from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has successfully morphed all-inorganic perovskites at room temperature without compromising their functional properties. Their findings demonstrate the potential of this class of semiconductors for manufacturing next-generation deformable electronics and energy systems in the future. All-inorganic lead halide perovskites are becoming increasingly important semiconducting materials in energy conversion and optoelectronics because of their outstanding performance and enhanced environmental stability. “However, unlike metal ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

In checking chess’s gender bias, researchers find parents and mentors shortchange girls’ potential

“The Queen’s Gambit” miniseries portrayed the life of a fictional chess prodigy, Beth Harmon, who is continuously underestimated in male-dominated competitions. A team of New York University psychology researchers has now found some “real-life” evidence of what Harmon faced as a younger player: Parents and coaches of youth chess players peg the highest potential rating of girl players to be lower than that of boy players. Moreover, the study’s authors, who included Jennifer Shahade, a two-time US Women’s Chess champion, found ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

Female chess players may experience gender bias from parents, mentors

Young female chess players often face gender bias both in the male-dominated chess world and among parents and mentors who believe girls have less potential to succeed in chess than boys, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. “It’s disheartening to see young female players’ potential downgraded, even by the people who are closest to them, like their parents and coaches,” said lead researcher Sophie Arnold, a doctoral student at New York University. The study, which was published online in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, presents what the researchers say is the first large-scale ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

How much are you willing to pay for a product or service? It depends on your other options and the given context

Researchers from Concordia University and Northwestern University published a new Journal of Marketing study that presents the Comparative Method of Valuation as a more accurate way to measure customers’ willingness to pay for a product or service. The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled “Measuring Willingness to Pay: A Comparative Method of Valuation” and is authored by Sharlene He, Eric T. Anderson, and Derek D. Rucker. At the grocery store, a customer may be willing to pay $18 for a bottle of Riesling when comparing it to a $15 bottle ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

Bumblebees drop to shake off Asian hornets

Bumblebees have a remarkably successful method for fighting off Asian hornets, new research shows. When attacked, buff-tailed bumblebees drop to the ground – taking the hornets down with them. This either causes the hornet to lose its grip, or the bee raises its sting and tussles until the hornet gives up. University of Exeter scientists witnessed over 120 such attacks, and were stunned to find that bumblebees fought off the hornets every time. Despite this, they found bumblebee colonies had reduced growth rates in ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

Can masculine marketing convince more men to eat vegan?

Eating more plant-based meals is better for our health and better for the planet. But cultural preferences are significant barriers to reducing meat consumption - especially for men, who are underrepresented among vegans and vegetarians. Studies have found that eating meat is associated with masculinity, and that gender stereotypes label plant-based diets as suitable for women but not men. So is it possible to change the perception of plant-based food with marketing, and convince men to eat more of it? “Men might be less inclined to consume vegan food due to the need to perform gender,” said Alma Scholz, lead author of a new study published in Frontiers in Communication. ...

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Science5 Oct 2023

New type of tiny wasp comes with mysterious, cloud-like structures at ends of antennae

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Fossil researchers have discovered a novel genus and species of tiny wasp with a mysterious, bulbous structure at the end of each antenna. The female micro-wasp was described from 100-million-year-old Burmese amber in a study led by George Poinar Jr., who holds a courtesy appointment in the Oregon State University College of Science. Poinar and Fernando Vega, an independent researcher based in Silver Spring, Maryland, have some ideas about the “clouds” on the ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Advances from MSK researchers reported at 2023 ASTRO Meeting

Researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) were recognized for their achievements at the 2023 meeting of ASTRO, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. Teams reported new findings about radiation-induced secondary cancers, a new guidance system for radiation therapy, and the consequences of insurance denials, among other topics. At the meeting, held from October 1 to October 4, 2023, in San Diego, Simon Powell, MD, PhD, FRCP, Chair of MSK’s Department of Radiation Oncology and Enid A. Haupt Chair in Radiation Oncology, was honored with ASTRO’s Gold Medal Award. This award is ASTRO’s highest honor, bestowed upon ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Aging in place: U-M study highlights racial disparities among older adults

Audio Roughly 40% of older Black adults live with a disability, compared to only one-third of older adults overall. Disability is one of various disparities highlighted in a new study from the University of Michigan, which used data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging to examine the extent to which 50- to 80-year-olds were prepared to age in place and the racial and ethnic disparities that exist to that end. Sheria Robinson-Lane, U-M assistant professor of nursing and principal investigator, said many of the disparities were related to "weathering"—stressors connected to environmental, ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

U.S. drinking water often contains toxic contaminants, UNM scientist warns

Most Americans take it for granted that the water that comes out of their taps is clean and safe to drink. But a new study published by a University of New Mexico scientist with colleagues from across the U.S. warns that water from many wells and community water systems contains unsafe levels of toxic contaminants, exposing millions to health risks, including cancer. The review in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology also finds that people living on tribal lands or ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Ruffed grouse population more resilient than expected, genetic study finds

Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania’s state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented. The study, led by Penn State and Pennsylvania Game Commission researchers, published in the journal Molecular Ecology. According to the researchers, Pennsylvania’s ruffed grouse populations have declined by up to 70% since the early ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Ohio State awarded $20 million to put science behind tobacco product regulation

The Ohio State University (OSU) has been awarded a $20 million Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science (TCORS) grant from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products and National Institutes of Health. The OSU-TCORS grant is a collaboration of experts from the colleges of medicine, public health and law organized and implemented through the Center for Tobacco Research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Keshav Pingali to receive ACM-IEEE CS Ken Kennedy Award

ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, and IEEE Computer Society have named Keshav Pingali, the W.A.”Tex” Moncrief Chair of Grid and Distributed Computing at the University of Texas at Austin, as the recipient of the 2023 ACM-IEEE CS Ken Kennedy Award. The Ken Kennedy Award recognizes groundbreaking achievements in parallel and high performance computing. Pingali is cited for contributions to high-performance parallel computing for irregular algorithms such as graph algorithms. He is also cited for leadership on the Galois Project, which provides a unifying framework for parallelizing both irregular and regular algorithms. Pingali has made deep and wide-ranging ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Study identifies jet-stream pattern that locks in extreme winter cold, wet spells

Winter is coming—eventually. And while the earth is warming, a new study suggests that the atmosphere is being pushed around in ways that cause long bouts of extreme winter cold or wet in some regions. The study’s authors say they have identified giant meanders in the global jet stream that bring polar air southward, locking in frigid or wet conditions concurrently over much of North America and Europe, often for weeks at a time. Such weather waves, they say, have doubled in frequency since the 1960s. In just the last few years, they have killed hundreds of people and ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Rice alum Louis Brus awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Rice University alumnus Louis Brus (’65) has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the “discovery and development of quantum dots,” nanosized particles with unique properties “that now spread their light from television screens and LED lamps,” according to a Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announcement today. Brus, who started his undergraduate education at Rice in 1961, shares the distinction with Moungi Bawendi and Alexei Ekimov. Their work has been crucial to the development of nanotechnology, which has helped drive major computing ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Antimicrobials don't appear to help pet dogs with uncomplicated diarrhea - so should likely be prescribed less often by vets - according to new causal inference study

Antimicrobials don't appear to help pet dogs with uncomplicated diarrhea - so should likely be prescribed less often by vets - according to new causal inference study ### Article URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0291057 Article Title: Target trial emulation: Do antimicrobials or gastrointestinal nutraceuticals prescribed at first presentation for acute diarrhoea cause a better clinical outcome in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK? Author Countries: UK Funding: CP is supported at the RVC ...

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Science4 Oct 2023

Being a vegetarian may be partly in your genes

First fully peer-reviewed, indexed study to look at link between strict vegetarianism and genetics More people would like to be vegetarian than actually are. ‘We think it’s because there is something hard-wired here that people may be missing’ Findings open the door to further studies that could have important implications regarding dietary recommendations and the production of meat substitutes CHICAGO --- From Impossible Burger to “Meatless Mondays,” going meat-free is certainly in vogue. But a person’s genetic makeup plays ...

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