Science X Newsletter Fri, Nov 24

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for November 24, 2023:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Examining the biodistribution and function of polymer-DNA origami nanostructures

Biohybrid microrobots could remove micro- and nano-plastics from aquatic environments

New constraints on the presence of ultralight dark matter in the Milky Way

New Indian telescope identifies its first supernova

Breaking the stillness: Scientists observe and explain the oscillations of circular hydraulic jumps

FIRST discovery of dozens of new giant radio galaxies

Black dots on white fronts of African penguins may help them tell one another apart

Reactivating silenced fetal hemoglobin genes could counter sickle cell–related diseases

Dancing monkeys of Pakistan found to have highly elevated levels of stress hormones

The flat Fens of eastern England once held vast woodlands, study finds

Study links deprivation with risk of dying from sepsis

Data from Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope reveal gamma radiation pulses from Sagittarius A*

Language heard while still in the womb found to impact brain development

Researchers untangle the relationships between bacterial languages

Decoding cell fate: Key mechanism in stem cell switch identified

Nanotechnology news

Examining the biodistribution and function of polymer-DNA origami nanostructures The capacity to regulate the biodistribution of therapeutics is a highly desired feature that can limit the side effects of many drugs. In a new study in Scientific Reports, Noah Joseph, and a team of biotechnology and nanoscience scientists in Israel, describe a nanoscale agent developed from a coupled polymer-DNA origami hybrid capable of exhibiting stability in serum and slow diffusion through tissues.

Biohybrid microrobots could remove micro- and nano-plastics from aquatic environments Seas, oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water on Earth have become increasingly polluted over the past decades, and this is threatening the survival of many aquatic species. This pollution takes a wide range of forms, including the proliferation of so-called micro and nano plastics.

Physics news

	Breaking the stillness: Scientists observe and explain the oscillations of circular hydraulic jumps In a new study published in Physical Review Letters, scientists explore how small water jets can create stable periodic oscillations on a solid disk, uncovering a connection between these movements and the waves they generate and providing insights into the dynamic interplay of fluid behavior.
	Optical trapping of optical nanoparticles: Fundamentals and applications A new article published in Opto-Electronic Science reviews the fundamentals and applications of optically trapped optical nanoparticles. Optical nanoparticles are one of the key elements of photonics. They not only allow optical imaging of a plethora of systems (from cells to microelectronics), but also behave as highly sensitive remote sensors.
	Tapered fiber is a potential candidate for delivering high-energy, ultrafast lasers with high beam quality Ultrafast lasers have the advantages of high time resolution, high energy density, broadband spectrum, etc. Ultrafast lasers with high-energy and high peak power have been widely applied in industrial fields and frontier science, such as advanced manufacturing, photomedicine, and ultrafast physics.

Earth news

	Locally managed tropical forest commons provide multiple benefits, study finds A new study published Nov. 23 in Nature Climate Change reveals that forests formally managed by Indigenous and local communities have improved outcomes for carbon, biodiversity and livelihoods, simultaneously addressing three goals sought by global proposals for "nature-based solutions" that will be discussed at COP28 in Dubai.
	Predicting earthquakes and tsunamis with fiber-optic networks Geophysicists at ETH Zurich have shown that every single wave of a magnitude 3.9 earthquake registers in the noise suppression system of fiber-optic networks. This method, now published in Scientific Reports, can be used to set up close-meshed earthquake and tsunami early warning systems at low cost.
	AI detects methane plumes from space, could be powerful tool in combating climate change University of Oxford researchers, in partnership with Trillium Technologies' NIO.space, have developed a tool to automatically detect methane plumes on Earth from orbit using machine learning with hyperspectral data. This could help identify excessive "super emitters" of methane and enable more effective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
	Corruption can increase environmental efficiency and improve economy in developing countries, study argues It is possible for corruption to lead to better environmental efficiency and improved economy in developing countries, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.
	Three positive climate developments While humanity's efforts to curb planet-warming emissions are nowhere near enough to avoid heating the world to catastrophic levels, tentative improvements show that progress is possible.
	Air pollution behind over 250,000 deaths in Europe in 2021: agency Fine particle pollution caused the deaths of over 250,000 people in the European Union in 2021, according to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) published Friday.
	Soot pollution from coal-fired power plants is more deadly than soot from other sources, study shows Burning coal to generate electricity is on the way out in the United States, but the nation's long dependence on the fossil fuel took a devastating toll.
	Using AI to track icebergs Researchers are using a new AI tool to detect icebergs in the Southern Ocean. This is the first step in being able to track the complete life cycle of most icebergs across Antarctica from satellite data. The study, "Unsupervised machine learning detection of iceberg populations within sea ice from dual-polarisation SAR imagery," is published in the journal Remote Sensing of the Environment.
	New models provide clarity around climate change and its impacts Understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change is one of the most daunting challenges of our time. The complexities of interconnected natural and human systems make it extremely difficult to identify meaningful solutions.
	Fallen autumn leaves are a valuable resource. Here's how to make the most of them Towards the end of autumn the days get colder and shorter. This triggers the reduction of the plant hormone auxin in most deciduous trees, which start to shed their leaves.
	Top producer Ivory Coast fears for cocoa output after rains "Thirty years I've been in cocoa—and this is the worst season yet," said Siaka Sylla as he contemplated an almost empty warehouse at his cooperative in Ivory Coast, the world's top producer of the bean.
	Brazil emissions progress erased under Bolsonaro: report Brazil's emissions surged under far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, erasing recent progress to return to the levels of more than 15 years ago, a report said Thursday, urging the country to increase its carbon-cutting targets.
	Pharmaceutical effluent evokes superbugs in the environment: A call to action Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), causing prolonged illnesses, heightened antimicrobial use, increased health care expenses, and avoidable deaths. If not tackled, AMR could force 24 million people into severe poverty by 2030 and hinder progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
	Maui residents wonder if their burned town can be made safe. The answer? No one knows When Daniel Skousen scrubs at the ash and soot covering his Maui home, he worries about the smell.
	Expert report imagines possible futures for ecologically rich slice of Nova Scotia The tidal wetlands and dykelands of the inner Bay of Fundy are recognized as critical ecosystems in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as they provide essential benefits to both human and non-human communities.
	Taylor Swift's Brazil concert was hammered by extreme heat. How to protect crowds at the next sweltering gig Electrifying music concerts and other mass events are increasingly under threat from severe weather events, such as extreme heat.
	Arson suspected as wildfire burns in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rangers say A wildfire burning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is believed to be the work of an arsonist, according to the National Park Service.

Astronomy and Space news

	New constraints on the presence of ultralight dark matter in the Milky Way Dark matter, composed of particles that do not reflect, emit or absorb light, is predicted to make up most of the matter in the universe. Its lack of interactions with light, however, prevents its direct detection using conventional experimental methods.
	New Indian telescope identifies its first supernova A newly built International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) in India has identified its first supernova—designated SN 2023af. The finding, reported November 8 on the pre-print server arXiv, proves that ILMT may be capable of detecting hundreds of new supernovae in the coming years.
	FIRST discovery of dozens of new giant radio galaxies Astronomers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and elsewhere report the discovery of 63 new giant radio galaxies as part of the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty cm survey (FIRST). The findings are detailed in a paper published Nov. 15 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	Data from Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope reveal gamma radiation pulses from Sagittarius A* A pair of astrophysicists at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico has found, via study of data from the low-Earth orbiting Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, regular gamma radiation pulses emanating from around the black hole (at the center of the Milky Way galaxy Sagittarius A*). Gustavo Magallanes-Guijón and Sergio Mendoza have written a paper describing their findings, published on the arXiv preprint server.
	Researchers use independent measurement methods to reveal earliest stages of star development A team of astrophysicists led by Núria Miret-Roig from the University of Vienna found that two methods for determining the age of stars measure different things: Isochronous measurement thereby determines the birth date of stars, while dynamical tracking provides information on when stars "leave their nest," about 5.5 million years later in the star clusters studied.
	Extreme stars share unique properties that may provide a link to mysterious sources An international research team led by Michael Kramer and Kuo Liu from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany, have studied magnetars to uncover an underlying law that appears to apply universally to neutron stars.
	Europe's Ariane 6 rocket successfully completes hot-fire test The European Space Agency's Ariane 6 rocket has successfully completed a dress rehearsal, test-firing its engine in preparation for a maiden voyage scheduled for 2024.
	Paper explores ideal orbits for space-based interferometers Ever since the telescope was invented in 1608, astronomers have striven for bigger and better telescopes. When it comes to instruments to observe the sky, bigger really is better whether you are observing faint galaxies or planets a larger collector gives higher resolution and brighter images. A paper by Takahiro Ito from the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science in Japan recently posted to the arXiv preprint server looks into different kinds of orbits around Earth which support multiple telescope systems known as interferometers at different orbits.
	Understanding a satellite's death spiral Down on the ground, death equals stillness—but not in space. Abandoned satellites are prone to tumble in unpredictable ways, and an ESA project with the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern sought to better understand this behavior.
	How NASA keeps Ingenuity going after more than 50 flights More information is always better when it comes to publicly funded space exploration projects. So it's welcome when a NASA engineer takes time out of the assuredly busy work lives to provide an update on everyone's favorite helicopter on Mars. Ingenuity has been having a rough few months, and a new article entitled "The Long Wait," posted by Travis Brown, Chief Engineer on the Ingenuity project, on NASA's website, provides a good amount of detail as to why.

Technology news

	Are your Cyber Monday purchases legit? There's (going to be) an app for that Receiving a bogus designer handbag or imitation Wagyu beef might infuriate a Cyber Monday consumer, but a knock-off respirator or a fake pacemaker could imperil them.
	Internet out: India deploys shutdowns in name of security With the world's largest biometric ID database, a pioneering digital payment system for daily transactions and a flagship space and satellite program, India knows the power of connected technology.
	The flying, swimming and tunneling robots inspired by nature Drawing inspiration from birds, fish and even worms, researchers in Europe are developing machines to explore places on Earth that are difficult for people to reach.
	Researcher: Most of us have no idea what the padlock icon on our internet browser is, and it's putting us at risk Do you know what the padlock symbol in your internet browser's address bar means? If not, you're not alone. New research by my colleagues and I shows that only 5% of UK adults understand the padlock's significance. This is a threat to our online safety.
	Five days of chaos: What just happened at OpenAI? Nearly as quickly as he left, Sam Altman is back.
	Multi-synaptic photonic spiking neural networks based on a DFB-SA chip Compared with traditional artificial neural networks, spiking neural networks (SNN) are more biologically authentic, more powerful, and less power-consuming due to their spatiotemporal coding and event-driven characteristics. In recent years, optical computing has been widely considered as a hardware acceleration platform, where nonlinear computing poses a challenge. Photonic SNN provides an ultra-fast and energy-efficient platform for high-performance neuromorphic computing.
	Renegotiating the relationship between citizens and the development of automated decision-making We are told that artificial intelligence and the automated decisions it enables will offer us improved public governance. Artificial intelligence will flexibly provide consistent and quick decisions, and considerable savings can be achieved thanks to automation.
	Opinion: WeWork approached physical space as if it were virtual, which led to the company's downfall On Nov. 6, the co-working firm WeWork filed for bankruptcy. WeWork, founded by Adam Neumann and Miguel McKelvey in 2010, had a simple business model: it signed long-term leases on urban buildings, fitting them out with modern work facilities. Then, it rented out desks, offices and meeting rooms to companies and freelancers seeking an easy-come, easy-go workplace.
	An environmentally friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor A research team has successfully developed an environmentally friendly refrigerant compressor using an electrochemical method instead of a mechanical method. The development is published in Renewable Energy.
	Promising salt batteries for heat storage Salt batteries can store summer heat to be used in winter, but which salt works best for the purpose? On 19 December, Lian Blijlevens will defend her Ph.D. thesis on her research into salt for heat storage at Radboud University.
	'Digital winglets' for real-time flight paths born from NASA tech Before airplanes even reach the runway, pilots must file a plan to inform air traffic controllers where they're going and the path they are going to take. When planes are in the air, however, that plan often changes. From turbulence causing passenger discomfort and additional fuel use to unexpected weather patterns blocking the original path, pilots have to think on the fly and inform air traffic controllers of any modifications to their routes.
	Electrofuel developed from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide tested in practice for first time in Finland The E-fuel project of VTT and partners has developed a concept for producing electrofuel from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide using a combination of different methods. On Nov. 21, this paraffinic E-fuel was tested for the first time in Finland on a diesel-powered tractor at AGCO Power's Linnavuori factory in Nokia. The new electrofuel is also suitable for vehicles that are difficult to electrify, and is therefore an important step in the development of sustainable fuel solutions.
	Wave devouring propulsion: A green technology for maritime sustainability A new form of wave devouring propulsion (WDP) could power ships and help to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry. Academics from Cranfield University have worked on the concept of using wave energy for propulsion and designed an inventive method of achieving greater thrust from the power of the waves by harnessing a vessel's submerged flapping foils in an innovative way.
	Researchers implement multi-focus image fusion using diffusion models Multi-focus image fusion (MFIF) is an image enhancement technology that helps to solve the depth-of-field problem and capture all-in-focus images. It has broad application prospects that can effectively extend the depth of field of optical lenses.
	Nissan will invest $1.4 billion to make EV versions of its best-selling cars at its UK factory Nissan will invest $1.4 billion to update its factory in northeast England to make electric versions of its two best-selling cars, a boost for the British government as it tries to revive the country's ailing economy.
	Amazon hit by 'Black Friday' strikes in Europe Amazon was hit by strikes at various locations in Britain, Germany and Italy during the annual "Black Friday" shopping extravaganza as workers demand higher wages and better working conditions.
	Machines meet museums: Report unpacks AI in heritage sector Nearly a quarter of U.K. heritage organizations are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, according to a recent survey commissioned by The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
	The challenges hindering the adoption of heat pumps in the UK A new report, led by UofG housing experts, exposes the intricate challenges hindering the adoption of heat pumps in the U.K. Only 55,000 installations are occurring yearly as of mid-2023, considerably behind the U.K. government's annual target of 600,000.
	A biotech slump is emptying labs and threatening research on new drugs Sangamo Therapeutics Inc.'s cost cuts didn't hurt just the roughly 162 U.S. workers who lost their jobs this month. It's also a blow to Jerry Walter, who's lost five family members and suffered kidney, lung, hearing and heart damage from a rare disease.
	Good AI, bad AI: Decoding responsible artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is so hot right now. ChatGPT, DALL-E, and other AI-driven platforms are providing us with completely new ways of working. Generative AI is writing everything from cover letters to campaign strategies and creating impressive images from scratch.

Chemistry news

	First successful substitutes for ivory billiard balls were made with celluloid reinforced with ground cattle bone In the 19th century, the market for ivory products increased to an alarming point. This high demand led to the search for artificial substitutes, but ivory properties were nearly impossible to replicate. The most important substitutes came from Alexander Parkes and John Wesley Hyatt, inventors of the first artificial plastics: Parkesine and celluloid.
	Certain plant proteins resemble human signaling proteins of the immune system and can bind to their receptors The human immune system is based on cells that communicate with each other via signaling molecules known as cytokines and chemokines. One of these signaling molecules is the protein MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor). It plays an important role in the regulation of various immune reactions by binding to suitable receptors of various cell types in a ternary complex, thereby activating certain signaling pathways in these cells.
	New AI model identifies new pharmaceutical ingredients and improves existing ones New active pharmaceutical ingredients lay the foundations for innovative and better medical treatments. However, identifying them and, above all, producing them through chemical synthesis in the laboratory is no mean feat. To home in on the optimum production process, chemists normally use a trial-and-error approach: they derive possible methods for laboratory synthesis from known chemical reactions and then test each one with experiments, a time-consuming approach that is littered with dead ends.
	Enhancing properties of silicon by replacing hydrogen with deuterium on the surface layer In a rare collaboration, two scientists, who are brothers working in unrelated disciplines, combined complementary expertise to tackle a chemical problem relating to the use of silicon in electronic devices.
	Researchers build an enzyme-discovering AI While E. coli is one of the most studied organisms, the function of 30% of proteins that make up E. coli has not yet been clearly revealed. For this, an artificial intelligence was used to discover 464 types of enzymes from the proteins that were unknown, and the researchers went on to verify the predictions of three types of proteins that were successfully identified through in vitro enzyme assay.
	Researchers develop new method for peptide sequencing based on nanopore sensing technology New protein sequencing technology with improved sensitivity and throughput will bring revolution to proteomics and clinical diagnostics.
	Innovating optoelectronic components with phosphorus Phosphorus chemist Prof. Jan J. Weigand from the Dresden University of Technology, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, has developed a method to introduce phosphorus and nitrogen atoms into polycyclic molecules. This method holds the potential to pave the way for the development of new materials with specific optoelectronic properties, ideal for applications in organic semiconductor technologies such as OLEDs and sensors. The results were published this week in Chem.
	Evaluating the success of biocatalysis from pharmaceuticals to environmental technology As biocatalysts, enzymes can make many chemical processes "greener" and open up promising opportunities for various industries from pharmaceuticals to environmental technology. New analytical methods, the enormous increase in data volumes and machine learning have helped boost the development of biocatalysis.
	Researchers develop biodegradable polymers that are traceable without toxic contrast agents Polyphosphoesters, molecules containing phosphorus as the central element, are easily traceable without the need for contrast agents, thanks to developments by researchers from the University of Twente (UT). Normally, these molecules display a similar molecular composition to our DNA, leading to considerable "noise" in the image.
	Researchers uncover molecular mechanism of methamphetamine binding to trace amine receptor Methamphetamine (meth) abuse is a major health concern. Understanding how meth interacts with its target proteins is crucial for the development of novel medications to address drug addiction. Previous research into the mechanism of meth's effects has mainly focused on the dopamine system, but recent studies suggest it may also directly bind to the trace amine receptor 1 (TAAR1), which plays a key role in psychostimulant abuse-related behaviors.
	New approach developed for electrocatalytic H₂O₂ production and biomass upgrading Scientists from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have synthesized an oxygen-coordinated Fe single atom and atom cluster catalyst that exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and biomass upgrading. The research is published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Biology news

	Black dots on white fronts of African penguins may help them tell one another apart A team of psychologists and animal behaviorists from the University of Turin, the University of Oulu, and Zoomarine Italia, Torvaianica-Pomezia, has found evidence indicating that the unique assortment of black dots that decorate the mostly all-white fronts of African penguins may serve as a means for allowing the penguins to tell one another apart.
	Dancing monkeys of Pakistan found to have highly elevated levels of stress hormones A pair of veterinary medicine specialists at the University of Glasgow has found that the famous dancing monkeys of Pakistan have highly elevated levels of stress hormones. In their study, published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Mishaal Akbar and Neil Price Evans, obtained and tested fur samples from tamed captive dancing monkeys in Pakistan and compared the level of stress hormones in them with similar monkeys living on a primate sanctuary in Florida.
	The flat Fens of eastern England once held vast woodlands, study finds The Fens of eastern England, a low-lying, extremely flat landscape dominated by agricultural fields, was once a vast woodland filled with huge yew trees, according to new research.
	Researchers untangle the relationships between bacterial languages A combination of machine learning and lab experiments has given researchers a peek into the different languages bacteria use to communicate. Understanding how bacteria communicate—and when they can't—has implications for treating drug-resistant bacteria and for developing biocomputing tools.
	Study finds novel gene evolution in the decaploid pitcher plant Nepenthes gracilis In a recent study, a team led by Würzburg botanist Kenji Fukushima investigated the genomic structure of the carnivorous pitcher plant Nepenthes gracilis and showed how polyploidy—the phenomenon of having more than two sets of chromosomes in cells—contributes to evolutionary innovation. Fukushima heads a working group at the Chair of Botany I at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU).
	Mining industry competing with salmon for rivers created by disappearing glaciers A study led by Simon Fraser University researchers finds that mining companies are staking claims on future salmon habitats as glaciers retreat.
	New human gene cluster sequence discovered Investigators from the laboratory of Ali Shilatifard, Ph.D., the Robert Francis Furchgott Professor and chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, have discovered a new repeat gene cluster sequence that is exclusively expressed in humans and non-human primates.
	Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems Microbial sequence databases contain a wealth of information about enzymes and other molecules that could be adapted for biotechnology. But these databases have grown so large in recent years that they've become difficult to search efficiently for enzymes of interest.
	How bacteria defend themselves against plasmas Plasmas are used in wound treatment against pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics. However, bacteria can defend themselves. They employ a heat shock protein that protects them.
	Wing characteristics of primitive insects unraveled Mayflies are ancient insects that possess a unique life stage not found in other winged insects: Their fully-grown nymphs develop into a winged subadult stage, the so-called subimago, which is not yet capable of reproduction and which, after a short time, sheds its skin along with its wings to become an adult insect.
	From a plant-free place, clues about how to help plants survive as planet warms The warming climate is having ripple effects across ecosystems, including plants, which have evolved clever mechanisms to conserve water when stressed by drought.
	Researchers identify molybdate transporter genes for improving soybean yield In a study published in Current Biology, researchers have reported the identification of key genes controlling shoot molybdenum concentrations in soybeans and have unlocked the mystery of how molybdenum fertilizer boosts soybean yield.
	Scientists reveal how RNA gets spliced correctly To carry out all of life's functions, proteins must be produced from instructions carried by genes within DNA and delivered to the cell's protein-making machinery by messenger RNA.
	How the growth of a giant single cell is intertwined with daily self-rhythms Caulerpa is a type of marine algae made up of one extended cell, though each plant can grow to be a meter across. While there are many individual nuclei within a Caulerpa plant, it contains no cell membranes that would normally divide the plant into many individual cells, resulting in a free-floating environment of cytoplasmic goo. As a result, Caulerpa poses interesting questions for developmental biologists—how does it carry out the normal functions of plants without being made up of separate cells?
	Study identifies key algae species helping soft corals survive warming oceans Scleractinian corals, or hard corals, have been disappearing globally over the past four decades, a result of climate change, pollution, unsustainable coastal development and overfishing. However, some Caribbean octocorals, or soft corals, are not meeting the same fate.
	Plastic waste in the water might be stopping, or interrupting, some shrimp-like creatures from reproducing In a unique study, published in the journal Environmental Pollution,the ability of "shrimp-like" creatures to reproduce successfully was found to be compromised by chemicals found in everyday plastics.
	Poisonous invasive plant exhibits twice as many genes as expected For the first time ever, scientists have studied the genome of Sosnowsky's hogweed, a poisonous invasive plant whose juice causes skin burns. They found that its genome has nearly twice as many genes as most other plants. The study is published in The Plant Journal.
	New research unlocks medical potential of jellyfish biomaterial New research by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and UK biotechnology company Jellagen Ltd has revealed the potential of jellyfish collagen as the foundation for a range of new medical applications and to support new biological research.
	Q&A: How can Canada best meet its commitment to protecting 30% of its land by 2030? At last year's COP15 conference in Montreal, the Government of Canada set the goal of conserving 30 percent of the country's land and water by 2030. In a new study published in Nature Communications, a group of McGill University researchers have sought to understand how well our existing protected lands preserve Canadian species, how many species we could save if we reach our 30 x 30 targets, and what factors impact our ability to safeguard species in future conserved areas.
	Early epigenetic instructions anticipate next steps of gene activity during blood cell development University of Birmingham researchers are working to understand how cells are prompted to develop into different cell types, vital for performing different functions within the body. In this study published in Life Science Alliance, researchers were looking at the differentiation of early cell types, known as embryonic stem cells, into blood.
	High-throughput mass spectrometry platform enables in-situ screening of fatty-acid-producing strains Mass spectrometry (MS) is a valuable analytical tool for high-throughput screening due to its speed, high resolution, and sensitivity. Recently, researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have developed a high-throughput MS platform that enables in-situ screening of fatty acid-producing strains.
	How digital twins will enable the next generation of precision agriculture Drastic climate change and overpopulation have rendered traditional agricultural practices unsustainable. Even more economically affluent countries suffer from constantly increasing household food insecurity.
	Moonlight basking and queer courting: New research reveals the secret lives of Australian freshwater turtles Australian freshwater turtles support healthy wetlands and rivers. Yet one in three turtle species is threatened with extinction. And there is still much we don't know about them.
	Potato growers can use AI to monitor and predict potato nutrition in real time Potatoes are the premier vegetable crop in Canada, with $1.5 billion nationwide in potato receipts in 2021. The agricultural significance of potatoes is particularly prominent in provinces like New Brunswick, the home of McCain Foods Limited, the world's largest potato processor.
	Scientists explore hidden dynamics in peat under mosses and shrubs Global warming is causing extensive changes to peatland vegetation in Europe and Western Siberia, with consequences for soil composition and the peatlands' ability to sequester carbon. An EPFL-led study has examined the mechanisms behind these complex processes.
	First report on telomere-to-telomere gap-free reference genome of wild blueberry (Vaccinium duclouxii) Blueberry, a common Vaccinium species with small-sized berries, is known for its delicious taste, balanced sweetness and acidity, and rich nutritional content. It is abundant in various vitamins and antioxidants. However, the limited genetic resources for cultivated blueberries have significantly hindered their development and utilization. Therefore, utilizing wild blueberries' genetic resources for breeding is paramount to enhancing the resilience and quality of cultivated varieties.
	Pangenomic study of water caltrop: Structural variations play a role in speciation and asymmetric subgenome evolution Rice, maize, and wheat provide more than half of the calories consumed by humans. The decrease in crop diversity poses a significant risk to global food security. Therefore, the utilization of orphan crops has become an effective approach to address food security crises. Nevertheless, in the face of rapid urban and rural modernization and the intensification of agricultural practices, the availability of wild and cultivated orphan crops is dwindling, with a noticeable disparity in their collection, preservation, and application of modern breeding techniques.
	Chinese team completes the genome assembly of Cornus wilsoniana Cornus wilsoniana (2n=22) is a common shrub in the northern temperate zone of China. It blooms white flowers in spring and produces purple-black berries in autumn. This tree has a unique mottled bark texture that makes it particularly eye-catching in winter, earning it the common name "ghost dogwood." Due to its peeling bark in winter, it is commonly known as "Guangpi tree" in China.
	Scientists analyze the molecular mechanism of PoWRKY71 in response to drought stress in Paeonia ostii Paeonia ostii is a widely grown woody crop with up to 40% α-linolenic acid in its seed oil, which is beneficial to human health. Drought is a major environmental factor limiting the popularization of P. ostii in hilly and mountainous areas, which may affect plant growth or lead to plant death.
	Climate shapes life-history traits of abundant bacteria in Qinghai-Tibet plateau Microorganisms are essential to grassland soil ecosystems and play a critical role in biogeochemical cycles. Microbial communities can be classified into distinct ecological groups based on common life-history traits, which reveals the processes in highly heterogeneous microbial communities. However, our understanding of climate-dependent life history strategies and driving mechanisms of microbial community assembly in riparian grasslands is very limited.
	How to help beneficial insects survive winter While a decrease in insects as the weather cools is a plus to many people, Texans should keep in mind that beneficial insects in gardens and yards could use a little help.
	Broad bean thrives despite a hyperactive ion channel, finds study Plants in which an ion channel of the vacuole is hyperactive are extremely stressed and grow poorly. But the broad bean is an exception, as Würzburg researchers have discovered. Their research is published in the journal eLife.
	The role of malate decarboxylate CsNADP-ME2 in mediating the balance of carbon and amino acid metabolism in fruit Central metabolism produces carbohydrates and amino acids that are tightly correlated to plant growth and thereby crop productivity. Malate is reported to link mitochondrial respiratory metabolism with cytosolic biosynthetic pathways. Although the function of malate metabolism-related enzymes in providing carbon has been characterized in some plants, evidence conferring this role in the fleshy fruit of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is lacking.
	Beech forests are beneficial in the climate crisis but suffer under drought and heat Measurements from the past 27 years show that nature's ecosystem services and good biodiversity remove CO2 from the atmosphere, thus reducing the effect of carbon emissions. However, it is also clear that ecosystem services are affected by higher temperatures and drought, i.e., climate change.
	What kind of seafood is morally ethical to eat? Do you like cod, shrimp, salmon, crab or pollock (also known as fish sticks)? Of course you do. Do you shop at Walmart, Costco, Kroger or Albertsons for fish? Who doesn't? Do you eat at one of the more than 400,000 restaurants supplied by food distributor Sysco? Almost certainly.

Medicine and Health news

	Reactivating silenced fetal hemoglobin genes could counter sickle cell–related diseases Researchers from multiple institutions in China have found a way to use gene editing to reactivate dormant fetal oxygen-transporting proteins in adult blood cells to potentially reverse a wide range of blood disorders.
	Study links deprivation with risk of dying from sepsis The most socioeconomically deprived groups in society are nearly twice as likely to die from sepsis within 30 days, researchers from The University of Manchester have found.
	Language heard while still in the womb found to impact brain development A team of neuroscientists at the University of Padua, in Italy, working with a colleague from CNRS and Université Paris Cité, has found evidence suggesting that neural development of babies still in the womb is impacted by the language they hear spoken by their mothers as they carry them.
	Decoding cell fate: Key mechanism in stem cell switch identified Stem cells can differentiate to replace dead and damaged cells. But how do stem cells decide which type of cell to become in a given situation? Using intestinal organoids, the group of Bon-Kyoung Koo at IMBA and the Institute for Basic Science identified a new gene, Daam1, that plays an essential role, switching on the development of secretory cells in the intestine.
	Autism-associated gene appears to alter brain cell identity in the hippocampus A gene previously linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers appears to play an important role in steering cells in the brain's hippocampus toward their ultimate identities, the same team reported in a new study. The findings, published in Science Advances, could eventually lead to new therapies for the prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
	A soft supercapacitor that can be used to power implantable devices A team of bioengineers from Lanzhou University, Dalian University of Technology and Qinghai Normal University, all in China, working with a pair of colleagues from Pennsylvania State University in the U.S., have developed a soft, implantable supercapacitor that can power implantable devices. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes how their supercapacitor was made and its performance during testing.
	Scientists discover potent and selective inhibitors for ovarian cancer treatment To identify potential therapeutic targets and preclinical drug candidates for the treatment of ovarian cancer, researchers led by Tan Li from the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed novel small molecule inhibitors of CPSF3, a key module of the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) complex that catalyzes pre-mRNA splicing and regulates transcription termination.
	Sugar boosts cravings for fat, Drosophila study finds People are eating too much sugar, and research increasingly suggests it is not just impacting metabolism, but also altering the perception of taste. Mattias Alenius' research team at Umeå University discovered that sugar overconsumption triggers an increased desire for fat in flies.
	Where DNA copying into RNA starts could determine whether cancer cells are receptive to treatment In research published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, researchers from the University of Birmingham have found that transcription start sites (TSS) have a significant role in determining cancer cell behavior.
	Research discovers potential new target and drug candidate for Barth syndrome In a Nature Metabolism paper, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh detail a potential new target and a small-molecule drug candidate for treating Barth syndrome, a rare, life-threatening and currently incurable genetic disease with devastating consequences.
	Age-related hearing loss can lead to lower body mass index and total body fat A new study from the University of Oulu, Finland, sheds light on the complex interactions between noise exposure, hearing loss and body constitution.
	Fractional COVID-19 booster vaccines produce similar immune response as full doses, study shows Reducing the dose of a widely used COVID-19 booster vaccine produces a similar immune response in adults to a full dose with fewer side effects, according to a new study.
	Scar tissue holds hints about pancreatic cancer outcome, research finds Scar tissue that forms around a growing pancreatic tumor called a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma harbors valuable clues as to how long people with these cancers are likely to live, according to a new study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine.
	Treating tumors with engineered dendritic cells Cancer biologists at EPFL, UNIGE, and the German Cancer Research Center (Heidelberg) have developed a novel immunotherapy that does not require knowledge of a tumor's antigenic makeup. The new results may pave the way to first-in-kind clinical applications.
	Trial results support 'new gold standard' for head and neck cancer radiotherapy Phase III trial results on a precision radiotherapy technique support a "new gold standard" for treating head and neck cancer patients. The research suggests the new approach can reduce the risk of swallowing problems after radiotherapy, without impacting the success of treatment.
	Tooth enamel damage in celiac disease may be caused by an autoimmune reaction According to a recent study, tooth enamel damage common in celiac disease may be caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by gut or food proteins. The Institute of Dentistry at the University of Eastern Finland was involved in the international collaborative study, the results of which were published in Nature.
	Mean platelet volume linked to mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients For patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD), mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, according to a study published online Nov. 8 in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders.
	The Y-chromosome and its impact on digestive diseases A major breakthrough in human genetics has been achieved with the complete decoding of the human Y chromosome, opening up new avenues for research into digestive diseases. This milestone, along with advancements in third-generation sequencing technologies, is poised to revolutionize our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of digestive disorders and pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
	Advancing neuropathology with AI-driven classification of diffuse gliomas Diffuse gliomas, which account for the majority of malignant brain tumors in adults, comprise astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma. Current diagnosis of glioma types requires combining both histological features and molecular characteristics.
	UN confirms sexual spread of mpox in Congo for the 1st time as country sees a record outbreak The World Health Organization said it has confirmed sexual transmission of mpox in Congo for the first time as the country experiences its biggest-ever outbreak, a worrying development that African scientists warn could make it more difficult to stop the disease.
	Premature death of autistic people in the UK investigated for the first time A new study led by University College London researchers confirms that autistic people experience a reduced life expectancy; however, the number of years of life lost may not be as high as previously claimed.
	New therapy may be able to treat rare and hereditary diseases Much research has been conducted over many decades on diseases that are widespread in large parts of the population, such as cancer and heart disease. As a result, treatment methods have improved enormously thanks to long-term research efforts on diseases that affect many people.
	New treatment intervention for male urinary problems shown to reduce symptoms A new intervention for men with urinary problems trialed across GP practices has shown a sustained reduction in symptoms. Findings from the University of Bristol-led Treating Urinary Symptoms in Men in Primary Health care (TRIUMPH) study, involving over 1,000 participants and 30 GP practices, have been published in the British Medical Journal(BMJ).
	New way to kill breast cancer stem cells that have ancestral features and resist chemotherapy Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Kanazawa University in Japan have made a new discovery that could improve breast cancer treatments. The researchers studied cancer stem cells (CSCs), which can resist chemotherapy and form new tumors. They found a type of CSC that is vulnerable to drugs that target a pump in the cells. These drugs could potentially kill these CSCs and help patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a hard-to-treat form of breast cancer.
	Drug resistance may make common infections like thrush untreatable Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest global threats to health, food security and development. This month, The Conversation's experts explore how we got here and the potential solutions.
	Report suggests compensation is key to fixing primary care shortage Money talks.
	Incidence of local-stage cancers decreased from 2019 to 2022: Study From 2019 to 2020, the incidence of local-stage disease decreased significantly for 19 of 22 cancer types compared with stable year-over-year changes pre-COVID-19, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in the International Journal of Cancer.
	New advances mean many patients go home same day after knee replacement Robert Fleetwood, 73, needed joint replacements in both knees, both to relieve his arthritis pain and to continue competing in athletic activities.
	Got GERD? eat this way to help avoid symptoms Some folks feasting this holiday have to contend with gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.
	New research shows hard-hitting campaigns can help prevent drinking during pregnancy New research published Nov. 21 is putting alcohol use during pregnancy in the spotlight, prompting calls from public health experts for ongoing investment in hard-hitting campaigns to support alcohol-free pregnancies.
	Osteoarthritis: Unveiling complex mechanisms and immune influences According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this musculoskeletal disorder affects approximately 1.71 billion people globally. Osteoarthritis is a condition where cartilage gradually breaks down, and joint bones are exposed to each other. This leads to pain and reduced joint function.
	Financial crises damage people's mental health—Global review shows who is worst affected Financial crises are periods characterized for some by devastating losses of income, work, a certain future, and a stable family life. The effect on mental health can be catastrophic. But what does the evidence tell us about who is most at risk, and in what ways?
	The weird and wonderful things lost then found inside the human body Doctors in Missouri recently made a startling discovery. A 63-year-old patient who went for a routine colon screening was found to have an intact fly in his colon. The doctors had no idea how the fly survived the perilous journey through the patient's digestive enzymes and stomach acid.
	A comprehensive approach to ensuring the well-being of cancer health care workers is essential, says study Three years into the pandemic and as Australia's case numbers rise, health care providers are still working tirelessly to safeguard vulnerable patients, often at a personal cost.
	Living alone doesn't have to mean being lonely, says study About 20% of all Germans live alone—and the number is increasing. This trend can also be observed in most other Western countries. However, contrary to prevailing prejudices, living alone does not necessarily mean isolation and loneliness.
	Multiple endometriosis symptoms can appear a decade before diagnosis, finds study Australian women with endometriosis can experience symptoms including severe period pain, depression and back pain for around a decade before being diagnosed, a University of Queensland study has revealed.
	Study discovers circadian clock regulates axonal regeneration and repair Scientists from the Department of Brain Sciences have discovered that the circadian clock regulates axonal regeneration and repair.
	New survey reveals that a quarter of UK adults mistrust others A major new survey of trust and mistrust in the UK has revealed worryingly high levels of mistrust in society, with a quarter of respondents mistrustful of other people and a similar proportion keen for help to feel more trusting.
	Taste depends on nature and nurture: Seven ways you can learn to enjoy foods you don't like You're out for dinner with a bunch of friends, one of whom orders pizza with anchovies and olives to share, but you hate olives and anchovies! Do you pipe up with your preferred choice—Hawaiian—or stay quiet?
	Study suggests dental professionals can play a crucial role in identifying signs of chronic disease Dental professionals can make a marked and positive difference to public health by being trained to spot some of the key markers of chronic disease, according to new research.
	Children with breath-holding spells undergo unnecessary diagnostic interventions: Study Breath-holding spells are common in young children and are benign. Yet children often undergo unnecessary diagnostic interventions when seeking medical care. This is because there are no national or international guidelines on how to assess children in these cases.
	Q&A: The psychological consequences of political violence Thousands have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war since Oct. 7. And watching, and experiencing, all of this violence unfold are Palestinian and Israeli children.
	Study: Prostate cancer focal therapy is cost-effective and may improve patient outcomes Minimally invasive focal therapies for prostate cancer are associated with a lower overall cost and improved quality of life for patients.
	West Africa responds to huge diphtheria outbreaks by targeting unvaccinated populations Authorities in several West African countries are trying to manage their huge diphtheria outbreaks, including in Nigeria where a top health official said Thursday that millions are being vaccinated to cover wide gaps in immunity against the disease.
	Access to cardiac rehabilitation: Hurdles and hopes for improvement A new review article, published in Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications offers solutions to improve access to underutilized cardiac rehabilitation.
	Diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer: Investigation of causal pathways A new article published in BIO Integration investigates the association between diabetes mellitus and susceptibility to pancreatic cancer by using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods and an extensive human genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset.
	Celebrating the holidays when you have diabetes OK, Thanksgiving is officially behind us. Let the Christmas carols begin!
	Give thanks for healthy diet changes during the holidays Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday eating season, when everyone is constantly tempted by sweet treats, rich foods and fancy, high-calorie drinks.
	What you need to know about the new RSV shot for babies Ahead of the winter respiratory virus season, many parents were relieved the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a shot to combat respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for infants and toddlers this summer.
	Heat inactivation successful in controlling enteroviruses on surfaces, finds study Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious disease that mainly affects young children in the Asia–Pacific region. The viral transmission can occur through direct contact with nose and throat secretions, surfaces, fomites and the environment. Moreover, children's school toys may serve an important role in HFMD surface-to-hand transmission. Heat inactivation can be an alternative to control HFMD transmission at schools.
	What we know so far about surging respiratory illnesses in China Cases of respiratory illnesses have been surging in northern China, particularly among children, sparking speculation online of a new pandemic threat four years after COVID-19 first emerged in the country.
	How virtual reality gaming can promote men's health A first-of-its kind study has found that virtual reality gaming may be effective in promoting men's awareness of testicular diseases and increasing testicular self-examination.
	Report: 2020 to 2021 saw rise in total number, rate, ratio of abortions From 2020 to 2021, there were increases in the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions, according to research published in the Nov. 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Other Sciences news

	Unveiling the sacred Wiradjuri carved trees In a landmark collaboration between Wiradjuri people, NSW State government and archaeologists, new research has revealed the deep-time hidden story of Wiradjuri carved trees (marara) and burials (dhabuganha) in Southeast Australia.
	A 1,400-year-old temple discovered at Suffolk royal settlement A possibly pre-Christian temple from the time of the East Anglian Kings, some 1,400 years ago, has been found at Rendlesham, near Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, by a team of archaeologists led by UCL researchers.
	Study finds executive pay is influenced by gender stereotypes Women at the top executive level of large European corporations earn an average of 1.2 million euros less per year than their male colleagues. Top executive pay also depends on whether an executive function is perceived as "typically masculine" or "typically feminine."
	Brave new workplace: The future of hybrid working Are the CEOs of the world right in predicting that workers will be back in the office full-time by 2026? Not according to UNSW Sydney researcher Iva Durakovic.
	A survey found 1 in 6 Australian men admit sexual feelings for children. So is pedophilia increasing? One in six (or 15.1% of) Australian men aged over 18 recently surveyed said they had sexual feelings for a child or teen younger than 18 years.
	Declining local media is producing media deserts, jeopardizing local democracy and community cohesion: Report A new report has highlighted how a decline in local and community media is producing a growing trend of "media deserts" across Europe that is undermining local democracy and inclusivity.
	A different kind of peer pressure identified between mentors and students A study published in the International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies has looked at the dynamics of student peers helping each other with their educational needs.
	Q&A: Study finds wide gap in SAT/ACT test scores between wealthy, lower-income kids A recent paper released by Opportunity Insights, a Harvard-based team of researchers and policy analysts, found that children of the wealthiest 1% of Americans were 13 times likelier than the children of low-income families to score 1300 or higher on SAT/ACT tests.
	How COVID enabled new forms of economic abuse of women in India In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the United Nations (UN) identified what it called a "shadow pandemic" of domestic violence against women. The UN includes in its definition of domestic violence what it refers to as "economic violence," which it explains as: "making or attempting to make a person financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding access to money, and/or forbidding attendance at school or employment."
	Study finds LinkedIn can trigger feelings of imposter syndrome The use of professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn can stir up feelings of self-doubt, research suggests.
	Venice to launch tourist tickets in 2024 Venice announced on Thursday that it would introduce a fee for day tourists to enter the city's overcrowded historic center on 29 days next year as it seeks to come to grips with overtourism.
	US economic uncertainty means bigger 'Black Friday' discounts Retailers' efforts to attract holiday gift buyers build to a crescendo this weekend as the "Black Friday" shopping day kicked off with big discounts.
	UK study finds policing of county lines 'criminalizes' minority youth A new research report has raised concerns that policing efforts targeting "county lines" drug operations in the U.K. rely on discriminatory assumptions about minority groups and contribute to the criminalization of minoritized communities.
	Waking a sleeping language: A plan to revive the speaking of ta rē Moriori When is a language extinct and when is it merely dormant? There are certainly languages that have passed over that line, and many remain threatened today. But what of those in the twilight zone—can we revive them, and what would that look like?

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