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Science X Newsletter Tue, Nov 14

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for November 14, 2023:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Integrated circuits based on a 2D semiconductor operating at GHz frequencies

Climate change increasing likelihood of extreme snowfall in the French Alps, research suggests

In clinical trial, aspirin avoidance leads to better outcomes for patients with left ventricular assist devices

ALMA observations shed more light on molecular clouds associated with supernova remnant LHA 120-N49

A system that allows robots to use tools creatively by leveraging large language models

CAR T cell therapies may lead to reactivation of childhood viral infections

New study highlights need to address risk of continued global warming after net zero

Faster Arctic warming hastens 2-degree-Celsius rise by eight years, finds modeling study

New study reveals surprising insights into feeding habits of carnivorous dinosaurs in North America

Tunneling recombination layer boosts efficiency of tandem solar cells

Fungi's secrets for surviving a hypersaline environment

Using eclipses to calculate the transparency of Saturn's rings

Studies identify novel underpinnings of genetic ALS

Insect trapped in amber reveals the evolutionary battles of ancient Europe

Using AI to estimate future water and electricity demands in major cities in light of global warming

Nanotechnology news

New water treatment method can generate green energy

Researchers from ICIQ in Spain have designed micromotors that move around on their own to purify wastewater. The process creates ammonia, which can serve as a green energy source. Now, an AI method developed at the University of Gothenburg will be used to tune the motors to achieve the best possible results.

Lipid nanoparticles that deliver mRNA to T cells hold promise against autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune disorders are among the most prevalent chronic diseases across the globe. Emerging treatments for autoimmune disorders focus on "adoptive cell therapies," or those using cells from a patient's own body to achieve immunosuppression. These therapeutic cells are recognized by the patient's body as "self," therefore limiting side effects, and are specifically engineered to localize the intended therapeutic effect.

New results to help fine-tune catalytic properties of bimetallic nanoparticles

Nanoparticles range in size from 1 to 100 nanometers, and compared with usual particles, they are known to have unique features that are increasingly used for diagnosing cancer, developing small electronic devices and solar batteries, as well as in many other spheres.

Microplastics come from everywhere—yes, that includes sex toys

As more research reveals how many microplastic particles humans are ingesting and absorbing in their bloodstreams, Duke and Appalachian State researchers led by Joana Sipe and Christine Hendren have examined a source for microplastic absorption many would not have considered: sex toys.

Nano-CaCO₃ stabilized ferroptosis-inducing Lipiodol based microreactors for TAFE therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. For most intermediate-advanced HCC patients, transarterial embolization (TAE) therapy is the mainstream treatment by utilizing embolic agents to block the tumor blood supply to induce ischemic necrosis attributing to its minimal invasiveness.

Physics news

Laser pulse compression by a density gradient plasma for exawatt to zettawatt lasers

A new method of creating laser pulses, more than 1,000 times as powerful as those currently in existence, has been proposed by scientists in the UK and South Korea.

Putting sound waves to work to create safer public spaces

The risk of hearing loss does not come just from loud machinery or other obvious noise. It can also affect people in public environments like theaters and concert halls. Absorbing this excess sound to make public environments safer for hearing and using the unwanted sound waves to create electricity is the aim of a paper, entitled "Piezoelectric system on harnessing sound energy in closed environment," published in Physics of Fluids.

A 'gold standard' for computational materials science codes

For the past few decades, physicists and materials scientists around the world have been busy developing computer codes that simulate the key properties of materials, and they can now choose from a whole family of such tools, using them to publish tens of thousands of scientific articles per year.

Earth news

Climate change increasing likelihood of extreme snowfall in the French Alps, research suggests

Global warming is often cited as having a negative impact on snow and ice melt in cold regions, yet new research published in The Cryosphere has suggested that extreme snowfall events may be a feature of some locations at higher latitudes and elevations in the decades to come.

New study highlights need to address risk of continued global warming after net zero

From scorching heat waves to torrential downpours and devastating storms, the disastrous effects of global warming are sweeping across the world. Considering the predicted outcome of burning fossil fuels, our best and only plan to limit warming is to reduce CO2 emissions from human activities to "net zero"—where the amount of CO2 we emit into the atmosphere is equal to the amount we remove from it. To keep within the 1.5°C limit of the 2015 Paris Agreement, this must happen as soon as possible.

Faster Arctic warming hastens 2-degree-Celsius rise by eight years, finds modeling study

Faster warming in the Arctic will be responsible for a global 2 C temperature rise being reached eight years earlier than if the region were warming at the average global rate, according to a new modeling study led by UCL researchers.

Using AI to estimate future water and electricity demands in major cities in light of global warming

A multi-institutional team of industrial engineers has used AI technology to make projections of increased demand for electricity and water due to climate change in major cities across the U.S. In their study, published open access in the journal One Earth, the group trained an AI system with both climate data and electricity and water usage statistics for 46 major cities in the U.S.

Researchers reveal that Earth's surface water can penetrate deep into the planet, transforming core's outer layer

A few decades ago, seismologists imaging the deep planet identified a thin layer, just over a few hundred kilometers thick. The origin of this layer, known as the E prime layer, has been a mystery—until now.

Study sheds light on how Earth cycles its fossil carbon

As the primary element of life on our planet, carbon is constantly journeying from living creatures down into the Earth's crust and back up into the atmosphere, but until recently, quantifying this journey was virtually impossible.

Research reveals evidence of recurring ancient supereruption

Researchers have discovered a series of large undersea sediment deposits in a region near Italy that were likely formed by an ancient volcanic supereruption.

Study shows surprising results around coastal restoration, mangroves and sediment

"Don't blame the mangroves," is a key take-away of an international collaboration looking into vegetation removal, sedimentation, and coastal restoration. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows coastal restoration on a smaller local scale isn't going to cut through the mud without larger scale catchment change.

High-severity wildfires threaten global timber production, new study finds

Severe wildfires are putting global timber production at risk, new research from The Australian National University (ANU), the University of Sheffield and the University of Cambridge shows.

Some of today's earthquakes may be aftershocks from quakes in the 1800s

In the 1800s, some of the strongest earthquakes in recorded U.S. history struck North America's continental interior. Almost two centuries later, the central and eastern United States may still be experiencing aftershocks from those events, a study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth finds.

Forests could absorb much more carbon, but does it matter?

Protecting forests globally could vastly increase the amount of carbon they sequester, a new study finds, but given our current emissions track, does it really matter?

Scientists test new method for identifying small microplastics

Microplastics, from the beads that were once commonplace in cosmetics to the weathered and broken-down remnants of trash, are now ubiquitous in marine and inland waters around the world. To date, though, scientists have struggled to identify which plastics persist longest in the environment and measure their abundance, especially at the smaller end of the size range where they're most likely to be consumed by foundational species near the bottom of the food web, like zooplankton.

Researcher: This is the hottest autumn on record—and it's impacting the climate system and human society

We are still getting used to a "new normal" of devastating summer heat waves. But the effects of a warming climate are being felt throughout the year, and recent autumn months have been further off the charts than ever.

How salinity affects seasonal variability of the Makassar Strait throughflow

The Makassar Strait throughflow (MST) accounts for approximately 77% of the total volume transport of the Indonesian throughflow (ITF), and it influences mass and heat exchanges between the Indo-Pacific basin and global climate.

Québec's summer 2023 wildfires were the most devastating in 50 years. Is the worst yet to come?

After a summer of exceptional wildfires, the return of cooler temperatures and snowy conditions will provide Québec's forests a brief respite.

Conflict pollution, washed-up landmines and military emissions: How war trashes the environment

When armed conflict breaks out, we first focus on the people affected. But the suffering from war doesn't stop when the fighting does. War trashes the environment. Artillery strikes, rockets and landmines release pollutants, wipe out forests and can make farmland unusable.

Q&A: Is a volcano about to erupt in Iceland? Expert explains the telltale signs that an eruption might occur

Residents of Grindavik, a fishing town in southwestern Iceland, have evacuated and a state of emergency has been declared, as local authorities say a volcanic eruption may be imminent.

Learning about seismic signatures when the Earth moves: Earthquake risk in Indonesia

Professor Nick Rawlinson is fascinated by the shifting crust of the planet, the jostle of tectonic plates, the rupture of faults and the shaking of the earth.

Researchers: Collapse of West Antarctic ice sheet is still preventable—if we act fast to keep future warming in check

Projecting when and how fast the West Antarctic Ice Sheet will lose mass due to current and future global ocean warming—and the likely impact on sea level rise and coastal communities—is a priority for climate science.

Research reveals extreme fluctuations between drought and flooding are devastating millions of lives

New research reveals millions of people around the world living in poverty have been experiencing a "climate hazard flip" since the turn of the century.

National climate plans won't limit warming to 1.5°C, so COP28 is critical, UN warns

A new report from UN Climate Change finds national climate action plans remain insufficient to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Research offers more precise forecasting of required precipitation for a recent drought recovery

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the average national rainfall for March in 2023 measured a mere 28.7 mm, which is only half of the usual amount.

Quantifying the risk associated with rockfalls in the Andes

High mountain regions often face a multitude of natural hazards, the combined effects of which, known as "cascading hazards," can have serious consequences for infrastructure and urban areas.

Myanmar's famed Inle Lake chokes on floating farms

From a gently rocking boat, Nyunt Win tends a floating tomato crop in the cool water of Myanmar's famed Inle Lake, nestled in the Shan Hills and once the country's most popular tourist spot.

Residents get brief return to volcano-risk Icelandic town

From Christmas gifts to sheep, residents forced from an Icelandic town damaged by hundreds of earthquakes in recent days were able to briefly return on Monday to retrieve their belongings, authorities said.

Video: Monitoring methane from space

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. Curbing methane emissions could deliver immediate and long-lasting benefits for the climate, seeing as the gas only lingers in the atmosphere for a relatively short time.

World severely off track to limit planet-heating emissions: UN

The world is "failing to get a grip" on climate change, the UN warned Tuesday, as an assessment of climate pledges shows only minor progress on reducing emissions this decade.

Toxic gunk cleansed from South Carolina's Congaree River 13 years after first reported. What's next?

Thirteen years after a kayaker reported stepping into a stinging patch of muck in the Congaree River, contractors have cleaned up the toxic mess that covered a stretch of the river bottom below the Gervais Street bridge in Columbia, South Carolina.

Five takeaways from a sweeping report on climate change in the US

A major U.S. government report published today describes how intensifying climate change is disrupting lives and businesses nationwide, even as communities in every state ramp up their response to the crisis.

'Forever chemicals' blood tests in Belgium over polluted water

Belgium's southern Wallonia region pledged Tuesday to offer free blood tests for residents to measure their possible exposure to PFAS "forever chemicals" amid a scandal over polluted drinking water.

How waste from the mining industry has perpetuated apartheid-like policies in South Africa

While apartheid—South Africa's brutal racial segregation laws of the 20th century—officially came to an end in the early 1990s, its harmful effects persist today, says Stanford historian Gabrielle Hecht in her new book, "Residual Governance: How South Africa Foretells Planetary Futures."

Astronomy and Space news

ALMA observations shed more light on molecular clouds associated with supernova remnant LHA 120-N49

Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international team of astronomers has observed a supernova remnant known as LHA 120-N49. Results of the observational campaign, published November 3 on the pre-print server arXiv, provide crucial insights into the nature and properties of molecular clouds associated with this remnant.

Using eclipses to calculate the transparency of Saturn's rings

A Lancaster University Ph.D. student has measured the optical depth of Saturn's rings using a new method based on how much sunlight reached the Cassini spacecraft while it was in the shadow of the rings.

Researchers obtain evidence for nanoflares heating coronal loops

Researchers from Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have demonstrated the evolution of separated strands within the apparent single coronal loops observed in Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) images.

Downloading NASA's dark matter data from above the clouds

Data from a NASA mission to map dark matter around galaxy clusters has been saved by a new recovery system designed by scientists at the University of Sydney. The system allowed the retrieval of gigabytes of information, even after communication failed and the balloon-based telescope was damaged in the landing process.

Answering longstanding questions about jets from black holes

The one thing everyone knows about black holes is that absolutely everything nearby gets sucked into them. Almost everything, it turns out.

Brightest flash ever disturbed Earth's atmosphere last year

Last year the brightest flash of light ever seen in the night sky disturbed Earth's upper atmosphere in a way that has never before detected before, researchers said on Tuesday.

Study finds strongest evidence yet for local sources of cosmic ray electrons

A new study using data from the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) instrument on the International Space Station has found evidence for nearby, young sources of cosmic ray electrons, contributing to a greater understanding of how the galaxy functions as a whole.

Testing of citizen scientist discovery suggests it is on the boundary between comet and asteroid

A team of space scientists, astronomers and astrophysicists affiliated with multiple institutions across the U.S., working with a colleague from Italy, has determined that a celestial object spotted by citizen scientists back in 2016 is neither a comet nor an asteroid, but an object that lies on the boundary between both. In their paper published in the journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters, the group describes the multiple tests they did to determine the nature of the object and what they learned about it as a result.

Big bang: Dutch firm eyes space baby

Climate crises, nuclear Armageddon, or a sudden meteor strike—it's clear humanity could do with Planet B. But first we need to learn to reproduce safely in space, says Dutch entrepreneur Egbert Edelbroek.

Trailblazing new Earth satellite put to test in preparation for launch

NISAR, the trailblazing Earth-observing radar satellite being developed by the United States and Indian space agencies, passed a major milestone on Nov. 13, emerging from a 21-day test aimed at evaluating its ability to function in the extreme temperatures and the vacuum of space.

Five ways NASA supercomputing takes missions from concept to reality

NASA high-end computing plays a key role in taking many agency missions from concept to application in the real world. From increasing accuracy of global weather forecasts for forecast entities (like NOAA) to warn of severe storms, to designs for future air taxis to safely fly people around urban areas, to parachute design tests for landing spacecraft on the moon and other planets, our supercomputing resources and experts are driving science and engineering advances for the benefit of humanity.

Atmospheric Waves Experiment launches to space station

At 8:28 p.m. EST on Nov. 9, 2023, NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, or AWE, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the 29th commercial resupply mission (CRS-29) for NASA.

Bioengineers send cardiac muscle samples into space to study heart cell biology in microgravity

Mount Sinai's Cardiovascular Research Institute is sending bioengineered human heart muscle cells and micro-tissues into space for the first time on NASA's 29th SpaceX commercial resupply services mission, which launched Thursday, November 9. The "SpaceX CRS-29" mission is sending scientific research to the International Space Station (ISS), where the samples will stay for approximately 30 days before returning to Earth.

Technology news

Integrated circuits based on a 2D semiconductor operating at GHz frequencies

Transistors are crucial electronic components that regulate, amplify and control the flow of current inside most existing devices. In recent years, electronics engineers have been trying to identify materials and design strategies that could help to further improve the performance of transistors, while also reducing their size.

A system that allows robots to use tools creatively by leveraging large language models

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Google DeepMind recently developed RoboTool, a system that can broaden the capabilities of robots, allowing them to use tools in more creative ways. This system, introduced in a paper published on the arXiv preprint server, could soon bring a new wave of innovation and creativity to the field of robotics.

Tunneling recombination layer boosts efficiency of tandem solar cells

Prof. Ye Jichun's team from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), along with researchers from Soochow University, have developed a polycrystalline silicon tunneling recombination layer for perovskite/tunnel oxide passivating contact (TOPCon) silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs), which has achieved excellent efficiency and high stability.

Experimental brain-like computing system more accurate with custom algorithm

An experimental computing system physically modeled after the biological brain has "learned" to identify handwritten numbers with an overall accuracy of 93.4%. The key innovation in the experiment was a new training algorithm that gave the system continuous information about its success at the task in real time while it learned. The study was published in Nature Communications.

Inch by inch, this machine is leading soft robotics to a more energy efficient future

Princeton researchers have developed a flexible, lightweight and energy efficient soft robot that moves without the use of any legs or rotary parts. Instead, the device uses actuators that convert electrical energy into vibrations that allow it to wiggle from point to point using only a single watt.

Cloud data storage security approach taps quantum physics

Distributed cloud storage is a hot topic for security researchers around the globe pursuing secure data storage, and a team in China is now merging quantum physics with mature cryptography and storage techniques to achieve a cost-effective cloud storage solution.

Cracking the da Vinci chronology: System tries to bring order to the works of a Renaissance genius

Leonardo da Vinci may have been a genius, but he was also a hot mess—at least in terms of organizing his works. When he died in 1519, the Renaissance master left behind 7,000 pages of undated drawings, scientific observations and personal journals, more or less jumbled up in a box. So, when his assistant collected da Vinci's papers, he did his best to collate them into journals, or codices, mostly based on subject matter. Ever since, art historians have used all sorts of techniques to make an accurate timeline of the various documents now held in museums and collections across the world.

A new blueprint for designing high-performance batteries

A team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory discovered an intriguing cooperative behavior that occurs among complex mixtures of components in electrolytes in batteries. Electrolytes are materials that move charge-carrying particles known as ions between a battery's two electrodes, converting stored chemical energy into electricity.

The new frontier in online security: Quantum-safe cryptography

A team of experts led by Monash University researchers, in collaboration with Australia's national science agency CSIRO, has created an algorithm that can help strengthen online transactions that use end-to-end encryption against powerful attacks from quantum computers.

Capturing wellhead gases for profit and a cleaner environment

Burning of natural gas at oil and gas wells, called flaring, is a major waste of fossil fuels and a contributor to climate change. But to date, capturing the flared natural gas, estimated at some 140 billion cubic meters per year by the International Energy Agency, has not been economically feasible.

A new benchmark for high-performance carbon cathodes in lithium-oxygen batteries

Lithium-air batteries, sometimes known as lithium-oxygen batteries (Li-O2), comprise a lithium metal anode, an organic electrolyte and a porous carbon cathode. During discharge, oxygen in the surrounding air reacts with lithium at the cathode, releasing energy in the process. Given their extremely high energy density (> 3500 Wh kg-1), Li-O2 batteries could potentially lead the way in generating greener sources for energy security.

YouTube creators will soon have to disclose use of gen AI in videos or risk suspension

YouTube is rolling out new rules for AI content, including a requirement that creators reveal whether they've used generative artificial intelligence to make realistic looking videos.

Why Google and Meta owe news publishers much more than you think—and billions more than they'd like to admit

In a time of war and populism, the world needs quality information and credible news outlets. Local news is a part of this healthy ecology.

Q&A: Automakers cleared in privacy lawsuit. Are your text messages and call logs at risk?

A federal judge in Seattle has thrown out a class-action lawsuit alleging that some of the top automakers had used vehicles' onboard infotainment systems to record and intercept drivers' texts and phone call logs.

New 3D printing method creates a steel-aluminum fusion hybrid

Steel and aluminum are key players in supporting economic growth, yet materials joining them remain unexplored due to their fusion zones' brittleness. A new 3D printing method's fix may be a step toward a steel-aluminum hybrid renaissance.

Developing security protocols for misuse-resistant digital surveillance

Privacy is gaining importance in our digital society. There is a strong demand for anonymity and confidentiality of data according to the European General Data Protection Regulation.

Web tool looks belowground for an economically viable renewable energy source

Geothermal power has a lot of promise as a renewable energy source that is not dependent on the sun shining or the wind blowing, but it has some challenges to wide adoption. One of these challenges is that there are a limited number of locations in the U.S. that naturally have the right conditions: hot rock relatively close to the surface and with plentiful groundwater to heat up.

What is the difference between AI ethics, responsible AI, and trustworthy AI?

AI is everywhere—driving cars, diagnosing illnesses, making credit decisions, ranking job candidates, identifying faces, assessing parolees. These headlines alone should be enough to convince you that AI is far from ethical. Nonetheless, terms like "ethical AI" prevail alongside equally problematic terms like "trustworthy AI."

New CPU vulnerability extends to virtual machine environments

In the area of cloud computing—on-demand access to IT resources via the internet—so-called trusted execution environments (TEEs) play a major role. They are designed to ensure that the data on the virtual work environments (virtual machines) is secure and cannot be manipulated or stolen.

Battery energy storage systems are here: Is your community ready?

Across the nation, the transition to clean energy will require thoughtful conversation and robust planning for communities. In fact, many communities are already being asked to evaluate building proposals for a relatively new kind of utility infrastructure: battery energy storage systems (commonly called BESS).

Assessing the solvency of virtual asset service providers: Are current standards sufficient?

The collapse of FTX clearly highlights the importance of being able to evaluate the solvency of cryptocurrency exchanges. Currently, this is only possible to a limited extent. That's why researchers from the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), in collaboration with the Financial Market Authority (FMA) and the Austrian National Bank (OeNB), are now proposing a new approach.

Musk's X fails to pay Australian watchdog fine

Elon Musk's X has not paid a fine imposed for failing to outline its plans to stamp out content depicting child sexual abuse on the platform, Australia's internet safety watchdog told AFP on Tuesday.

China emissions could fall in 2024 on renewables jump

China's carbon emissions are likely to fall in 2024 because record growth in renewable energy capacity is now sufficient to cover growing demand, a new analysis finds.

1962 Ferrari auctioned for $51.7 mn in New York: Sotheby's

A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sports car sold for $51.7 million in New York on Monday, making it the second most expensive car ever sold at auction, Sotheby's said.

Apple supplier Foxconn says profits fueled by holiday season demand

Key iPhone supplier Foxconn posted "better-than-expected" profits in its third quarter, with leadership on Tuesday attributing the surprise jump to demand ahead of the holiday season.

Ethiopian Airlines snaps up 31 Boeings in 'landmark' deal

Ethiopian Airlines ordered 31 Boeing jets with an option for 36 more in a "landmark" deal on Tuesday as it joined the list of companies betting big on the growth of aviation.

Long-haul carrier Emirates signals it will hold off on major Airbus purchase over engine worries

Long-haul carrier Emirates signaled Tuesday it will hold off on a major purchase of Airbus A350 aircraft over concerns about their Rolls Royce engines, marking a major blow for the European manufacturer during the Dubai Air Show.

Compostable capsules most sustainable option for single-serve coffee units: Study

Wageningen University & Research has assessed the environmental impacts and circularity of different materials for single serve coffee capsules, when subjected to various end-of-life scenarios. When both material circularity and greenhouse gas emissions are considered, compostable capsules are the most sustainable option.

Stellantis production affected by cyberattack at auto supplier

Production at the maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models is being affected after a cyberattack on an automotive supplier disrupted its operations, the automaker said.

An approach for unsupervised domain adaptation based on an integrated autoencoder

Unsupervised domain adaptation has garnered a great amount of attention and research in past decades. Among all the deep-based methods, the autoencoder-based approach has achieved sound performance for its fast convergence speed and a no-label requirement. The existing methods of autoencoders just serially connect the features generated by different autoencoders, which poses challenges for discriminative representation learning and which fails to find the real cross-domain features.

After Beatles, AI to bring Edith Piaf voice back to life for biopic

A new biopic on the life of Edith Piaf will use artificial intelligence to allow the French star to narrate her own story, Warner Music and her estate said on Tuesday.

Siemens Energy gets state-backed 15-bn-euro rescue package

Siemens Energy will receive a 15-billion-euro ($16.3-billion), state-backed rescue package, Berlin said Tuesday, as the German group struggles to overcome a crisis in its wind power unit.

UK govt urges food delivery firms to step up vetting

The UK government on Tuesday urged online food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo to step up driver vetting to protect people and prevent unauthorized immigrants working illegally.

Book examines hackers in Mexico, whose work leads them to reflect on the roles they play in society

Several years ago, MIT anthropologist Héctor Beltrán '07 attended an event in Mexico billed as the first all-women's hackathon in Latin America. But the programmers were not the only women there. When the time came for the hackathon pitches, a large number of family members arrived to watch.

New report finds scammers are repeatedly targeting older people

Two out of three older people have been targeted by scammers in the last year, leaving them frightened, depressed and even suicidal, according to new research from leading charity Re-engage and the University of Portsmouth.

Chemistry news

Shedding new light on sugars, the 'dark matter' of cellular biology

Scientists at Université de Montréal's Department of Chemistry have developed a new fluorogenic probe that can be used to detect and study interactions between two families of biomolecules essential to life: sugars and proteins.

Researchers extend shelf life of electrolyzers that can convert carbon dioxide to green chemicals

An international research team at DTU has increased the shelf life of electrolyzers that convert CO2 from half a day to 100 hours. This is good news for companies working with the process. The findings were published in Nature Catalysis under the title "Identifying and alleviating the durability challenges in the membrane-electrode-assembly for high-rate CO electrolysis."

Researchers identify unexpected twist while developing new polymer-based semiconductors

A new study led by chemists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign brings fresh insight into the development of semiconductor materials that can do things their traditional silicon counterparts cannot—harness the power of chirality, a non-superimposable mirror image.

Converting PFAS 'forever chemicals' into valuable compounds

Commonly known as "forever chemicals," PFAS are notorious for persisting in the environment and in our bodies. Osaka Metropolitan University chemists may put an end to the "forever" life of PFAS with their simple yet innovative technique that converts these harmful substances into valuable compounds.

Researchers realize highly selective CO hydrogenation to higher alcohols

Selective hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (CO) to higher alcohols (C2+OH) is a promising non-petroleum route for producing high-value chemicals, in which precise regulations of both C-O cleavage and C-C coupling are essential.

Chemist unlocks plastic alternatives using proteins and clothing scraps

Every year, 400 million tons of plastic waste are generated worldwide. Between 19 and 23 million tons of that plastic waste makes its way into aquatic ecosystems, and the remaining goes into the ground. An additional 92 million tons of cloth waste is generated annually.

Researchers highlight advancements in biomedical research with enzyme-activated fluorescent probes

Enzymes, essential for normal cellular and physiological functions, are implicated in various diseases like cancer and diabetes due to their abnormal activity. Therefore, tracking enzyme activity is a valuable strategy for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Conventional imaging techniques are limited by the need for contrast agents, low sensitivity, and spatio-temporal resolution.

Researchers construct modularized catalytic system for transfer hydrogenation

The precise catalytic conversion of chemical bonds is a paramount goal in catalysis. Enzymes, as efficient biocatalysts, are well known for their high catalytic activity, selectivity, and substrate specificity under mild reaction conditions, which can be attributed to the synergistic catalysis of multiple active sites.

Biology news

New study reveals surprising insights into feeding habits of carnivorous dinosaurs in North America

New research sheds light on the dining habits of ancient carnivorous dinosaurs from Jurassic rocks of the U.S.. A recent study published in PeerJ by Roberto Lei (Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia) and colleagues explores the bite marks left on the ancient bones of the giant long-necked sauropod dinosaurs like Diplodocus and Brontosaurus by carnivorous theropod dinosaurs.

Fungi's secrets for surviving a hypersaline environment

Many organisms have evolved to survive in some of the Earth's harshest conditions, tolerating freezing temperatures, crushing pressures and other extremes. In studying these organisms, scientists deepen our understanding of how life has adapted on our planet—and of what it could look like on others.

Insect trapped in amber reveals the evolutionary battles of ancient Europe

An extraordinary insect preserved in amber is opening our ears to a world of communication beyond our hearing. New research on an extinct katydid in the Natural History Museum's collection reveals that katydids have been using ultrasounds for millions of years to try and avoid predators hearing them.

Using miniature microphones to record rat's happy squeaks

A team of neurobiologists at the University of Haifa's, Sagol Department of Neurobiology has found, via the use of novel miniature microphones, that rats make sounds when in the company of other rats for no other reason than because they are happy. In their study, published open access in the journal Cell Reports Methods, the group conducted experiments that involved inserting tiny microphones into the noses of domesticated rats.

Non-native species likely to continue spreading in North America, Australia and Europe

Naturalized species, which are not native but have established themselves in new locations, have the potential to spread even further to suitable habitats in many parts of the world, reports a new study by Henry Häkkinen, Dave Hodgson and Regan Early at the University of Exeter, UK, published in the open access journal PLOS Biology.

Adapting to climate change: Mutation enables flour beetles to speed up their development

Leiden biologists have found a mutation in flour beetles that allows them to speed up their development. They think that more insects can change their growth rate, which could help them adjust to climate change. The study has been published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Hidden or extinct? Genome analysis of 120-year-old torpedo ray specimen confirms species status

There are always little treasures to be found in museum collections—that's what makes them so valuable for research. With todays methods of analysis, new, detailed findings can be elicited from archives that are often centuries old.

The power to turn the invisible visible: A revolution in microscopy for live-cell imaging

Imagine having a microscope that magnifies and enhances the tiniest details, revealing a world beyond the limits of conventional resolution. That's precisely what enhanced super-resolution radial fluctuations (eSRRF) brings to the scientific forefront—an upgraded super-resolution magic wand for microscopes.

Forecasting microbiomes for sustainability and health

Microbial communities, or microbiomes, are essential for safeguarding human and environmental health through the most widely used biotechnological process on our planet: biological wastewater treatment.

Examining the role wolves play in boreal forest dynamics as they constrain beaver movements

A team of land managers at the University of Minnesota, working with a colleague at the University of Manitoba, has learned more about the role wolves play in boreal forest dynamics as they prey on beavers. In their study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group used GPS trackers on wild wolves and cameras placed around several beaver ponds at a forested park in Minnesota to learn more about the impact of beavers and wolves on forest dynamics.

Dissecting the structural secrets of the inactive X chromosome

Cell biologists from RIKEN have provided an unprecedented glimpse into the distinctive features of an unusual chromosome—the inactivated X chromosome copy carried by every female cell. The findings are published in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.

How do temperature extremes influence the distribution of species?

As the planet gets hotter, animal and plant species around the world will be faced with new, potentially unpredictable living conditions, which could alter ecosystems in unprecedented ways.

Genetic discovery opens bioengineering opportunities for human and plant health

An unexpected genetic discovery in wheat has led to opportunities for the metabolic engineering of versatile compounds with the potential to improve its nutritional qualities and resilience to disease.

New tool to help AI track animals could boost biology research

Biologists often study large numbers of animals to collect data on collective and individual behavior. New machine learning tools promise to help scientists process the huge amount of data this work generates more quickly while lessening workload.

Insights into moss growth under elevated carbon dioxide levels may benefit climate change models

Approximately 12,000 species of mosses exist and cover close to 4 million square miles of earth, equivalent to the size of Canada, and are ecologically and evolutionarily important. Mosses play an essential role in rainwater retention, decreasing plant pathogens and increasing carbon sequestration in soil, thus improving the overall soil health.

How tiny hinges bend the infection-spreading spikes of a coronavirus

A coronavirus uses protein "spikes" to grab and infect cells. Despite their name, those spikes aren't stiff and pointy. They're shaped like chicken drumsticks with the meaty part facing out, and the meaty part can tilt every which way on its slender stalk. That ability to tilt, it turns out, affects how successfully the spike can infect a cell.

What's behind the toxic levels of mercury in tropical birds? Gold mining, study shows

The tropics are home to more than 75% of all species and are projected to support 50% of the world's human population by mid-century, but little is known about mercury pollution in these life-filled regions.

Geese 'keep calm and carry on' after deaths in the flock, says study

Canada geese strengthen existing friendships and forge a few new connections after losing close associates from their flock, new research shows. The paper, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, is titled "Culling-induced perturbation of social networks of wild geese reinforces rather than disrupts associations among survivors."

Virus discovery is new ammunition for tackling 'germ warfare' in humans

An international research team has identified potential new 'weapons' in the 'arms race' for new antibiotics and possible future therapies for a more balanced gut microbiome and human health.

Revolutionizing strawberry production: CRISPR/Cas9 editing enhances fruit firmness and extends shelf life

The cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch.) is one of the Rosaceae family renowned for its flavor and health benefits, making it an important agricultural commodity. However, its soft texture leads to a brief shelf life and consequent economic losses.

A guide to grapevine red blotch disease and its global wine production impacts

In PLOS Pathogens an international team led by Dr. Björn Krenz from the Department of Plant Viruses at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH summarizes the latest research findings and unanswered questions surrounding the globally spreading disease of grapevines.

Researchers: Modeling can revolutionize the fight against climate change in agriculture

It's no secret that climate change poses a threat to our planet. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the battle against climate change, but it's a complex task. According to a group of esteemed researchers, better collaboration between research, policy, and society is needed to achieve the set political climate goals. In a comment published in the journal Nature Food, researchers from, among others, Aarhus University discuss how modeling tools can play a crucial role in this effort.

Earthworms are our friends—but they could make the climate crisis worse if we're not careful

Earthworms are revered for the way they nourish healthy soils, and scientific evidence validates the affection gardeners feel for these industrious invertebrates. Nevertheless, research has shown that our soil-dwelling friends may be less benevolent as the climate crisis escalates and grants them access to recently defrosted northern soils.

Restoring ecosystems to boost biodiversity is an urgent priority—an 'Eco-index' can guide the way

Biodiversity continues to decline globally, but nowhere is the loss more pronounced than in Aotearoa New Zealand, which has the highest proportion of threatened indigenous species in the world.

Analyzing the blood of fish can show us how healthy they are

The Gulf of St. Lawrence is an invaluable resource for Canada. Fish and shellfish fisheries that date to the 16th century have remained an essential source of income for many communities, including those on the North Shore and Gaspésie or the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

Revolutionizing kiwifruit cultivation: Cutting-edge breeding strategies for Actinidia

While major advances have been made through speed breeding and other technologies, woody perennial fruit tree species have lagged behind. Among these is the kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis), a crucial fresh fruit crop, which has limited genetic diversity and faces obstacles like long generation times, large plant size, and reliance on chilling.

Unlocking the mystery of skin cracking in chili peppers

The outermost epidermal cell layer of fleshy fruit is surrounded by a hydrophobic cuticle, notably thicker than that found on vegetative tissues. This cuticle, primarily composed of the cutin polymer, also contains waxes and sometimes polysaccharides. It serves crucial functions, including regulating water and gas transport, protection against pathogens, and shielding from UV radiation. Failure of the fruit skin, which can manifest in ways ranging from browning to cracking, negatively impacts the fruit's development, appearance, and marketability.

Decoding the Cascade hop genome: Unraveling evolutionary secrets and divergence in the Cannabaceae family

Hop (Humulus lupulus L. var. Lupulus) is a diploid, wind-pollinated, perennial plant. Not only does the H. lupulus play an important role in brewing and flavoring, but its female inflorescences contain lupulin glands (glandular trichomes) that can synthesize and store resins, bitter acids, essential oils, and flavonoids.

Decoding the genetics of ascorbic acid: A deep dive into strawberry's Vitamin C content and its environmental factors

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid (AsA), is a prevalent antioxidant found in various organisms, notably plants and animals. Functionally, AsA plays a variety of roles, from enzyme cofactor to safeguarding against oxidative damage during photosynthesis or external stresses in plants.

Preventing pollen-mediated gene flow from transgenic camelina using engineered cleistogamy

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz. is native to Europe and Central Asia, and cultivated as an oilseed crop in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is not only rich in nutrients, such as a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, but it also possesses valuable agronomic traits.

Scientists discover new component in world's best-studied plant

Wageningen researchers have discovered a previously unnoticed component within the thale cress: a thin film that encases the embryo in the seed. This discovery is particularly noteworthy because this species has been intensively studied for five decades. The newfound knowledge about the component could aid seed and breeding companies in maintaining the health of their seeds and plants.

Using dust to bust crime scene DNA forensics

An airborne fraction of soil, or dust, contains biological and chemical "signatures" that act as a fingerprint to a specific location. Australian forensic science experts, led by Flinders University, have highlighted the usefulness of the latest technology by testing a series of field sites in South Australia for their unique chemical and biological profiles.

Study describes 48 new species of spiders

A paper recently published in Zootaxa documents the 48 species of ground-hunting spiders from the family Miturgidae, which can be found across Australia, particularly in arid habitats in open eucalypt forest, brigalow, mallee, heath, and desert.

Exploring design rules for using supramolecular hydrogels to mimic the extracellular matrix

In human tissue, the cells are embedded in the extracellular matrix. This matrix is made up of fiber-like structures that provide firmness to the tissue, but also influence cell behavior and facilitate cell growth.

A tale of two proteins: Fundamental research could make growing better crops like clockwork

Have you ever taken something apart, like a watch, to see how it works by looking at the parts inside individually?

A sweet solution: Turning winery waste into jelly

Researchers in Turkey have proposed a new sustainable solution for winery waste. In a new study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture they have demonstrated how one of the most significant by-products from the winemaking industry can be used in gelatin-based sweets, as a low-cost natural coloring agent with added health benefits.

Evidence-led GM crop regulation could help UK take lead in tackling global food security, climate change risks

The U.K. needs an evidence-led and proportionate regulatory approach for genetically modified (GM) crops to realize the technology's benefits for human health, agriculture and the environment, according to a new Royal Society policy briefing.

Medicine and Health news

In clinical trial, aspirin avoidance leads to better outcomes for patients with left ventricular assist devices

A multi-institution research effort led by Harvard Medical School, Boston, has looked into the safety and efficacy of excluding aspirin from the treatment of patients with advanced heart failure receiving a fully magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device.

CAR T cell therapies may lead to reactivation of childhood viral infections

Research led by the Department of Pathology at Stanford University, California, has found that chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy can potentially result in a reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) by CAR T cells in patients.

Studies identify novel underpinnings of genetic ALS

A pair of studies from the laboratory of Evangelos Kiskinis, Ph.D., associate professor in the Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology's Division of Neuromuscular Disease and of Neuroscience, have uncovered novel cellular mechanisms that are involved in two types of genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

High lung cancer rates in naval veterans linked to asbestos

A University of Adelaide and Oxford University study has discovered asbestos exposure led to a higher incidence of asbestos-related lung cancers in British and Australian naval personnel than in other armed forces.

Study shows breast cancer cells collaborate to physically tear through barriers and spread

The majority of breast cancers start in the lining of a breast milk duct and, if they remain there, are very treatable. But once these cancers become invasive—breaking through a thin matrix around the duct, called the basement membrane, and spreading to the surrounding tissue—treatment becomes more challenging.

Creating mental space from alcohol triggers could help college students drink less frequently

If you've ever watched a movie set on a college campus, then you know that American college students are expected to drink. A lot and often. Usually out of plastic red cups.

Exercise at consistent times could realign body clock for better skeletal health and performance, scientists suggest

Consistent daily patterns of exercise and rest can synchronize the local body clocks associated with joints and spine with the brain clock, potentially helping individuals to maintain skeletal health, improve athletic performance and avoid injury, research by University of Manchester scientists has argued.

CBD as a painkiller: Efficacy not clinically proven

Cannabidiol (CBD) is marketed by some suppliers as a painkiller, e.g., for osteoarthritis of the knee. Animal experiments have shown that the substance, which is extracted from the hemp plant, has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect in arthritis. As pain researchers at MedUni Vienna were now able to show for the first time in humans, CBD is not effective as pain medication, even in high doses.

Inflammation and loss of protective mechanisms in the brain linked to suicide risk

A first-of-its-kind study has identified overactive inflammation and loss of critical protection mechanisms in the brain as potential contributors to suicide risk.

Researchers identify new mechanism of communication between maternal gut bacteria and the fetus

A research group from the University of Oulu, Finland, has shown that nanoparticles originating from maternal gut bacteria are present in amniotic fluid. This is a previously unknown mechanism of communication between the maternal gut microbiome and the fetus.

Another step toward the HIV-1 vaccine: Dynamics of neutralizing antibodies

An international team has for the first time researched the longevity of neutralizing antibodies in HIV-1-infected people. Currently, it is assumed that an HIV-1 vaccine can only be effective if it produces these antibodies in vaccinated humans. The findings improve understanding of the dynamics of such antibodies and are an important building block for further research into an HIV-1 vaccine.

Newly identified SARS-CoV-2 infection pathway provides clues to severe COVID-19 cases and obesity link

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have identified a new way that the SARS-CoV-2 virus hijacks its host's translation machinery using elements within its genetic material and causes COVID-19, paving the way for future study.

'DNA loops' in pediatric brain tumors double relapse risk, study finds

A study of newly created databases of medulloblastoma has found that patients with tumors containing circular extrachromosomal DNA—loops of DNA found outside of regular chromosomes—are twice as likely to relapse and three times as likely to die within five years of diagnosis. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, pave the way for research that could yield new treatments for this aggressive childhood brain cancer.

Study: When we see what others do, our brain sees not what we see, but what we expect

When we engage in social interactions, like shaking hands or having a conversation, our observation of other people's actions is crucial. But what exactly happens in our brain during this process: how do the different brain regions talk to each other? Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience provide an intriguing answer: our perception of what others do depends more on what we expect to happen than previously believed.

Scientists invent single rapid test for both HIV and TB

Researchers at Tulane have developed a new and rapid test that can detect both HIV and tuberculosis at the same time with just a small amount of blood.

Researcher helps solve 60-year mystery inside heart

One University of Kentucky (UK) researcher has helped solve a 60-year-old mystery about one of the body's most vital organs: The heart.

Clustering method can better describe the pathological process in patients with traumatic brain injury

Monitoring brain injury biomarkers and glucose variation in patients who have suffered an acute cranial injury during the entire first week of hospitalization can provide a more accurate picture of the pathological process. This is according to a paper published in The Lancet Neurology by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. It is hoped that their findings can eventually lead to more personalized treatment.

New projections reveal soaring health risks of persistent global inaction over the climate emergency

New data reveal the catastrophic threat to the health and survival of billions of people all over the world, and to successful adaptation efforts, from any further delays in action to limit temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, according to the 2023 Report of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: The imperative for a health-centered response in a world facing irreversible harms.

Exercise gains stick after financial rewards fade, new study shows

If you start exercising for the promise of a little extra money, you may keep up the habit even after the financial incentives are gone, new research from University of Western Ontario suggests.

Researchers halt progression of Parkinson's disease in mouse model

In a new study, investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have shed new light on key cellular processes involved in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). The research is published in the journal Nature Communications.

Disrupting a single gene could improve CAR T cell immunotherapy, new study shows

CAR T cell therapy, a powerful type of immunotherapy, has begun to revolutionize cancer treatment. Pioneered at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), the therapy involves engineering a patient's T cells so they recognize and attack cancer cells. These CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T cells are then multiplied in a lab and given back to the patient to be a continual fighting force against the cancer.

New research finds that 14-hour fasting improves hunger, mood and sleep

Eating in a ten-hour window is associated with higher energy and mood and lower hunger levels, new results from the largest UK community science study of its kind shows.

Genetic testing could greatly benefit patients with depression, save health system millions

A special kind of genetic test that helps determine the best antidepressant for patients with moderate-to-severe depression could generate substantive health system savings and greatly improve patient outcomes, according to new research from the University of British Columbia.

Cancer stem cells trigger macrophage aging in mouse study

Cancer stem cells cause the aging of macrophages in mice with healthy immune systems, creating conditions for the formation of tumors.

Is there a physiological explanation behind experiencing glare?

What is glare? Simply put, glare is visual discomfort often leading to annoyance, fatigue or even headaches. Perception of glare varies from person to person, and one set of lighting conditions may be comfortable for one person yet uncomfortable for another. But why? Is there a physiological explanation behind this, especially relating to certain individual differences in the eye? The aim is to assess glare risks indoors to promote comfortable, sustainable and healthy environments.

FDA approves first treatment for congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Takeda Pharmaceuticals Adzynma, the first recombinant protein product indicated for prophylactic or on-demand enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in adult and pediatric patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP).

Understanding the barriers to taxing alcohol and tobacco in Nepal

Around the world, taxes on tobacco, alcohol and junk food have been used to reduce consumption of those products, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). New research led by an investigator in the Penn State College of Health and Human Development identified reasons these taxes remain low in Nepal, a lower-income nation with high rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.

A one-stop hub for SARS-CoV-2 genome data integration, variant monitoring and risk pre-warning

COVID-19 is the most extensive and consequential epidemic in nearly a century. The number of genomic sequences of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) far exceeds the sum of sequences of other known viruses. The vast number of genome sequences presents unprecedented challenges for rapid integration, analysis, and data mining.

Mindfulness meditation can help address the teen mental health crisis, researcher says

In a paper published in Nature Mental Health, Northeastern psychology professor Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli advises policy makers to consider turning to the low-cost, readily available practice of mindfulness meditation to change brain activity associated with mental illness.

Researchers optimize cervix visualization for pelvic exams

Pelvic exams are an indispensable part of gynecological care and are used to screen for conditions, such as cervical cancer, that affect millions of patients every year. Unfortunately, pelvic exams can be challenging for both physicians and patients. Since the beginning of this field, gynecologists have struggled with the inward collapse of lateral vaginal walls during a pelvic exam, making it difficult to carry out a proper analysis.

Drug that kills off sleeping bone cells could treat lower back pain

An existing drug that targets senescent, or sleeping cells could provide the answer to treating lower back pain, according to a new study.

UK experts recommend chickenpox shot for kids for the first time, decades after other countries

An expert scientific committee advising the British government recommended for the first time Tuesday that children should be immunized with the chickenpox vaccine—decades after the shots were made widely available in other countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Study uncovers mediators of persistent HIV viremia

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) works by entering specific immune cells and replicating inside them. People with HIV are treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which prevents viral replication, but some individuals taking ART continue to have low levels of viral presence in the bloodstream, or viremia. This condition is usually attributed to drug resistance or ineffectiveness of ART, but recent studies have found that low-level viremia can occur even without these driving forces, a condition known as non-suppressible HIV viremia (NSV).

Study finds no effect of anti-inflammatory medication on incident frailty

Frailty is a common condition in older populations that increases the risk of adverse health outcomes and mortality. Inflammation, associated with other aging-related conditions, has been proposed as one possible underlying mechanism for frailty. It was previously unclear if anti-inflammatory medications like canakinumab can also reduce the risk of frailty.

Novel PET radiotracer facilitates early, noninvasive detection of inflammatory bowel disease

A newly developed PET radiotracer can be used to create an inflammation map of the entire gastrointestinal tract, providing detailed information to accurately detect and stage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Targeting the IBD biomarker IL12/23p40, the PET imaging tool offers a minimally invasive approach to identifying disease and guiding treatment. This research was published in the November issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Examining the factors that influence PrEP prescribing behavior in health care providers

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily dose of two medications meant to prevent HIV infection in high-risk people, has changed public health dramatically in recent years. Yet, adolescents and young adults, one high-risk group, have shown slower uptake in using this prevention method.

Ultrafine particles from traffic alter gene expression in human olfactory cells, study finds

Exposure to ultrafine particles from traffic alters the expression of many genes in human olfactory mucosa cells, a new study shows. The study, led by the University of Eastern Finland, is the first to combine an analysis of emissions from different diesel fuels and exhaust after-treatment systems with an examination of their effects in a human-derived cell model of the olfactory mucosa. The findings were published in Science of The Total Environment.

Study finds women with depression have 20% lower taurine concentration in the hippocampus

For the first time, a research team in Korea has discovered there is a significant relationship between depression and the taurine concentration in the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for memory and learning functions. This discovery provides the opportunity to publicize the role and importance of taurine in future prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of depression.

Could new antibiotic clovibactin beat superbugs? Or will it join the long list of failed drugs?

Imagine a world where simple infections could become life-threatening, where a small cut could spell disaster, and where doctors couldn't treat diseases effectively anymore. This isn't the plot of a science fiction movie—it's a real concern.

Can you spot the AI impostors? Research finds AI faces can look more real than actual humans

Does ChatGPT ever give you the eerie sense you're interacting with another human being?

From COVID to gastro, why are cruise ships such hotbeds of infection?

Dual outbreaks of gastro and COVID on the Grand Princess cruise ship that docked in Adelaide on Monday have now been declared over by the doctor on board.

ADHD drugs delay bone healing in children, researchers report

Children taking psychostimulant drugs prescribed for psychiatric disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who experience a common childhood fracture take longer to heal than children who don't take these drugs, University at Buffalo researchers report.

Workplace fun, after-work socializing can lead to employee substance use

Fun in the workplace can yield positive benefits to employees and employers alike, but it may also lead to an increase in after-work employee substance use, according to new research from the Penn State School of Hospitality Management.

Better heart health may improve cognitive health in kids

Grade school–age children with better cardiovascular health may have better cognitive function, according to new research.

Research finds most Americans strongly support vaccination requirements for K-12 students

A new study, published in Vaccine suggests that most Americans overwhelmingly support requirements for a number of common vaccinations for kindergarten through 12th grade students—even the one for COVID-19.

US to cover HIV prevention drugs for older Americans to stem spread of the virus

A proposed federal policy aims to protect older Americans from contracting HIV by offering free preventive medication, the latest effort to catch up to much of Europe and Africa in stemming the spread of the virus.

Researchers pioneer new strategy to help low-income patients control blood pressure

Uncontrolled hypertension, the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature deaths worldwide, disproportionately affects low-income populations.

Reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease in families

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes memory loss and other cognitive decline due to brain cell degeneration. It's the most common cause of dementia—a clinical syndrome characterized by a collection of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities, memory, thinking behavior. Dementia is not a specific disease itself.

TV can be educational but social media likely harms mental health: Research on children and screens

Ask any parent and it's likely they'll tell you they're worried about their kids' screen time. A 2021 poll found it was Australian parents' number one health concern for their kids—ahead of cyberbullying and unhealthy diets. But how worried should parents be?

Nurses' professional judgment not considered in strategic decision-making, says UK study

Nurses' voices and professional judgment is not being utilized in strategic decision making potentially causing dissatisfaction among staff and a lack of high quality patient care, according to new research led by Cardiff University.

Researchers evaluate effectiveness of placental growth factor measurement in mid-pregnancy

A new study led by Professor Laura Magee, has found that among pregnancies with clinical risk factors for pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction, measuring serum placental growth factor (PlGF) at the time of the routine 20-week fetal ultrasound scan is not helpful to inform clinical care pathways. The work is published in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

Q&A: Infections from over-the-counter artificial tears—implications for patients and clinicians

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled dozens of over-the-counter eye drops—artificial tears—in 2023 due to contamination and unsafe manufacturing practices. Four deaths from sepsis, 14 cases of vision loss and more than 80 infections were reported as of May. Most of the patients reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears, which was recalled in February.

Peer-to-peer e-consults save money for pediatric trauma patients

Initial peer-to-peer e-consultations cost less than reflexive ambulance transfer in most situations for pediatric orthopedic trauma patients, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

More than 1 in 6 U.S. adults, teens have substance use disorder

Over 1 in 6 Americans, adults and teens alike, suffered a substance use disorder in 2022, new government data released Monday shows.

Receipt of guideline-concordant care lower for black colorectal cancer patients

Individuals racialized as Black and newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) receive worse and less-timely guideline-concordant care, according to a study published online Nov. 8 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

CDC tells docs to look for lead poisoning in kids, as fruit puree investigation continues

Doctors need to be on the lookout for lead poisoning in children as the latest tally of kids exposed to the toxin after consuming pouches of cinnamon-flavored apple puree climbed to 22, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

Male, female veterans have increased prevalence of arthritis

Male and female veterans have a higher prevalence of arthritis than nonveterans, according to research published in the Nov. 10 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Researchers chart the contents of human bone marrow

A team at Weill Cornell Medicine has mapped the location and spatial features of blood-forming cells within human bone marrow. Their findings confirm hypotheses about the anatomy of this tissue and provide a powerful new means to study diseases, ranging from noncancerous conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, to malignant conditions, such as acute leukemia, that affect bone marrow.

Peer educators play key role in new recipe development and testing

Cooking and recipe demonstrations encourage healthy eating and the adoption of unfamiliar foods by class participants. The research brief shared in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior demonstrates that valuable input by peer educators can be obtained through a hybrid home-use testing method.

Aging study in Kenya to help sub-Saharan Africa navigate major shifts in its population

The population of Africa is the youngest in the world—but that is expected to change rapidly in the coming decades.

AI phone app detects worsening heart failure based on changes in patients' voices

A smartphone app using artificial intelligence technology to detect changes in the voice of a person with heart failure predicted more than 75% of hospitalizations about three weeks before they happened, according to late-breaking science presented Nov. 13 at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2023. The meeting, held Nov. 11–13, in Philadelphia, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science.

Sudden cardiac deaths in college athletes fall, but are still high in one sport

College sports have seen a decline in the rate of sudden cardiac deaths, but rates remain higher for Division I men's basketball players, as well as male and Black athletes in other sports, new research has found.

Wireless biosensors could relieve health care system burden

A wireless biosensor, developed by a Malmö University researcher, enables a more patient-controlled system whereby infections can be detected much earlier through smart catheters, smart diapers or wound dressings.

Researchers look to improve early identification of liver cancer

An overwhelming majority of hepatocellular carcinoma occurs in people already suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.

Individual back training machine developed

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in cooperation with partner companies have developed a device to provide back muscle training. With the GyroTrainer, back strengthening exercises are adapted to the strength and ability of the individual user.

Antidepressants taken during pregnancy may affect children's digestive health

A new study finds that a commonly prescribed class of antidepressant drugs taken during pregnancy may affect digestive health in offspring later in life. The study is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.

COVID-19 causes epigenetic lung scars, researchers report

COVID-19 became an international pandemic in 2020. To date, more than 770 million people have suffered from the disease and nearly 7 million of them have lost their life. The most common cause of death in the studied group is lung involvement with consequent respiratory failure. However, the targets of the virus in the lung and the mechanisms by which lung tissue can cease to be functional in the disease are largely unknown.

Pharmaceutical compound sounds the alarm on cancer cells and unleashes T cells

Researchers in Purdue University's College of Pharmacy are leveraging the dual roles played by an enzyme found in both cancer cells and T cells to create a novel cancer immunotherapy compound.

Reducing 'vivid imagery' that fuels addiction cravings

In 2021, 61.2 million Americans ages 12 and older used illicit drugs, and more than 106,000 died from drug-involved overuse. Florida ranks second to California, with 5,300 annual overdose deaths, outpacing the national average by about 23 percent. Excessive alcohol use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and is associated with numerous health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and poor mental health.

Health plays a role in older adults' vulnerability to scams, poll suggests

Three out of every four older adults say they have experienced a fraud attempt by phone, text, email, mail or online in the last two years, a new poll shows. Three in ten say they've been victims of at least one scam.

Q&A: How one lab is working to harness the power of the immune system against cancer

Investigator Ming Li, Ph.D., has dedicated his career to understanding the intricate workings of the immune system—both in general and for the critical role it plays in cancer.

Study: COVID-19 showed importance of genomic surveillance, which is now needed to fight antimicrobial resistance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, genomic surveillance proved vital in helping us understand the evolution and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Now, an international group of researchers is calling for its potential to be harnessed to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global challenge that could ultimately result in many more deaths than the coronavirus pandemic.

Deferred clamping of umbilical cord reduces risk of death in premature babies by at least a third, suggest two studies

Waiting for two minutes or longer to clamp the umbilical cord of a premature baby likely reduces the risk of death soon after birth, compared with immediately clamping the cord or waiting a shorter time, according to two companion systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in The Lancet.

UK soft drink tax linked to decrease in child hospital admissions for tooth extraction

The UK soft drink industry levy introduced in 2018 may have reduced by 12% the number of children under age 18 having a tooth removed due to tooth decay, suggests research published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

High-intensity interval training in water improves exercise capacity in adults with long-term health conditions: Study

High-intensity interval training in water, often called aquatic HIIT (AHIIT) improves exercise capacity in adults with chronic conditions and has an effect similar to that of land-based training (LBHIIT), suggests research published in the open access journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.

Psychologist offers advice on soothing children traumatized by war

A Northwestern University pediatric psychologist—who advises Ukrainian charity workers and therapists about working with that country's traumatized children—shares her expertise regarding how to support children affected by violence in the Middle East. This includes children at home in the U.S. and in the Middle East.

Examining alcohol consumption and epigenetic age acceleration across human adulthood

A new research paper titled "Alcohol consumption and epigenetic age acceleration across human adulthood" has been published in Aging.

Current uses of asbestos exceed exposure limits, finds study

A new study summarizing asbestos exposure during the installation and removal of asbestos cement products demonstrates that these construction activities almost always exceed U.S. occupational limits. The study focused on airborne asbestos exposures from existing uses of asbestos that are still allowed in most countries.

Researchers identify molecules associated with low breast milk volume

The volume of breast milk produced may be determined by genetics, according to biomedical and nutritional sciences Professor Shannon Kelleher of the UMass Lowell Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences.

Type 1 diabetes research sheds light on biomarkers in partial remission phase

Researchers from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) have led a comprehensive review study on biomarkers for the often-overlooked partial remission phase of type 1 diabetes in collaboration with experts in β-cell biology and regeneration from the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami. The study has been published in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Social factors, rather than biological ones, drive higher numbers of adverse drug events in women: Study

A new study out this week in the journal Social Science and Medicine proposes that social, gendered variables may better explain observed sex disparities in adverse drug events than sex-based biology.

Study shows we are not addicted to mobile phones but to the social interaction they facilitate

A University of Granada (UGR) research team has shown for the first time that we are not "addicted" to mobile phones but to the social interaction these electronic devices provide. The study, published in the journal Psicothema, is the first experimental scientific evidence of this theory, which was developed in 2018 by Professor Samuel P.L. Veissière, a researcher at McGill University in Montreal (Canada).

US woman with rare double uterus expecting babies in both

It's double trouble, with a unique twist: A 32-year-old woman from Alabama who was born with two uteruses is now pregnant in both.

Vegan diet fosters changes in gut microbiome that reduce hot flashes by 95%, finds new study

A low-fat vegan diet that includes soy fosters changes in the gut microbiome that decrease postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, or hot flashes, overall by 95%, according to a new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. A vegan diet also eliminated severe hot flashes, led to a 96% decrease in moderate-to-severe hot flashes, and reduced daytime and nighttime hot flashes by 96% and 94%, respectively. Participants also lost 6.4 pounds on average.

Men experience less pain when a woman is in charge, researcher finds

A man who is exposed to physical pain feels less severe pain if he is subjected to pain by a woman compared with a man, according to new research from Lund University in Sweden. In addition, men experience less pain after surgery when asked about it by a woman than by a man.

Sleep length and shift work linked to increased risk of elevated blood pressure

Short sleep lengths, daytime napping and even long sleep lengths have been linked to an increased risk of elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, a new study out of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has found.

What to know about epilepsy and providing first aid during a seizure

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition which leads to seizures. It affects millions of people in the United States and tens of millions worldwide.

Denmark to restrict alcohol sales to minors

Denmark will restrict alcohol sales to minors and increase taxes on nicotine products to combat a worrying rise in consumption, the health ministry said Tuesday.

Eight super-healthy leafy greens—and why you should eat them

Leafy greens are a great way to improve your health as they possess many vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. As a nutritionist, I would highly recommend getting more of the following salad leaves in your diet.

Bad food choices: Clearer labels aim to help South Africans pick healthier options

South Africans have a hard time figuring out which foods are unhealthy when they go shopping. But this is about to change.

Researcher: Australia is one of the world's biggest prescribers of antibiotics, but they're often unnecessary

"I think I need antibiotics" is a common assumption many of us make when we have cold and flu like symptoms.

More than half the Aussie prison population report a mental health diagnosis

More than half of prison entrants surveyed for the 6th survey on the health of people in Australian prisons said they had been previously diagnosed with a mental health condition and many reported a family history of incarceration.

New Aussie guidelines for diabetes-related foot disease

New Australian-based guidelines for diabetes-related foot disease have been summarized in an article recently published online in the Medical Journal of Australia, coinciding with World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2023.

Aussie kids exposed to aggressive food marketing that would be banned in other countries, finds analysis

A comprehensive analysis of on-pack marketing of foods sold in Australian supermarkets has revealed widespread, unregulated use of promotional techniques directly appealing to children—like cartoon characters—most commonly on unhealthy and ultra-processed foods associated with overweight and obesity. This practice is banned in countries where stricter food marketing rules have positively impacted children's diets.

Survey reveals New Zealanders' views on animal use in scientific research and teaching

A recently conducted study reveals New Zealanders' perspectives and knowledge on the use of animals in scientific research, testing, and teaching. The study was conducted on behalf of the New Zealand board of the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART NZ).

Expert explains the different types of diabetes and risks

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all ages. While there is no cure for diabetes, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage it. A Baylor College of Medicine expert explains the different types of diabetes and the risks.

Examining the neurological effects of repeated blast exposure in special operations personnel

A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma shows that neuroinflammation may be a key feature of the brain response to blast exposure over a career in U.S. military special operators.

Emergency care adapted for pregnant women shows promise

Increased vigilance for high blood pressure and diffuse stomach pain. These are some of the characteristics of emergency care adapted for pregnant women and new mothers. The model, which could become clinical routine throughout Sweden, is described in a thesis at the University of Gothenburg.

Other Sciences news

When languages collide, which survives?

Language has the power to shape our perceptions and interactions with the world. Different languages can coexist, but their dynamics are shaped by the communities that speak them—and how those communities interact with each other.

Twitter users in states affected by hurricanes discuss climate change up to 200% more frequently in the following weeks

Twitter users in areas affected by major hurricanes discussed climate change much more frequently right after the hurricane, according to a study published November 23, 2023 in the open-access journal PLOS Climate by Maddalena Torricelli from the City University of London, UK, and colleagues.

Analysis of children's screen time studies shows both positive and negative outcomes

By analyzing the results of many prior studies on the use of screen-based technologies by children, an international team of psychologists and human biomechanics researchers has found mixed outcomes. In their study, reported in the journal Nature Human Behavior, the group obtained and filtered data from previous research results to draw conclusions about the impact of screen time on children's health and well-being. The editors at Nature have also published a Research Briefing outlining the work.

Want to be more persuasive online? Use the present tense, study suggests

One Amazon review is written in the past tense: "I was thrilled when I put on this shirt!" Another reads, "I will definitely wear this shirt a lot." Yet another says, "I love wearing this shirt."

Why the future might not be where you think it is: How different cultures perceive time

Imagine the future. Where is it for you? Do you see yourself striding towards it? Perhaps it's behind you. Maybe it's even above you.

Young people's reluctance to talk about money is putting them at risk. Here's how to help them

Credit is an everyday, and often essential, part of young people's lives. Gaining access to credit for the first time is an important transition to adulthood that can enable you to study, earn and invest in your future.

Mapping project shows how extensive frontier violence was in Queensland

First Nations people, please be advised this article speaks of racially discriminating moments in history, including the distress and death of First Nations people.

Orkney's lost tomb—how researchers made the Neolithic discovery

Orkney in the north of Scotland is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved monuments. Many of these are Neolithic (10,000 BC to 2,200 BC) and consist of stone circles and chambered tombs, which are still highly visible in the landscape. Chambered tombs are monuments built of stone with a chamber area designed to hold the remains of the dead.

How nostalgia and memories find expression in social media

As possibilities have changed and technology has advanced, memories and nostalgia are now a significant part of our use of social media. This is shown in a study from the University of Gothenburg and University West, published in Social Media + Society.

New study finds stressed employees become too depleted to properly recover

In an ideal workplace, organizations should strive to protect employees from abusive supervisors, but for employees who experience this type of intense workplace stress, new research from the University at Buffalo School of Management offers insight and coping strategies.

Is innovation in business measurable?

Despite the growing interest in Business Model Innovation (BMI), there is a lack of robust empirical evidence regarding its long-term effects. This gap is now being filled by the research efforts of authors Prof. Dr. Lutz Göcke (HS Nordhausen), Matthias Menter (FSU), Dr. Christopher Zeeb (FSU), and Thomas Clauss (Uni Witten). Methodologically, the effects and distinctions of three dimensions are examined: value creation, value proposition and value capture. In other words: How is value created? What is value promised? How is this value measured?

Boosting profits for technology holders and licensees through game theory

Patents and licenses safeguard the intellectual property of the rights holder from being copied or sold without their permission. Companies and individuals who want to make use of the patented or licensed invention must make a formal request to do so.

The influence of social media on revenge tourism

Research in the International Journal of Tourism Policy has shown how social media platforms can influence holidaymakers and travelers in seeking out destinations that have been the victims of adverse events, natural disasters or conflicts. The colloquial term "revenge tourism" was coined in 2021 for this kind of vacation where people sought out experiences to combat the negative impact of lockdowns and lost time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the term has taken on a broader definition since.

How teachers would handle student violence against educators

For the first time, teachers in a nationwide study have told researchers what strategies they think work best to deal with student violence against educators.

New theory links topology and finance

In a new study published in The Journal of Finance and Data Science, a researcher from the International School of Business at HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands introduced the topological tail dependence theory—a new methodology for predicting stock market volatility in times of turbulence.

Pacific rainbow+ communities face discrimination, conversion therapy

The need to increase Pacific and Rainbow+ leadership was a major finding in the Manalagi project, the first and largest research of its kind addressing the health and well-being of Aotearoa, New Zealand's Pacific Rainbow+ community.

Q&A: When does shaming work?

Shame can be a powerful motivator—particularly on the world stage. Calling out human rights abuses can isolate a government; it can cause a public outcry and embarrass leaders into compliance. For many international relations scholars, shaming remains one of the best tools to combat human rights violations.

Study reveals unfair representation of migrant domestic workers in mistreatment cases in Chinese media

Most Chinese-language media reports concerning migrant domestic workers (MDW) in Hong Kong fail to report their mistreatment factually, independently and critically, and focus on news appeal while neglecting the deeper roots of this important issue, related to power and the interplay of gender, race, ethnicity, and class, according to a recent study by Lingnan University.


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