Science X Newsletter Thu, Nov 30

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for November 30, 2023:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

A mineral produced by plate tectonics has a global cooling effect, study finds

The first validation of the Lillo Mike Farmer Model on a large financial market dataset

Study identifies the 'fingerprints' of energy models exploring emission mitigation scenarios

A theoretical approach to ferroelectricity in hafnia-related materials

Astronomers inspect supernova remnants with MeerKAT

Study shows that distinct subpopulations of cells in the mouse amygdala influence different social behaviors

Anthrobots: Scientists build tiny biological robots from human tracheal cells

Discovery of planet too big for its sun throws off solar system formation models

Long-term ADHD medication use associated with increased cardiovascular disease

Dutch astronomers prove last piece of gas feedback-feeding loop of black hole

Astronomers spot giant stream of stars between galaxies

Large language model shows promise in helping clinicians identify postpartum hemorrhage

Rice husk and recycled newspaper may be the eco-friendly insulation material of the future

Loss of auditory nerve fibers uncovered in individuals with tinnitus

Brain waves usually found in sleep can protect against epileptic activity

Nanotechnology news

	A theoretical approach to ferroelectricity in hafnia-related materials Hafnia ferroelectrics are based on their technical promise and remarkable behaviors, where the peculiarities stem from an active extrinsic mechanism that contributes to their properties from a growing number of new intrinsic features.
	Creating 3D-printed materials that shrink more precisely From houses to hearing aids, three-dimensional (3D) printing is revolutionizing how we create complex structures at scale. Zooming down to the micro and nano levels, a process known as two-photon polymerization lithography (TPL) allows scientists and engineers to construct objects with microscopic precision, which has wide-reaching implications for industries ranging from medicine to manufacturing.
	Engineering non-precious metal electrocatalysts for cost-effective and environmentally responsible water splitting There is an ever-present struggle to reduce carbon-based energy sources and replace them with low or no-carbon alternatives. The process of splitting water could be the resolution.

Physics news

	Study finds more stable clocks could measure quantum phenomena, including the presence of dark matter The practice of keeping time hinges on stable oscillations. In a grandfather clock, the length of a second is marked by a single swing of the pendulum. In a digital watch, the vibrations of a quartz crystal mark much smaller fractions of time. And in atomic clocks, the world's state-of-the-art timekeepers, the oscillations of a laser beam stimulate atoms to vibrate at 9.2 billion times per second. These smallest, most stable divisions of time set the timing for today's satellite communications, GPS systems, and financial markets.
	Study suggests nature may have had a hand in shaping Great Sphinx of Giza A trio of experimental physicists and applied mathematicians at New York University has found evidence that Egypt's Great Sphinx of Giza may have originated as a natural formation. For their study, published in the journal Physical Review Fluids, Samuel Boury, Scott Weady and Leif Ristroph, looked into natural erosion processes and tested the idea that the Sphinx got its start naturally via strong winds.
	Researchers invent new way to stretch diamond for better quantum bits A future quantum network may become less of a stretch thanks to researchers at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory and Cambridge University.
	Using gravitational wave observations of a binary black hole merger to verify the no-hair theorem An international team of researchers including Prof. Badri Krishnan at Radboud University has verified an important property of black holes known as the no-hair theorem using gravitational wave observations. Their research is published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
	Protected droplets as a new transport route for medicines Microgels form a thin protective shell around a droplet until the temperature rises above 32°C. Then the microgels shrink and the droplet dissolves in the surrounding liquid. A study by researchers from the University of Gothenburg now reveals the underlying mechanism behind this process. The discovery could revolutionize methods of targeting medicines to specific locations within the body.
	Researchers show an old law still holds for quirky quantum materials Long before researchers discovered the electron and its role in generating electrical current, they knew about electricity and were exploring its potential. One thing they learned early on was that metals were great conductors of both electricity and heat.
	New study shows how universities are critical to emerging fusion industry A new study suggests that universities have an essential role to fulfill in the continued growth and success of any modern high-tech industry, and especially the nascent fusion industry; however, the importance of that role is not reflected in the number of fusion-oriented faculty and educational channels currently available.
	Two-photon lithography for photonic packaging: A promising solution Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are compact devices that combine multiple optical components on a single chip. They have a wide range of applications in communications, ranging, sensing, computing, spectroscopy, and quantum technology. PICs are now manufactured using mature semiconductor fabrication technologies. It has reduced costs and improved performance. This makes PICs a promising technology for a variety of applications.
	Researchers extend non-line-of-sight imaging towards longer wavelengths Emerging technologies for non-line-of-sight imaging can detect objects even if they are around a corner or behind a wall. In new work, researchers use a new type of detector to extend this method from visible light into near and mid-infrared wavelengths, an advance that could be especially useful for unmanned vehicles, robotic vision, endoscopy, and other applications.
	Researchers develop a new approach to polarization-independent LC phase modulation Liquid-crystal (LC) phase modulators are widely used in optical systems because of their advantages of low power consumption, lightweight, flexible bandwidth adjustment, and non-mechanical movements. However, most LC phase modulators are polarization-sensitive, meaning that they affect the light phase differently depending on its polarization. This can limit their performance and functionality in some applications.
	A low-cost microscope projection photolithography system for high-resolution fabrication Integrated optical signal distributing, processing, and sensing networks require the miniaturization of basic optical elements, such as waveguides, splitters, gratings, and optical switches. To achieve this, fabrication approaches that allow for high-resolution manufacturing are required.
	Prototype for DUNE detector will test new technology that can handle more neutrinos Long before the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment takes its first measurements in an effort to expand our understanding of the universe, a prototype for one of the experiment's detectors is blazing new trails in neutrino detection technology.

Earth news

	A mineral produced by plate tectonics has a global cooling effect, study finds MIT geologists have found that a clay mineral on the seafloor, called smectite, has a surprisingly powerful ability to sequester carbon over millions of years.
	Study identifies the 'fingerprints' of energy models exploring emission mitigation scenarios Over the past decades, environmental scientists and engineers have been trying to devise effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. This has led to the creation of various energy models, frameworks that can be used to investigate emission mitigation scenarios in the hope of meeting the goals outlined by the Paris Agreement.
	Climate change worsened Chinese extreme heat and flooding event in 2020: Study Man-made global warming exacerbated an incident of extreme flooding and heat in eastern China in 2020, according to a study released Wednesday, which highlighted the need to prepare for increasingly intense episodes of such weather in the country.
	Climate change: Why disinformation is so persistent Melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme heat waves: the consequences of climate change are more visible than ever, and the scientific community has confirmed that humans are responsible. Yet studies show that a third of the population still doubts or disputes these facts.
	Research finds reefs recovered more slowly than broader ecosystem following ancient extinction Coral reefs, among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth, are under threat due to the changing climate. In a new study, an international research team found that if reefs were to disappear entirely, it may take millions of years—even after environmental conditions improve—for them to recover.
	Carbon dioxide becomes more potent as climate changes, study finds A team of scientists found that carbon dioxide becomes a more potent greenhouse gas as more is released into the atmosphere.
	Study: Climate change has increased atmospheric instability over past 40 years While the impacts of climate change vary across the globe, most scientists agree that, overall, a warming environment is increasing both the frequency and intensity of severe weather events such as tornados and intense thunderstorms.
	New research explores future limits of survival and livability in extreme heat conditions Commonly associated with longer days and slower paces, this summer's record-smashing heat in Arizona demonstrated a concerning future for the planet's warmest season. From power outages endangering entire neighborhoods and heat-related deaths rising among some of the state's most vulnerable populations, the city of Phoenix found itself in national headlines. As national attention grew, one question became clear: How does anyone live there?
	Money to burn: Wealthy, white neighborhoods losing their heat shields White, wealthy neighborhoods in the LA area are about to start feeling the same heat that has plagued poorer, Hispanic neighborhoods for generations. A new study shows the protective effect of income has largely eroded over the past 40 years, as landscape plants can't keep up with the pace of climate warming.
	2023 set to be hottest year on record: UN This year is set to be the hottest ever recorded, the UN said Thursday, demanding urgent action to rein in global warming and stem the havoc following in its wake.
	Scientists create framework to guide development and assessment of urban climate action plans With the world projected to be highly urbanized by 2050, cities are encouraged to take urgent climate actions to mitigate and adapt to the threats of climate change. As climate change intensifies and urbanization increases rapidly, local governments are expected now more than ever to lead climate action planning. However, studies show the limitations of the existing climate action plans (CAPs).
	The path to net-zero emissions runs through industry As government leaders and climate negotiators gather in Dubai for the COP28 United Nations climate conference, an enormous challenge looms over the proceedings: decarbonizing the global industrial sector.
	How science saved the ozone layer On 9 January 2023, the United Nations released its latest report on the status of the ozone layer. It highlighted that this protective barrier is on track toward recovery and should be fully restored by the second half of the 21st century.
	As plastic production grows, treaty negotiations to reduce plastic waste are stuck in low gear Plastic pollution has spread to Earth's farthest reaches, with widespread effects on wildlife, the environment and human health. To curb this problem, U.N. member countries are negotiating a global treaty to reduce plastic pollution, which they aim to complete by the end of 2024.
	Researchers profile pollutants present in an important river basin in São Paulo state, Brazil The Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí (PCJ) River Basin comprises 76 municipalities in São Paulo state, Brazil, with more than 5.8 million inhabitants and a drainage area of more than 14,000 square kilometers. These three rivers and their tributaries are essential sources of drinking water, energy, irrigation for agriculture, and water for industrial processes.
	Subducted seamounts may lead to larger earthquakes There are thousands of mountains scattered across the seafloor, many of which are thousands of meters tall. These seamounts may have significant impacts on seismicity when the portion of the ocean floor they are on is subducted beneath another tectonic plate.
	Fighting extreme weather with extreme computing power Artificial intelligence, which can already generate texts and mimic human speech, might also help the world prepare for the worsening effects of climate change.
	Taking climate action with Earth observation As global temperatures records are smashed and greenhouse gas emissions reach new highs, a new report from the UN Environment Programme finds that current pledges under the Paris Agreement put the world on track for a 2.5°C–2.9°C temperature rise this century—pointing to the urgent need for increased climate action.
	Examining urban design for past, present and future cities Increasingly, more people worldwide are living in cities. By the year 2050, it is projected that two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas. Living closely together in relatively small spaces offers advantages such as good infrastructure, job opportunities, and exchange with other individuals. At the same time, cities are also focal points of crises, including climate change, pandemics, or armed conflicts.
	Doctor Who: What the show gets wrong about climate change and energy justice Fans around the globe have been celebrating 60 years of Doctor Who—the world's longest-running science fiction series. It may at times seem silly and childish, but people's ideas of how the world works, could work and should work are informed and shaped by popular culture—and Doctor Who still influences this.
	Decoding past climates through dripstones A recent study demonstrates how dripstones can be crucial for reconstructing past climates. The new approach can provide a detailed picture of the climate around early human occupations in South Africa.
	Q&A: Can scientific ingenuity turn the clock back on climate change? The summer of 2023 was the hottest on record. Climate change fueled destructive hurricanes in Florida, more intense monsoons in India, and melted sea ice to historically low levels in the Arctic and Antarctic.
	Nations urged to phase out fossil fuels at UN climate talks The UN climate conference opens in Dubai on Thursday with nations urged to increase the pace of action on global warming and phase out fossil fuels, amid intense scrutiny of oil-rich hosts UAE.
	Community scientists needed: Help improve winter weather predictions Community members across Utah, the Great Basin, and around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are invited to join people across the country in contributing winter weather observations. The data is collected by scientists for a project that seeks to improve the accuracy of winter weather predictions.
	Some states act to protect residents from extreme heat, with a new focus on young people After two years of record-breaking heat that brought a surge of deaths and health emergencies, several states have enacted or are considering measures designed to protect residents—with a new focus on younger people whose vulnerability is rising with the temperatures.
	From decarbonization to electric cars, California hopes to showcase climate leadership at COP28 summit World leaders are gearing up for COP28, an annual U.N. climate conference that will begin this week in Dubai, and California is expected to play a sizable role in the proceedings.
	German govt loses key climate court case The German government on Thursday lost a key climate case brought by environmental groups, in an embarrassing slap down the day before Chancellor Olaf Scholz was due to travel to the COP28 climate summit.
	UAE COP28 chief says fossil fuels must be part of climate deal The Emirati host of the UN climate conference said Thursday that fossil fuels must be part of any deal as the crucial negotiations on global warming opened in Dubai.
	COP28: How 7 policies could help save 1 billion lives by 2100 In a recent review of more than 180 peer-reviewed articles—which I conducted with fellow researcher Richard Parncutt—we found that a scientific consensus has formed around the so-called 1,000-ton rule.
	COP28: how bad is climate change already and what do we need to do next to tackle it? As the latest UN climate change summit (COP28) gets underway in Dubai, conversations around limiting global warming to 1.5°C will confront a harsh reality. Global temperatures have surged over the past year, with the monthly global average surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels during the summer. Some days in November have even breached 2°C of warming for the first time.
	China is already paying substantial climate finance, while US is global laggard—new analysis Finance is poisoning international cooperation on the climate crisis.
	French ski resorts risk becoming hooked on artificial snow Winter hasn't arrived yet, but French ski resorts are already resorting to snowmaking. Milder temperatures as a result of climate change have effectively led to its use becoming entrenched in recent years, with 29% of French ski slopes area equipped with snowmaking machines, such as snow propeller canons or snow lances. Snow is manufactured by spraying micro-droplets of water in a cold atmosphere, which solidify before they hit the ground. The consistency is close to that of compacted snow.
	Why the Fed should treat climate change's $150B economic toll like other national crises it's helped fight Climate disasters are now costing the United States US$150 billion per year, and the economic harm is rising.
	COP28: four key issues that will dominate the latest UN climate summit The United Nations Environment Programme recently published a report with an unusually strong title for a UN body: "Emissions Gap Report 2023: Broken Record—Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions (again)". Yet again, it highlights how far countries are off track from safeguarding the planet—and us.
	Why the success of COP28 depends on climate finance Beginning this week, leaders from more than 190 countries will gather in Dubai for COP28, the annual climate global summit. This year, the stakes have never been higher: wildfires in Maui, partly exacerbated by drought, killed at least 100 people and resulted in $5.5 billion in damages. Flooding in Libya caused by extreme precipitation killed almost 4,000 people. Canadian wildfires blanketed North American skies. Massive sums of money are needed to address these and other disasters and to prepare for what's on the horizon. Enter the need for climate finance: money from public, private and other sources directed to developing countries to help them adapt to climate impacts and reduce their carbon emissions.
	Horn of Africa floods displace more than two million More than two million people across the Horn of Africa have been forced from their homes by torrential rains and floods, according to an AFP tally compiled Thursday from government and UN figures.
	Hundreds of new oil and gas projects approved despite climate crisis More than 400 oil and gas projects were approved globally in the last two years despite calls to abandon all new hydrocarbon development, new figures showed as the UN COP28 climate talks opened Thursday.
	US to replace all lead water lines within 10 years President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced it would require the removal of the nation's remaining lead pipes within a decade, preventing an estimated 22 million people from potential exposure to the toxic metal in their drinking water.
	COP28 opens with 'historic' launch of loss and damage fund Nearly 200 nations agreed Thursday to launch a fund to support countries hit by global warming, in a "historic" moment at the start of UN climate talks in the oil-rich UAE.
	Building African cities that cope with climate shocks—experts outline what it will take The international climate change negotiations began almost three decades ago when many were still hesitant to accept that human activities were changing the planet. Now the scientific evidence is unequivocal. Climate change is a major threat to our well-being, the health of the planet and the ecosystems we rely on.
	It's going to be an especially risky fire season for much of Eastern and Central Australia, says report AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services, has released the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2023.

Astronomy and Space news

	Astronomers inspect supernova remnants with MeerKAT Using the MeerKAT radio telescope, astronomers from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Charlottesville, Virginia, and elsewhere have investigated a batch of 36 high latitude supernova remnants. Results of the observations campaign, published Nov. 20 on the pre-print server arXiv, deliver important insights into the properties of these remnants.
	Discovery of planet too big for its sun throws off solar system formation models The discovery of a planet that is far too massive for its sun is calling into question what was previously understood about the formation of planets and their solar systems, according to Penn State researchers.
	Dutch astronomers prove last piece of gas feedback-feeding loop of black hole Three astronomers from the Netherlands have proven that gas that was previously heated near a supermassive black hole flowed to the outskirts of the galaxy and cooled down, moving back towards the black hole. While there had been indirect evidence for this theory, this is the first time that the cooled gas moving toward the black hole has actually been observed.
	Astronomers spot giant stream of stars between galaxies To their surprise, an international team of researchers has discovered a giant and extremely faint stream of stars between galaxies. While streams are already known in our own galaxy and in nearby galaxies, this is the first time that a stream running between galaxies has been observed. It is the largest stream detected to date. The astronomers have published their findings in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.
	After 50 years, US to return to moon on January 25 More than 50 years after the last Apollo mission, the United States will try once again to land a craft on the moon on January 25, said the head of what could be the first private company to successfully touch down on the lunar surface.
	Dwarf planet Eris is 'squishier' than expected University of California, Santa Cruz Professor of Planetary Sciences Francis Nimmo recently co-authored a Science Advances paper about the internal structure of the dwarf planet Eris.
	Zhurong rover detects mysterious polygons beneath the surface of Mars China's Zhurong rover was equipped with a ground-penetrating radar system, allowing it to peer beneath Mars's surface. Researchers have announced new results from the scans of Zhurong's landing site in Utopia Planitia, saying they identified irregular polygonal wedges located at a depth of about 35 meters all along the robot's journey.
	Unveiling black hole spins using polarized radio glasses A cornerstone but surprising prediction arising from Einstein's theory of general relativity is the existence of black holes, which astronomers later found to be widespread throughout the universe. Key characteristics of black holes include their masses and their "spin"—they rotate even though they have no actual surface, with an event horizon that defines where light cannot escape.
	Webb study reveals rocky planets can form in extreme environments An international team of astronomers have used the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to provide the first observation of water and other molecules in the inner, rocky-planet-forming regions of a disk in one of the most extreme environments in our galaxy. These results suggest that the conditions for rocky-planet formation, typically found in the disks of low-mass star-forming regions, can also occur in massive-star-forming regions and possibly a broader range of environments.
	Chandra catches spider pulsars destroying nearby stars A group of dead stars known as "spider pulsars" are obliterating companion stars within their reach. Data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory of the globular cluster Omega Centauri is helping astronomers understand how these spider pulsars prey on their stellar companions.
	New theory explains how magnetic switchbacks form in the solar wind A new study develops a theory of how magnetic switchbacks are formed around the sun. This quantitative model can be used to predict magnetic field variations and potentially explain the heating and acceleration of the solar wind.
	First launch of Europe's Ariane 6 rocket planned for June-July The European Space Agency announced on Thursday that the long-delayed first launch of its next-generation Ariane 6 rocket will take place between June 15 and July 31 next year.
	Satellite discovered by NASA's Lucy mission gets name The satellite discovered during the first asteroid encounter of NASA's Lucy mission has an official name. On Nov. 27, 2023, the International Astronomical Union approved the name "Selam" or ሰላም, which means "peace" in the Ethiopian language Amharic, for Dinkinesh's moon.
	Contact binary asteroids are common, but we've never seen one form. Now, researchers want to make one Ever want to play a game of cosmic billiards? That's commonly how the DART mission was described when it successfully changed the orbit of a near-Earth asteroid last year. If you want an idea of how it works, just Google it and an Easter egg from the search giant will give you a general idea. But DART was more like trying to brute force a billiards break—there are many other things you can do with a set of asteroids and impactors on the galactic stage. One of the more interesting is to try to force two asteroids together to form a "contact binary"—the goal of a mission design put forward by a group of scientists from Cornell in a recent paper in Acta Astronautica.
	NASA tests in-flight capability of Artemis moon rocket engine NASA conducted the third RS-25 engine hot fire in a critical 12-test certification series Nov. 29, demonstrating a key capability necessary for flight of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket during Artemis missions to the moon and beyond.
	An anisotropic density turbulence model from the sun to 1 au derived from radio observations Density turbulence in the solar corona and solar wind is evident via the properties of solar radio bursts; angular scattering-broadening of extra-solar radio sources observed through the solar atmosphere, and can be measured in-situ in the solar wind. A viable density turbulence model should simultaneously explain all three types of density fluctuation observations.
	NASA's 6-pack of mini-satellites ready for their moment in the sun Most NASA missions feature one spacecraft or, occasionally, a few. The agency's Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE) uses half a dozen. This month, mission members completed the construction of the six identical cereal box-size satellites, which will now go into storage and await their final testing and ride to space. SunRISE will launch as a rideshare aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket, sponsored by the United States Space Force (USSF)'s Space Systems Command (SSC).
	How will EarthCARE mission shed light on clouds? In around six months, ESA's Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer mission will take to the skies to advance our understanding of the interactions between clouds, aerosols and radiation in Earth's atmosphere. But how will it do that exactly?
	A detailed design for a space station at sun–Earth L2 New ideas in space exploration come from all corners, and, by and large, the community welcomes anybody interested in the field. Having just read "A City on Mars," it seems that even people who disagree with the idea that the age of space settlement is imminent will be accepted into the fold by enthusiasts. Now, a new entrant has joined—Daniel Akinwumi is a Nigerian graduate student at the University of Strathclyde who recently posted his master's thesis to ResearchGate detailing the design of the "intergalactic hub," or I-HUB.
	NASA's Hubble Space Telescope pauses science due to gyro issue NASA is working to resume science operations of the agency's Hubble Space Telescope after it entered safe mode Nov. 23 due to an ongoing gyroscope (gyro) issue. Hubble's instruments are stable, and the telescope is in good health.
	Image: The beginnings of a sunrise City lights stretch across the United States like a string of holiday lights in this image taken from the International Space Station on Nov. 10, 2023. At far left, the lights of Chicago, Illinois, are outlined by Lake Michigan. At far right, the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area shines through the clouds while the sun's first rays start to light up Earth's atmosphere (at top).

Technology news

	Anthrobots: Scientists build tiny biological robots from human tracheal cells Researchers at Tufts University and Harvard University's Wyss Institute have created tiny biological robots that they call Anthrobots from human tracheal cells that can move across a surface and have been found to encourage the growth of neurons across a region of damage in a lab dish.
	Rice husk and recycled newspaper may be the eco-friendly insulation material of the future The building sector is the second largest sector in plastic consumption, and is responsible for more than a third of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Manufacturing processes of construction materials pollute air, land, and water. Accordingly, construction materials made from agro-industrial waste become increasingly attractive due to their lower environmental impact.
	AI image generator Stable Diffusion perpetuates racial and gendered stereotypes, study finds What does a person look like? If you use the popular artificial intelligence image generator Stable Diffusion to conjure answers, too frequently you'll see images of light-skinned men.
	Researchers use 2D material to reshape 3D electronics for AI hardware Multifunctional computer chips have evolved to do more with integrated sensors, processors, memory and other specialized components. However, as chips have expanded, the time required to move information between functional components has also grown.
	Octopus-inspired robot arm can grab and lift a toy shark using suction A team of engineers at Beihang University, working with a colleague from Tsinghua University, both in China, has designed, built and tested a haptically controlled octopus robot arm that is capable of grasping, lifting and carrying objects on land and underwater. In an article published in the journal Science Robotics, the group describes how they built their robot, how it works and how well it performed when tested under a variety of scenarios.
	Sandpaper X-ray technique could change how batteries are monitored Batteries are challenging to observe and analyze. They can't really be opened up because of their volatile nature. One way to monitor batteries is through X-ray technology. However, the equipment is very expensive and those methods struggle to balance resolution, sensitivity and speed.
	Hybrid phase-change memristors lead to new computing possibilities By strategically straining materials that are as thin as a single layer of atoms, University of Rochester scientists have developed a new form of computing memory that is at once fast, dense, and low-power. The researchers outline their new hybrid resistive switches in a study published in Nature Electronics.
	An AI-based approach to microgrids that can restore power more efficiently and reliably in an outage It's a story that's become all too familiar—high winds knock out a power line, and a community can go without power for hours to days, an inconvenience at best and a dangerous situation at worst. UC Santa Cruz Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Yu Zhang and his lab are leveraging tools to improve the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of power systems and have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) -based approach for the smart control of microgrids for power restoration when outages occur.
	Cybersecurity agency warns that water utilities are vulnerable to hackers after Pennsylvania attack Hackers are targeting industrial control systems widely used by water and sewage-treatment utilities, potentially threatening water supplies, the top U.S. cyberdefense agency said after a Pennsylvania water authority was hacked.
	Musk's latest gamble: Tesla Cybertruck set for debut Four years after startling the car world with designs for the Cybertruck, Elon Musk is set Thursday to mark the arrival of Tesla's iconoclastic take on the American pickup.
	Meta says China-based influence efforts ramp up Meta on Thursday warned that deceptive online campaigns based in China were taking aim at 2024 elections in the United States and elsewhere.
	Greener solution powers new method for lithium-ion battery recycling Used lithium-ion batteries from cell phones, laptops and a growing number of electric vehicles are piling up, but options for recycling them remain limited primarily to burning or chemically dissolving shredded batteries. The current state-of-the-art methods can pose environmental challenges and be difficult to make economically at the industrial scale.
	'More than a chatbot': Google touts firm's AI tech Google's position as king of the search engines is under threat like never before, but the firm's global policy chief told AFP this week it still had the edge over its AI competitors.
	Meta faces second EU challenge to 'pay for privacy' European consumer groups lodged Thursday a complaint against Meta's system allowing Facebook and Instagram users to pay to opt out of data tracking, the second challenge this week.
	Artificial intelligence paves way for new medicines A team of researchers from LMU, ETH Zurich, and Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED) Basel has used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop an innovative method that predicts the optimal method for synthesizing drug molecules.
	ChatGPT turns 1: AI chatbot's success says as much about humans as technology ChatGPT was launched on Nov. 30, 2022, ushering in what many have called artificial intelligence's breakout year. Within days of its release, ChatGPT went viral. Screenshots of conversations snowballed across social media, and the use of ChatGPT skyrocketed to an extent that seems to have surprised even its maker, OpenAI. By January, ChatGPT was seeing 13 million unique visitors each day, setting a record for the fastest-growing user base of a consumer application.
	AI inspires new approach to adaptive control systems Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are used around the world to conduct difficult environmental, remote, oceanic, defense and rescue missions in often unpredictable and harsh conditions.
	Smartphone use found to differ between urban and rural areas Smartphones have altered human behavior in complex ways but context can also alter smartphone use.
	After chaos, Microsoft wins observer seat at OpenAI Microsoft, the tech titan that has invested billions of dollars in ChatGPT creator OpenAI, has been given a seat on the startup's board.
	Research explores experimental satellite for internet intelligent remote sensing In a research letter published on July 11, 2023, in Geo-spatial Information Science, a research group led by Deren Li and Mi Wang from Wuhan University unveiled the LuoJia3-01, an experimental satellite that integrates state-of-the-art technologies to provide unparalleled geospatial information services. This development is particularly noteworthy in an era dominated by transformative technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and AI.
	Deep learning-enabled system surpasses location constraints for human activity recognition In a new study published on 14 October 2023, in the journal Human-Centric Intelligent Systems, researchers from University Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), have unveiled a novel approach to Human Activity Recognition (HAR) that transcends traditional limitations.
	H₂-ready power plants: Study shows challenges and solutions for the conversion of gas-fired power plants Hydrogen (H2) plays an important role in the renewable energy system to secure electricity generation. New and existing power plants must therefore be made ready for H2 operation. However, the conversion and new construction of power plants that can be operated with 100% hydrogen poses challenges. In addition, H2 readiness is not yet clearly defined in regulatory terms. These are the findings of scientists at the Reiner Lemoine Institute (RLI).
	AI can write a wedding toast or summarize a paper, but what happens if it's asked to build a bomb? During the past year, large language models (LLMs) have become incredibly adept at generating synthesizing information and producing humanlike outputs. LLMs are likened to digital librarians, as they have been trained on vast datasets sourced directly from the internet and can therefore generate or summarize text on nearly any topic. As a result, these LLMs have become ubiquitous in such fields as copywriting, software engineering, and entertainment.
	AI in society: Perspectives from the field Experts working in artificial intelligence, from technological to public policy roles, discuss this turning point in AI and what it means for the future.
	Using 3D printing to produce lightweight insulating building elements In the main hall of the research and robotics Arch Tec Lab on Hönggerberg campus, several robotic arms hang from the roof, while half-finished beige-colored curved structures reminiscent of sand sculptures are dotted around the floor. On one side of the room, mysterious parts protrude from wooden crates.
	Researchers tackle a century-old teletraffic challenge to enhance medical and public service efficiency Efficiently meeting the growing demand for public services in metropolitan areas has long been a persistent challenge. A research team at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has developed a novel performance evaluation method, which marks a major breakthrough in tackling a century-old problem of evaluating blocking probabilities in queueing systems with overflow, providing ways to allocate limited resources better.
	Unsafe lead levels in school drinking water: Study identifies building risk factors University of Massachusetts Amherst civil and environmental engineers have determined the factors that may help identify the schools and daycare centers at greatest risk for elevated lead levels in drinking water. The most telling characteristic for schools in Massachusetts is building age, with facilities built in the 1960s and 1970s—nearly a third of the facilities tested—at the greatest risk for having dangerously high water lead levels.
	World record optical fiber transmission capacity doubles to 22.9 petabits per second Researchers from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), in collaboration with the Eindhoven University of Technology and University of L'Aquila, demonstrated a record-breaking data rate of 22.9 petabits per second using only a single optical fiber, which was more than double the previous world record of 10.66 petabits per second.
	Study tests firefighter turnout gear with and without PFAS Transitioning away from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which offer water- and oil-repelling properties on the outer shells of firefighter turnout gear, could bring potential performance tradeoffs, according to a new study from North Carolina State University.
	Musk regrets controversial post but won't bow to advertiser 'blackmail' Elon Musk apologized Wednesday for endorsing a social media post widely seen as anti-Semitic, but accused advertisers who are turning away from his social media platform X of "blackmail" and said anyone who does so can "go fuck yourself."
	Five social media chiefs to testify in US Senate Social media CEOs including Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Instagram and TikTok's Shou Zi Chew will face a grilling in the US Senate early next year over online child sexual exploitation.
	Tech giants on board to bust online scams: UK govt Eleven global tech giants have pledged to do more to tackle the scourge of online scammers, the UK government said on Thursday, billing the promise as a world first.
	Is Amazon following Jeff Bezos to Miami? Not exactly Amazon is searching for office space in Miami—but founder Jeff Bezos' new hometown will occupy only a small portion of the company's massive corporate footprint.
	What is a 'just' transition to net zero—and why is Australia struggling to get there? Australia's net-zero transition is struggling. Despite the government's efforts, announced last week, to revive flagging investment in renewable energy, greenhouse gas emissions from existing industry are still rising. Yet under the Paris Agreement, Australia must adopt even more ambitious targets for 2035.
	Autoworkers strike cut Ford sales by 100,000 vehicles and cost company $1.7 billion in profits A six-week United Auto Workers strike at Ford cut sales by about 100,000 vehicles and cost the company $1.7 billion in lost profits this year, the automaker said Thursday.
	A concrete step forward: Australia's ambitious plan to cut cement and lime emissions It's tough for the cement and lime business to make its important products without generating high emissions. So, the industry is investing in research and innovative pathways to reduce its hard-to-abate emissions.
	How Zurich has to change its roads to have more e-bikes than cars What would the streets look like if a city took half its traffic space and gave it to cycling and e-biking? Would city dwellers use their bikes more often? Might the concept of an "E-Bike City" even be a way to help reduce transport-related CO2 emissions?
	Researchers propose new method for large-scale urban building function mapping using web-based geospatial data In a study published in Geo-spatial Information Science, a research group led by Yuyu Zhou from The University of Hong Kong developed an integrated framework that achieves 94% accuracy in mapping building functions across 50 U.S. cities using multi-source web-based geospatial data, offering potential for worldwide application.

Chemistry news

	Durable plastic pollution easily, cleanly degrades with new catalyst Many people are familiar with the haunting images of wildlife—including sea turtles, dolphins and seals—tangled in abandoned fishing nets.
	Research team introduces a spectrum of potential vaccine adjuvants To ensure that vaccines provide strong and lasting immunization, it is often necessary to supplement the actual vaccine (antigen) with additives that stimulate the immune system: adjuvants. Today, only a few substances have been approved for use as adjuvants.
	Developing a superbase-comparable oxynitride catalyst Basic oxide catalysts contain oxygen ions with unpaired electrons that can be shared with other species to facilitate a chemical reaction. These catalysts are widely used in the synthesis of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. There have been efforts to improve the catalytic power of these catalysts by improving their basicity or the ability to donate electrons or accept hydrogen ions.
	Researchers use architected auxetics to achieve 300 times more flexibility in new 3D printing design There are young children celebrating the holidays this year with their families, thanks to the 3D-printed medical devices created in the lab of Georgia Tech researcher Scott Hollister. For more than 10 years, Hollister and his collaborators have developed lifesaving, patient-specific airway splints for babies with rare birth defects.
	Achieving multicolor persistent and photostimulated luminescence through trap distribution engineering Electron-trapping materials (ETMs) with persistent luminescence (PersL) or photostimulated luminescence (PSL) hold great promise for versatile applications, due to their distinctive characteristics of energy harvesting and controllable release.

Biology news

	Brittle stars can learn just fine, even without a brain We humans are fixated on big brains as a proxy for smarts. But headless animals called brittle stars have no brains at all and still manage to learn through experience, new research reveals.
	Orchid mantises: Research discovers their petal-shaped femoral lobes may actually be used for gliding In a study published in Current Biology, researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with their collaborators, reveal a groundbreaking discovery: Morphology of the orchid mantis' petal-shaped femoral lobes actually serves as structures for gliding, rather than the long-held belief that these lobes mimic flowers to attract pollinating prey.
	ROP signaling: Exploring its origin at the dawn of multicellular plant life Plants regulate their development with a distinct group of molecular players. ROP proteins, a group of plant-specific proteins, are known to control plant tissue formation. Now, Hugh Mulvey and Liam Dolan at the GMI show that ROP proteins evolved at the transition between unicellular and multicellular plant life. The findings were published on November 30 in the journal Current Biology.
	Study solves mystery behind bacteria's extensive weaponry A new study led by the University of Oxford has shed light on why certain species of bacteria carry astonishing arsenals of weapons. The findings, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, could help us to engineer microbes that can destroy deadly pathogens, reducing our reliance on antibiotics.
	Floral time travel: Flowers were more diverse 100 million years ago than they are today An international team of researchers led by botanists at the University of Vienna, Austria, has analyzed the morphological diversity of fossilized flowers and compared it with the diversity of living species. They found that flowering plants had already produced a large number of different flower types shortly after their emergence in the Cretaceous period, and this earliest floral diversity was greater than that today.
	Nearly half of the world is suitable for diversified farming for sustainable intensification, finds study Agriculture, like other sectors of the economy, is a profit-driven business. Simple cultivation systems such as monocultures have therefore become firmly established, because they promise higher returns. However, they are more susceptible to diseases and parasites, which can cause total crop failure among other things.
	Measuring periodical cicadas' chorus with fiber optic cables Hung from a common utility pole, a fiber optic cable—the kind bringing high-speed internet to more and more American households—can be turned into a sensor to detect temperature changes, vibrations, and even sound, through an emerging technology called distributed fiber optic sensing.
	Research traces modern maize back to a hybrid created 5,000 years ago in Mexico Maize is one of the world's most widely grown crops. It is used for both human and animal foods and holds great cultural significance, especially for indigenous peoples in the Americas. Yet despite its importance, the origins of the grain have been hotly debated for more than a century.
	A new bacterial species from a hydrothermal vent throws light on microbial evolution Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are hot springs on the ocean floor. Sea water penetrates into the ocean crust, becomes heated, and rises to the seafloor surface carrying dissolved nutrients. Around these vents, far from any sunlight, vibrant biological communities are found. Here, microbes play the role of primary producers through chemosynthesis—similar to the role that plants play on land through photosynthesis.
	Study finds order in which different RNA molecules are added determines condensates' composition Biomolecular condensates transport RNA molecules inside of cells for functions such as cell signaling and regulating cell processes, but little is known about how they form distinct compositional identities, similar to how oil and water stay separated.
	Rare ant species rediscovered in North Carolina trees There's a species of ant that is so rare, only a handful of records exist from across the entire eastern United States. North Carolina State University researcher Michelle Kirchner not only found these ants in the Triangle region of North Carolina, she is the first to document an entire colony for scientists, taxonomists and ant-thusiasts everywhere.
	Researchers reverse evolution of ancient glycopeptide antibiotics to gain insights for drug development In today's medical landscape, antibiotics are pivotal in combating bacterial infections. These potent compounds, produced by bacteria and fungi, act as natural defenses against microbial attacks. A team of researchers delved into the intricate world of glycopeptide antibiotics—a vital resource in countering drug-resistant pathogens—to uncover their evolutionary origins.
	Turnover in the Iberian fauna reduced the availability of carrion one million years ago: Study Ana Mateos and Jesús Rodríguez, scientists at the Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), have published a paper in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology showing that large herbivore carrion, a resource that had formerly been abundant and accessible to hominins, became scarcer at the end of the Early Pleistocene due to changes in the Iberian fauna.
	Researchers discover the waxy surface protecting plants might hold the key to developing stronger crops A team of U of T Scarborough researchers have discovered that the waxy protective barrier around plants might play a role in sending chemical signals to other plants and insects.
	Pickier dogs found to have pickier brains Dogs' food preferences are mirrored in their brain activity, particularly within their caudate nuclei -a brain region associated with reward processing, a new study combining behavioral and neuroimaging data by researchers from the Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary) and Symrise Pet Food (France) finds.
	Are dogs or cats more skilled in relying on human pointing gestures? Dog and cat owners are familiar with the age-old debate: which of the two species is smarter? However, answering this question is impossible, especially due to the difficulty of a sound comparison.
	Migratory songbird study finds link between white tail spots and longevity A new study of a migratory songbird shows that individuals with average-sized white tail spots—a trait that is critical to successful foraging—live longer than individuals with more extreme amounts of white in the tail.
	Penguins snatch 11 hours of sleep through seconds-long micronaps In humans, nodding off for a few seconds is a clear sign of insufficient sleep—and can be dangerous in some situations, such as when driving a car.
	Research suggests sentinel warning calls may be universally understood across continents Animals often use vocalizations to warn of nearby danger to others. While this information is generally intended for members of the same species, other species can eavesdrop on the warnings to use the information for their own benefit. Sentinels are animals that have warning calls so widely understood by others that those other species will form groups with them, relying on the sentinels to provide warnings of danger.
	Snake skulls show how species adapt to prey By studying the skull shapes of dipsadine snakes, researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington have found how these species of snakes in Central and South America have evolved and adapted to meet the demands of their habitats and food sources.
	New bottlenose dolphin sense discovered: Research suggests they can feel weak electric fields Born tail first, bottlenose dolphin calves emerge equipped with two slender rows of whiskers along their beak-like snouts—much like the touch-sensitive whiskers of seals. But the whiskers fall out soon after birth, leaving the youngster with a series of dimples known as vibrissal pits. Recently, Tim Hüttner and Guido Dehnhardt, from the University of Rostock, Germany, began to suspect that the dimples may be more than just a relic.
	New model allows for learning and prediction of microbial interactions A tiny but prolific world of microbes encompasses everything around us, both inside and out. Microbiomes, which are comprised of diverse communities of microbes, play a pivotal role in shaping human health, yet the intricacies of how different microbial compositions influence our well-being remain largely unknown.
	New study offers cautious hope about the resilience of redwoods New research from Northern Arizona University has explained coast redwood's remarkable ability to recover from very severe fire, a rare sign of optimism amid a landscape increasingly scarred by severe fires.
	Identifying Australia's most elusive birds University of Queensland scientists have analyzed more than 3.8 million volunteer hours of birdwatching data to identify Australia's most elusive species. The research is published in the international journal Emu.
	Researchers develop new method for detecting chronic GI disease in dogs A research team led by the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences' (VMBS) Gastrointestinal Laboratory (GI Lab) has validated a new diagnostic index that will help veterinarians assess chronic GI dysfunction in dogs and may hold the key to diagnosing and treating GI disease in the future.
	A California dry farmer's juicy apples show how agriculture can be done with less water Leaves rustled as Mike Cirone reached into a tree and gently picked an apple. The orchard was filled with a profusion of ripe fruit in shades from golden-green to pinkish red.
	Vertically farmed greens taste as good as organic ones Consumer skepticism about the taste of vertically farmed greens is widespread. But the first scientific taste test from the University of Copenhagen and Plant Food & Research, New Zealand, shows that respondents rate greens grown vertically and without soil as just as good as organic ones.
	Exploring spatial transcriptomics in biomedical research Spatial transcriptomics (ST) emerges as a pivotal technique for cataloging gene expression across tissue sections while retaining crucial locational data.
	MicroRNA is the master regulator of the genome—researchers are learning how to harness the way it controls genes The Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago, and life less than a billion years after that. Although life as we know it is dependent on four major macromolecules—DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids—only one is thought to have been present at the beginning of life: RNA.
	Study elucidates how ionizing radiation damages DNA High doses of X-rays and other kinds of ionizing radiation can damage the DNA present in the cell nucleus, a phenomenon which can both lead to the development of cancer in humans and be used to kill cancer cells. This damage to DNA occurs through two mechanisms: one involves the direct physical impact of ionizing particles; the other is indirect, involving an attack on nucleic acids by chemical species arising from water radiolysis (the decomposition of hydrogen bonds between H2O molecules).
	Peroxidase gene found to confer drought tolerance in soybean Over the past 100 years, global water use has increased sixfold, and increased drought has led to substantial declines in crop production in recent decades. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], originally domesticated in China about 5,000 years ago and subsequently spread worldwide, has become an important and primary source of vegetable oil and protein, as well as a supplement in livestock feed.
	Satellite remote sensing model for wide-area prediction of transpiration rates in Japanese cypress plantations Forests, known as nature's "green dams," play a crucial role in replenishing Earth's groundwater reserves. However, overcrowding in planted forests due to lack of maintenance activities, such as thinning practices, is a pressing concern in Japan. This overcrowding causes substantial water loss from these forests into the atmosphere through a combination of soil evaporation and tree transpiration (Et) known as evapotranspiration.
	Tiny worms are helping scientists better understand fertility Studying sex from just the male perspective misses half the experience. But much of what we know about the origins of reproductive cells comes from looking at sperm and egg formation separately—or only focusing on sperm.
	Understanding the deep relationship between plants and the wind As Earth's climate continues to change, a plant's ability to adapt to its shifting environment is critical to its survival. Often, to stay alive a plant must move locations by releasing its seeds, but plants are rooted in the ground and cannot move themselves. Instead, they are dependent on animals or the wind to carry their seeds to a new location.
	Shape-changing helical microswimmers could revolutionize biomedical applications Artificial helical microswimmers with shape-morphing capabilities and adaptive locomotion are promising for precision medicine and noninvasive surgery. However, current fabrication methods are slow and limited.
	Hurricanes found to boost cone production in longleaf pine New research on tree reproduction is helping solve a puzzle that has stumped tree scientists for decades. Many tree species exhibit a reproductive phenomenon known as "masting," where individual trees have very low seed production in most years, followed by a sudden burst of seed production that is synchronized over large parts of its range. The reason for this coordinated reproduction within a species is unclear.
	Illuminating the benefits of marine protected areas for ecotourism, and vice versa As California, the U.S. and the world work to make good on commitments to conserve 30% of oceans and lands by 2030, all strategies are on the table—and under the microscope. When it comes to the ocean, one valuable tool is marine protected areas (MPAs), regions that are defined, designated and managed for long-term conservation. Among other benefits, MPAs protect habitats and promote species diversity. They also hold value for communities and industries.
	Fungus from Arrakis: New species named after Dune's giant worms A new species of stalked puffball, a gasteroid fungus, has been named after the "Shai-Hulud" sandworms of Frank Herbert's iconic science fiction novel series "Dune."
	The ocean's first large swimming apex predators had exceptionally rapid growth, fossil study finds The rapid diversification of animals over 500 million years ago—often referred to as the Cambrian Explosion—saw the appearance of the first large swimming predators in our oceans. Amplectobelua symbrachiata, a member of the group Radiodonta, which are relatives of modern arthropods, was the largest of these, reaching nearly one meter in length, and can be easily recognized by their fearsome spiny feeding appendages.
	'Tis the season to recognize chocolate: Researchers highlight high quality cacao in Colombia Scientists are working to protect the unique qualities of cacao beans grown in the Buenaventura region on the Pacific coast of Colombia.
	A Galápagos Island warbler population does not recognize call signaling mainland threat Researchers are realizing that animal communication is more complicated than previously thought, and that the information animals share in their vocalizations can be complex. For example, some animals produce calls that warn of specific dangers in the environment, such as a predator, and these calls can even contain information about the type of predator (e.g., flying vs. ground predator). These calls are known as referential calls.
	Following worrying rockfish population data, Maryland looks to cancel spring trophy season for 2024 After five straight years of troubling data on the population of young rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland officials plan to enact emergency regulations canceling this spring's trophy season for recreational anglers.
	3 ways AI can help farmers tackle the challenges of modern agriculture For all the attention on flashy new artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, the challenges of regulating AI, and doomsday scenarios of superintelligent machines, AI is a useful tool in many fields. In fact, it has enormous potential to benefit humanity.
	Drone fishing in South Africa is a danger to sharks and may be unfair to other fishers—study "Drone fishing" is a relatively recent innovation in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Some recreational anglers are using personal drones to fly baited lines into hard-to-reach areas of water, or to look for good fishing areas.
	Developing diagnostics for a deadly elephant disease This past summer, staff at the Louisville Zoo noticed their three-year-old African elephant, Fitz, was less active than usual. A blood test confirmed that he had elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), which can cause a deadly hemorrhagic disease. The staff in Louisville and at zoos around the country rushed to help, but despite antiviral medications, plasma transfusions, and other supportive therapies, Fitz died only a few days later.
	Researchers reinvestigate phylogenetic and biogeographic history of trees in Cryptocaryeae The family Lauraceae is a prominent component of the evergreen broadleaf forests in the tropics and subtropics. However, the biogeographical history of the family is poorly understood due to the difficulty of assigning macrofossils to living genera, poor pollen preservation, and the lack of sufficiently resolved or well-supported phylogenies.
	Venezuela zoo welcomes three white lion cubs A Venezuelan zoo this week welcomed the country's first three white lion cubs born in captivity, a boost for the genetically rare animal whose wild population numbers only about a dozen living in their native South Africa.
	First Adelgid-resistant hemlock hybrids, 'traveler' and 'crossroad,' unveiled Hemlocks [Tsuga (Endl.) Carrière] are foundational, climax coniferous evergreen trees in forested ecosystems and are also iconic in cultivated landscapes. In the United States, the eastern hemlock, T. canadensis (L.) Carr., is a well-known and economically significant species for forest and cultivated landscapes.
	Protecting poultry from bird flu With winter approaching, birds are migrating south to escape the cold and take advantage of more abundant food sources.

Medicine and Health news

	Study shows that distinct subpopulations of cells in the mouse amygdala influence different social behaviors Mammals can engage in a wide range of cooperative and aggressive social behaviors. These behaviors are known to be influenced by different neural circuits, yet the molecular underpinnings of these circuits and their development over time remain poorly understood.
	Long-term ADHD medication use associated with increased cardiovascular disease Research led by the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, has found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with long-term ADHD medication use. Specific associations with different medications and dosages were connected to hypertension and arterial disease, with a higher risk observed for stimulant medications.
	Large language model shows promise in helping clinicians identify postpartum hemorrhage Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide and a common pregnancy complication. This serious medical condition is understudied and not universally defined or well represented in health records. A new study by investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital has used the large language model Flan-T5 to extract medical concepts from electronic health records in order to better define and identify the populations impacted by postpartum hemorrhage.
	Loss of auditory nerve fibers uncovered in individuals with tinnitus A new study from Mass Eye and Ear investigators shows that individuals who report tinnitus, which presents as a ringing in the ears in more than 1 out of 10 adults worldwide, are experiencing auditory nerve loss that is not picked up by conventional hearing tests.
	Brain waves usually found in sleep can protect against epileptic activity Slow waves that usually only occur in the brain during sleep are also present during wakefulness in people with epilepsy and may protect against increased brain excitability associated with the condition, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL.
	Twin research indicates that a vegan diet improves cardiovascular health In a study with 22 pairs of identical twins, Stanford Medicine researchers and their colleagues have found that a vegan diet improves cardiovascular health in as little as eight weeks.
	New classes of RNA for learning and memory found Researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ) have discovered a new way a ribonucleic acid (RNA) impacts fear-related learning and memory.
	Early body contact develops premature babies' social skills, new research shows Skin-to-skin contact between parent and infant during the first hours after a very premature birth helps develop the child's social skills. This is according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open by researchers from Karolinska Institutet and others. The study also shows that fathers may play a more important role than previous research has shown.
	Fish-like genetic program used to turn human retinal cells into neurons Loss of neurons in in the retina due to trauma or disease leads to vision impairment or blindness, a process which is irreversible in humans. Interestingly, some animals like fish have the built-in ability to regenerate retinal neurons by turning another retinal cell type called "Muller glia" into neurons.
	Traumatic memories are represented differently than sad memories in the brains of people with PTSD, research shows A new analysis of the brain activity of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the first to reveal that traumatic memories are represented in the brain in an entirely different way than sad autobiographical memories.
	Neurological research provides molecular insights into the blood–brain barrier A team of researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Sun Yat-Sen University, and Stanford University, has revealed a comprehensive molecular atlas of the adult mouse blood–brain barrier (BBB) at the endothelial cell (EC) level, shedding new light on BBB function in health and neurodegenerative disease. The study was published in Cell Reports.
	New study uncovers molecular interactions driving multiple inflammasome activation and inflammatory cell death A team of researchers, affiliated with UNIST have unraveled the molecular mechanisms behind the activation of multiple inflammasomes and their role in inducing inflammatory cell death. This discovery sheds light on the connection between innate immune sensors and provides valuable insights into the functions of inflammasomes in innate immunity and inflammasome biology.
	Study explores heart failure, uncovers gene's role in recovery Mayo Clinic researchers studying the genetics of people who had recently developed dilated cardiomyopathy, one of the most common causes of heart failure, have found a particular gene to target for developing future drug therapy treatments. The disease makes it harder for the heart's left ventricle to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body.
	Canadian researchers create a bio-ink for 3D printing of heart valves In a breakthrough in pediatric cardiac science, Canadian researchers have successfully produced a bio-ink that could someday be used to print functional, durable heart valves, offering hope for improving the prognosis of children with heart defects.
	Inhibitory signals in visual neurons shown to protect against overstimulation When the eye jumps from one point to another, the image of our surroundings rapidly passes across the retina and triggers a wave of neuronal activity. In order not to be overwhelmed by the sensory impressions produced by our own movements, the brain suppresses processing of the stimuli as this happens.
	Specialized motor neuron region affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, new study finds A new study, published in Cell Reports, reports a novel mechanism behind dysregulated neuronal activity, a key pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Researchers at King's College London found that molecular, structural, and functional changes in the axon initial segment (AIS) drive abnormal neuronal excitability. This is the first study to pinpoint the role of AIS, a specialized region of motor neurons, in ALS pathology.
	Very high levels of 'good cholesterol' may be associated with dementia risk, study shows Abnormally high levels of HDL-C, colloquially known as "good cholesterol," are associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults, a Monash University-led study has found.
	Are you at risk for diet-related disease? Where you spend your day plays a role How many fast-food joints do you come across throughout your day and what does that have to do with your health? "A lot," says Abigail Horn, a lead scientist at USC's Information Sciences Institute (ISI).
	Team uncovers why maternal diabetes predisposes babies to heart defects When women with diabetes become pregnant, they face not only the typical challenges of pregnancy and impending parenthood, but also a scary statistic: they're five times more likely to have a baby with a congenital heart defect.
	Moderate regular exercise found to alleviate some symptoms of postpartum depression Via meta-analysis of prior studies, a small team of physical education researchers at China University of Geosciences has found that engaging in moderate, regular exercise can alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression in some women. In their study, reported in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, the group analyzed 26 prior studies to learn more about the impact of exercise on women experiencing post-partum depression.
	Modular chimeric cytokine receptors improve CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors Immunotherapy using modified chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has greatly improved survival rates for pediatric patients with relapsed and recurrent leukemia. However, these therapies are not as effective in treating solid tumors and can have significant toxicity. Findings from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital showed that adding a modular chimeric cytokine receptor to CAR T cells increased their efficacy in multiple solid tumor models. The study was published today in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
	Scientists use AI-generated images to map visual functions in the brain Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell Tech and Cornell's Ithaca campus have demonstrated the use of AI-selected natural images and AI-generated synthetic images as neuroscientific tools for probing the visual processing areas of the brain. The goal is to apply a data-driven approach to understand how vision is organized while potentially removing biases that may arise when looking at responses to a more limited set of researcher-selected images.
	Pathogens use force to breach immune defenses, study finds Similar to a burglar breaking a window to get into a house, Indiana University researchers have discovered a previously unknown process by which pathogens enter a cell with physical force, breaching the body's immune defenses that prevent infection.
	Ultrasound enables less-invasive brain-machine interfaces Brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) are devices that can read brain activity and translate that activity to control an electronic device like a prosthetic arm or computer cursor. They promise to enable people with paralysis to move prosthetic devices with their thoughts.
	Harnessing the power of a parasite that can stop pain For the first time, scientists have begun to figure out why the disfiguring skin lesions caused by cutaneous leishmaniasis don't hurt.
	Prenatal stem cells treat hemophilia A in preclinical study Researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) have recently published an article in Nature Communications that demonstrates the potential of bioengineered human placental cells as a cure for Hemophilia A.
	Regular screening mammograms significantly reduce breast cancer deaths, finds study Breast cancer mortality is significantly reduced when women regularly attend screening mammograms, according to research being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
	Children who play baseball risk elbow injury, researchers say Youth baseball players are prone to elbow pain and injuries, including repetitive overuse changes and fractures, based on the maturity of their bones, according to a new study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
	Applications of macrocyclic molecules in cancer therapy: Target cancer development or overcome drug resistance A study, by Professor Xiaoling Song, Professor Biao Jiang and Pr. Xiaoling Song and Ph.D. student, Yifan Wu (Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University), on the application of macrocyclic molecules in cancer treatment has been published in MedComm—Oncology.
	Digital camera and AI algorithm can now detect facial palsy Computer scientists have developed a new diagnostic tool using artificial intelligence and a digital camera to detect facial palsy with 98% accuracy, including the patient's gender and age.
	Substance abuse treatment helps reduce reported methamphetamine use among men who have sex with men A nearly decade-long study by UCLA researchers found that substance abuse treatment of any kind may help to reduce methamphetamine usage among men who have sex with other men—a population that has been disproportionately impacted by the U.S. methamphetamine crisis in recent years.
	Research gives insight into importance of sleep on cognitive performance and emotional well-being Politicians, military generals and first responders are just some high-stress positions which should avoid taking important decisions after a night without sleep, new research from the University of Ottawa indicates.
	Social media posts that promote tobacco are increasing, AI detection technology finds When teenagers and young adults see pro-tobacco content on social media, they face higher risks. They are more likely to report using tobacco products such as e-cigarettes (also called vapes), more likely to start using those products for the first time and less likely to view them as harmful.
	Women at risk of death from heart disease due to consistent lack of preventative treatment The consistent undertreatment of women with cardiovascular disease may have led to preventable heart attacks, stroke and even death, according to new research from the University of Aberdeen.
	FDA approves Ogsiveo for desmoid tumors The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc.'s Ogsiveo (nirogacestat) tablets for adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors who require systemic treatment.
	PrEP 'extremely effective' at reducing risk of HIV, study finds A drug which reduces the risk of HIV is "extremely effective," a new study has affirmed as experts called for the drug to be used more widely.
	1 in 3 people dropped by Utah Medicaid left uninsured, a 'concerning' sign for nation About 30% of Utah residents who were cut from Medicaid this year say they became uninsured, according to state officials who conducted a first-of-its-kind survey of people disenrolled from the program.
	HIV: Thwarting a protein in the hope of a better quality of life To mark the occasion of World AIDS Day, Dr. Madeleine Durand and Andrés Finzi are working to reduce chronic inflammation and the risk of comorbidities in people living with HIV.
	Choice of intravenous fluid therapy could improve survival in critically ill patients Results of a new meta-analysis show that intravenous fluid (IV) therapy using balanced solutions rather than commonly used saline can reduce the risk of in-hospital death of critically ill patients by 4%.
	Novel brain stimulation technique shows promise in patients with hard-to-treat depression By making slight modifications to an already approved brain stimulation technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), researchers have reported profound improvement in patients with hard-to-treat depression.
	Experimental drug combination shows promise against hard-to-treat peripheral nerve sheath tumors Combining a pair of experimental drugs may help treat malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors with fewer harmful side effects, according to preliminary animal studies led by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery.
	Miniature organs on chips could revolutionize health care research To understand how bodies work, medical researchers and scientists have created mini models of organs, called organoids. This field of scientific research has had profound impacts on biological discovery and pharmaceutical development.
	Artificial intelligence is already in our hospitals. 5 questions people want answered Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in health care. AI can look for patterns in medical images to help diagnose disease. It can help predict who in a hospital ward might deteriorate. It can rapidly summarize medical research papers to help doctors stay up-to-date with the latest evidence.
	Rise of microplastics discovered in placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers A placenta (commonly known as the "afterbirth" or "ʻiēwe" [ēwe or ʻiewe] in Hawaiian) is a temporary organ which connects the mother to the fetus via the umbilical cord. Its purpose is to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the fetus while serving as a barrier to prevent infections or viruses from entering the developing fetus.
	Nanoplastics linked to Parkinson's and some types of dementia—new study Since it was first produced at the start of the 20th century, synthetic plastic—and especially plastic packaging—has been an ever-present fixture in everyday life. Yet all the convenience plastic has given us comes at a price.
	People who experienced childhood adversity had poorer COVID-19 outcomes, new study shows Adults who faced adversity during childhood were significantly more likely to die from or be hospitalized because of COVID-19. That's the key finding of my team's recent study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
	US food insecurity surveys aren't getting accurate data regarding Latino families The federal government has conducted the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module for more than 25 years. The data collected annually from about 50,000 U.S. households helps form estimates of the scale of food insecurity—not having access to enough food for a healthy life—at the national and state levels.
	New study links blood glycerol levels to tuberculosis severity in type 2 diabetes A collaborative study between the A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs) and the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Chan Medical School has uncovered that elevated glycerol levels are responsible for increased severity of tuberculosis (TB) disease in experimental models with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
	Gentle parenting can be really hard on parents, new research suggests Are you a gentle parent? If so, chances are good that, just like your children, you may need a nap.
	Examining the pitfalls of computer-based psychotherapy The demand for therapy places for people suffering with mental health problems is currently sky high. Depression and anxiety disorders in particular are driving more and more people in Switzerland to seek psychotherapy, and the numbers continue to rise. Although provision of mental health care in Switzerland is generally considered good, those seeking help are now having to wait longer than usual to see a therapist.
	How smartphones weaken attention spans in children and adults It's no secret that smartphones and other digital devices control and consume our attention, both among adults and young people. This can be illustrated with three different, but very common scenarios:
	Does having children make you happier? Here's what the research suggests The prevailing belief in many parts of the world is that having children is key to happiness—and that people who don't have children are unfulfilled in their lives.
	EPA to require removal of all lead pipes from U.S. water system The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it plans to require the removal of all lead pipes from the country's water systems.
	Participants in health research not representative of the UK's diverse population, finds study An audit by University of Manchester experts has found that participants in health research are not representative of the U.K.'s diverse population. The study has been published in BMC Medicine.
	Overcoming drug resistance with EAI-432, an allosteric EGFR inhibitor for non-small cell lung cancer Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a promising new drug candidate, EAI-432, to treat non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC)driven by mutations in the EGFR gene, particularly the L858R mutation which is present in about one-third of NSCLC patients.
	This gross mixture has big benefits for the study of bacteria Animal models are a necessary research tool for understanding how diseases develop and how therapies work in biological systems and can be credited for breakthroughs ranging from effective antibiotics to the COVID-19 vaccines.
	Best foods to eat when you have a stomach bug Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, headache, muscle aches and sometimes fever. It's often called a stomach bug or the stomach flu, but it's not actually the flu or influenza, which is a respiratory illness. This infection often develops though contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water.
	Gut bacteria show promise for thwarting toxic effects of cadmium As a heavy metal that can persist in the human body for decades—and enter it by accumulating in fruits and vegetables—cadmium contributes to cancers of the kidney, lung and prostate, among other organs.
	High altitude training shows promise for patients ahead of surgery A randomized trial of eight volunteers spent a week exposed to reduced oxygen levels that simulated high altitude in a residential hypoxia facility, to see if breathing less oxygen could benefit their physical health.
	Supplement lowers risk of higher glucose caused by blood-pressure drug, researchers find A dietary supplement developed by a UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher significantly reduced high blood sugar caused by a diuretic used to lower blood pressure while also correcting electrolyte imbalances, UTSW researchers report. The findings, published in Hypertension, could offer a solution for the serious side effects associated with this class of drugs.
	Study: New vaccines provide protection against variants, even for those who have had COVID-19 Even if you have had COVID-19, new vaccines will provide protection against new variants of the virus by helping the immune system produce antibodies.
	Implicit bias from providers inhibits hepatitis C treatment in people with HIV, study finds A recent study reveals significant insights into the challenges that can occur for hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination efforts in people with HIV (PWH). Due to the opioid epidemic, the prevalence of co-infection with HIV and HCV has been increasing. If left untreated, HCV infection can lead to liver damage, cancer, and death. Although HIV requires lifelong therapy, HCV can be cured with a few months of oral medications.
	Night shift workers need support to manage weight and metabolic health conditions, says study Work based policies must be designed to target barriers that night shift workers face when managing weight and metabolic health conditions, a Monash University-led review has found.
	Direct-to-consumer businesses promoting unproven stem cell and gene-based interventions, researchers warn While stem cell therapy has been used to successfully generate and repair tissues that have been damaged due to certain conditions and diseases, such as leukemia, it is far from a cure-all.
	Combined use of alcohol and THC can affect rat brains, study finds The increased legalization of cannabis over the past several years can potentially increase its co-use with alcohol. Concerningly, very few studies have looked at the effects of these two drugs when used in combination. In a series of new studies, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign used rats to understand how brain structure and behavior can change when cannabis and alcohol are taken together.
	Flushed with success: Internet of Things cleans up bathroom hygiene In the wake of a pandemic caused by an airborne pathogen, it is easy to forget that many other pathogens are transmitted through very different routes. For instance, many diseases that cause serious and sometimes lethal illness are transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces and thence to the nose and mouth, other orifices, or even cuts and wounds.
	Social determinants of health linked to faster genetic aging Scientists already knew that cardiovascular health can be affected by social determinants of health that include a person's neighborhood, education, access to healthy foods and economic stability. But new research offers a clue as to why: accelerated biological aging.
	Researchers restore lost brain function after stroke in mouse models Researchers have succeeded in restoring lost brain function in mouse models of stroke using small molecules that in the future could potentially be developed into a stroke recovery therapy. "Communication between nerve cells in large parts of the brain changes after a stroke and we show that it can be partially restored with the treatment," says Tadeusz Wieloch, senior professor of neurobiology at Lund University in Sweden.
	Innovative gel offers new hope for treating gastrointestinal leaks In a major advancement in medical technology, researchers at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed an adhesive gel, offering a revolutionary treatment for gastrointestinal leaks, a condition clinically known as enterocutaneous fistulas. This development marks a significant milestone in addressing a challenging medical condition that has long plagued patients and clinicians.
	A novel targeted molecular therapy for drug-resistant biliary tract cancer Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and gallbladder cancer (GBC) are becoming more prevalent globally. An effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of BTCs is gemcitabine. Other novel molecular-targeted drugs have also been developed; however, they are only effective at treating a few cases of BTCs.
	Researchers develop new brain network modeling tools to advance Alzheimer's disease research Indiana University researchers are collaborating on a novel approach to use neuroimaging and network modeling tools—previously developed to analyze the brains of patients in the clinic—to investigate Alzheimer's disease progression in preclinical animal models.
	Team develops gene therapy to 'pre-treat' neuroblastoma tumors University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a potential gene therapy to "pre-treat" neuroblastoma tumors in order to make chemotherapy more effective.
	Study: Online training program helps reduce colonic surgery complications around the world Patients around the world needing colonic surgery may be less likely to experience major complications after surgeons received online education run by the University of Birmingham's Global Surgery Unit.
	Study uses genetic data to support use of thiazide diuretics for kidney stone prevention Kidney stones affect nearly 10% of the global population. For more than three decades, thiazide diuretics, a common medication used for high blood pressure, have been the standard of care for kidney stone prevention because they reduce the excretion of urinary calcium.
	Early rhythm control, lifestyle modification and more tailored stroke risk assessment are top goals in managing afib The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), along with several other leading medical associations, have issued a new guideline for preventing and optimally managing atrial fibrillation (AFib). The guideline was jointly published today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation.
	Largest study of its kind shows leafy greens may decrease bowel cancer risk Increasing the amount of folate through our diet or taking supplements could help to reduce bowel cancer risk.
	Scientists find gene therapy reduces liver cancer in animal model Researchers at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center have shown that inhibiting a specific protein using gene therapy can shrink hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice. Silencing the galectin 1 (Gal1) protein, which is often over-expressed in HCC, also improved the anti-cancer immune response and increased the number of killer T cells inside tumors. The study was published in Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B.
	Eating beans found to improve gut health, regulate immune and inflammatory processes in colorectal cancer survivors Incorporating navy beans into the diet of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors has the potential to positively impact both gut and host health by modulating markers linked to obesity and disease, according to new research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
	Individuals with high Alzheimer's risk may use attention to process, rather than suppress, distracting stimuli Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that damages a person's ability to think, remember, and perform basic functions. According to the National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer's affects more than 6 million Americans, mostly ages 65 and older. Though the neurological damage from the disease is irreversible, its progression can be slowed by early interventions such as exercise and nutrition regimens. Thus, an early screening for Alzheimer's risk can be vital in helping people manage and plan for their symptoms.
	Plastic surgeons ask: What's the ideal male buttock? At a time when more men are considering body contouring and gluteal enhancement, an Internet survey provides new information on the "ideal" appearance of the male buttock, reports the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
	Hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury treatment options could be expanded A new study published in the journal eGastroenterology provides an updated assessment of the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI). This severe and often fatal condition can occur in patients with cirrhosis.
	Breakthrough in 3D printing could enable access to personalized prosthetic devices anywhere in the world Lower limb prosthetic sockets could soon be printed in remote locations and even in users' homes, thanks to a groundbreaking process developed by manufacturing experts at Loughborough University.
	Aging modulates extracellular vesicles of epidermal keratinocytes, finds study A new research paper was published on the cover of Aging titled, "Chronological aging impacts abundance, function and microRNA content of extracellular vesicles produced by human epidermal keratinocytes."
	US gun suicides keep rising, now make up half of all suicides: Report The latest national data show that when it comes to suicide, Americans are increasingly resorting to firearms as their method of choice.
	Researchers publish a new model to predict improvement in brain health As part of its ongoing quest to advance better brain health and performance, new research led by Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas investigated neural biomarkers associated with improvements on a brain health index.
	Stigmatizing content on social media affects perceptions of mental health care, study reveals Research has shown that social media can negatively impact people's mental health. But can it affect people's beliefs about mental health treatment?
	African company to start making vaginal rings that protect against HIV A South African company will make vaginal rings that protect against HIV, which AIDS experts say should eventually make them cheaper and more readily available.
	Doctors urge precaution while shoveling snow to protect your heart Last year's heavy snow season has many people thinking about what Mother Nature has in store this year. To stay healthy this holiday season and beyond, Mayo Clinic Health System is recommending people pace themselves while clearing snow.
	Epilepsy in children: Symptoms, causes and treatment Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is common, and there are many types. About one in 26 people in the U.S. will develop the disease in their lifetime. It affects people of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Anyone can develop epilepsy.
	Climate change could upturn world malaria fight: WHO Climate change is making the fight against malaria even harder, with the campaign already struggling to make up ground lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization warned Thursday.
	Cholera claims 23 lives in Ethiopia: charity Cholera has claimed the lives of at least 23 people in eastern Ethiopia, an area hit by major flooding, Save the Children said Thursday, warning that the epidemic could become uncontrollable across the region.
	Anthrax outbreak in Uganda kills 17 in November At least 17 people have died in an anthrax outbreak in southern Uganda this month, a local official told AFP Thursday, saying the situation was "under control".
	Q&A: First case of swine flu in humans detected in UK A British man has contracted swine flu, the first detected human case recorded in the UK. Here's what you need to know about the disease.
	Privacy fears over handing NHS data to US defense provider show how lack of trust is holding back much-needed reform Controversial US tech company Palantir has been awarded a £330 million contract to create a new system for sharing data—including patients' medical details—within the NHS in England.
	Israeli hostages may need to fight to regain a sense of control in their everyday lives—expert explains What the Israeli hostages have had to go through is unimaginable. The trauma of that unexpected, barbaric attack by Hamas, the murder of loved ones, then being violently abducted and dragged down into tunnels deep underground in Gaza. We live in a society where we often talk about trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but it's rarely this bad.
	Evolving trends in cosmetic breast augmentation Ongoing quality improvement data submitted by Board-certified plastic surgeons highlight current trends in surgical technique in cosmetic breast augmentation using implants, reports a study in the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
	COVID wave: What's the latest on antiviral drugs, and who is eligible in Australia? Australia is experiencing a fresh wave of COVID, seeing increasing cases, more hospitalizations and a greater number of prescriptions for COVID antivirals dispensed over recent months.
	Canada's primary care transformation slow, fragmented, study finds Canada's primary care system is falling short of high-performance standards despite significant investments to transform the sector, according to a study led by Monica Aggarwal, assistant professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
	Structural racism shown to persist in radiotherapy Everyone should get quality care, no matter the color of their skin. However, implicit bias, micro-aggressions, and a lack of cultural understanding persist, leading to oppression and unequal treatment in health care.
	Parental engagement positively associated with safer driving among young people, study finds Researchers from the Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Centre (CIMCYC) at the University of Granada (UGR) have adapted the Family Climate for Road Safety Scale (FCRSS) for young drivers and their parents to the Spanish context in order to assess the validity and reliability of FCRSS measures, based on seven dimensions: modeling, feedback, communication, monitoring, commitment to road safety, messages, and limits.
	Study: HIV diagnoses among people born in Ukraine reported by EU/EEA countries in 2022 Across the 30 countries of the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA), 22,995 new HIV diagnoses were reported in 2022. Almost every second new HIV diagnosis (49%, n=11,103) was among migrants, i.e., among people who were not born in the country they were diagnosed in.

Other Sciences news

	The first validation of the Lillo Mike Farmer Model on a large financial market dataset Economics and physics are distinct fields of study, yet some researchers have been bridging the two together to tackle complex economics problems in innovative ways. This resulted in the establishment of an interdisciplinary research field, known as econophysics, which specializes in solving problems rooted in economics using physics theories and experimental methods.
	Study uncovers link between musical preferences and our inner moral compass A new study, published in PLOS ONE, has uncovered a remarkable connection between individuals' musical preferences and their moral values, shedding new light on the profound influence that music can have on our moral compass.
	Dishing the dirt on human evolution: Why scientific techniques matter in archaeology Scientists should seek answers hidden in the dirt using proven and state-of-the-art archaeological science techniques to support new discoveries about human evolution following recent controversies at a cave site in Africa, says a group of international experts.
	Economic crashes linked to rise in male suicides, vast review shows Governments need to fund health services to support people during recessions and economic crises, say the authors of a vast review of research on the topic to-date.
	There's a financial literacy gender gap—older women are eager for education that meets their needs Every day, families across the U.S. have to make difficult decisions about budgeting, spending, insurance, investments, savings, retirement and on and on. When faced with these choices, financial literacy—that is, knowing how to make informed decisions about money—is key.
	Tech startups with diverse founding teams are more likely to seek IPO or acquisition The importance of immigrant entrepreneurs and diversity in management has been widely demonstrated in academic literature. When management teams are diverse, they are able to bring a variety of perspectives to the decision-making process.
	What makes sustainable consumption so difficult? While many people want to achieve major long-term goals—such as improving their diet, quitting smoking or adopting a more sustainable lifestyle—they often find it difficult to do so. Is it all down to a lack of self-discipline? No, it's not, according to social psychologist Professor Wilhelm Hofmann from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
	Mainstream environmental nonprofits get most philanthropic support at expense of diverse organizations Environmental nonprofit organizations that have diverse leadership and work in equity-deserving communities receive considerably less philanthropic support than conventional, mainstream nonprofits, according to new research published in the journal Energy Research & Social Science.
	Q&A: Where do accents come from? Linguist explains why we talk the way we talk When it comes to how we talk, accents are often the thing people focus on first. We love to do impressions, and certain accents even have an impact on what we buy. But what exactly is an accent, and how does one develop?
	Why do most women still take their husband's last name when getting married? It's been over 50 years since there was a legal and cultural shift around women keeping their last names when they married. But many women who marry men still opt to change their name to their husband's upon saying, "I do."
	Study shows Black households pay higher heating costs, seek cold-related medical care more often Ticking up the thermostat a degree or two is going to cost anyone more money, but a new study from UConn researchers suggests Black households pay more to keep their homes comfortable, in part due to increased cold sensitivity.
	Who supports Putin? Men, older generations and traditionalists, study shows An international team of researchers has released an exhaustive look at support for Russia's autocratic President Vladimir Putin across several neighboring countries.
	Expand railways in poorer countries to achieve climate goals, new research says A new study has made a compelling case for significantly expanding rail infrastructure in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs), in order to reach climate goals and provide economic benefits.
	High school students' academic development linked to achievement emotions over time School students experience a wide range of achievement emotions during the years they spend attending school. Some of those emotions, such as joy and pride, are positive. Yet students also experience boredom and anger when they find achievement activities too difficult or too easy. These differing emotions are important for adolescents' development trajectories.
	New research shows what NASA can teach organizations about strategic agility In their 60-year's history, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had to go through several radical organizational changes. New research by ESMT Berlin and Warwick Business School shows what NASA's history can teach organizations about strategic agility, and how organizations can adapt their business models effectively to cater to external challenges.
How to get someone out of a cult—and what happens afterward No one ever sets out to join a cult. At the beginning it looks like the group will meet some need or ideal. For most people it seems to work initially—at least somewhat.
	Being child-free has been deemed 'selfish' for decades—the history of this misconception explained Choosing to be child-free is more common than ever before in some countries, including the US. Many people see not having children an ethical and ecological choice, made to protect the environment, people and other species. Being child-free is about being "green". Consequently, more positive discourses around childlessness are emerging.
	Internet is fueling new wave of misogyny, says linguistics expert Society has gone backwards in its treatment of women with the internet fueling new forms of misogyny, according to the author of a new book.
	Aid workers in war zones like Gaza face impossible choices that can leave them traumatized The shaky pause in fighting agreed between Hamas and Israel is bringing much needed relief to the civilians of Gaza. With its future still uncertain, aid workers are rushing to deliver food, water and other vital supplies. However, it is clear that resources are insufficient to meet the current needs of Palestinian civilians.
	Despite pressures facing young families, parents take precious moments to play with their babies Four in five primary caregivers of nine-month-old babies reported cuddling, talking and playing with their little one several times a day, in England's first national long-term study of babies in over two decades, led by UCL (University College London).
	Graduates of a Michigan school-to-work transitional program achieve high success in obtaining employment A new study published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation evaluates the employment outcomes and ongoing support needs among graduates of Project SEARCH in Michigan, a one-year school-to-work transitional program. Replicated at more than 500 sites across the United States and worldwide, the program prepares students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to attain and maintain competitive employment upon graduation.

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