Science X Newsletter Wed, Nov 29

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for November 29, 2023:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Exploring the impact of short mindfulness practices on intimate partner aggression

Research investigates a high-frequency bump in the X-ray binary GX 339-4

Scientists propose new method to search for deviations from the Standard Model of physics

Scientists discover rare six-planet system that moves in strange synchrony

Solicitor in 19th-century Tasmania traded human Aboriginal remains for scientific accolades, study reveals

Webb captures a prominent protostar in Perseus

Translating global theories of change into tangible steps for conservation of ecosystems

Genetic research into a 9,000-year-old shaman burial in Germany

Study explores whether basic human water needs can be met while protecting surface and groundwater ecosystems

Nanodiamonds can block tumor metastasis in mice, study shows

New method uses platelets to predict risk of serious COVID-19 infection

Building blocks for life could have formed near new stars and planets

New study observes hidden quantum transition, bridges gap between theoretical and practical experimentation

Researchers discover how to prevent formaldehyde from inhibiting hydrogen-producing enzymes

Researchers decipher enzyme scissors of intestinal microbes

Nanotechnology news

	Nanodiamonds can block tumor metastasis in mice, study shows Nanodiamonds are 2–8 nm carbon nanoparticles, which can be easily functionalized with various chemical groups like carboxylic groups or drugs. Previous research has shown that actively dividing cells are more likely to absorb nanodiamonds and that epithelial cells treated with carboxylic nanodiamonds lose the ability to migrate across cell-permeable cellulose membranes.
	Applying semiconductor manufacturing principles to optoelectronic devices Optoelectronics detect or emit light and are used in a variety of devices in many different industries. These devices have historically relied on thin transistors, which are small semiconductors that control the movement of electrons and photons made out of graphene and other two-dimensional materials. However, graphene and these other materials often have problems with band gap opening and other shortcomings that have researchers searching for an alternative.
	Research demonstrates ability of thermostable nanoparticle design platform to tackle viral infections New research has demonstrated the potential for the ADDomer platform to produce thermostable vaccines and reagents to tackle viral infections The study led by the University of Bristol and Imophoron, a biopharmaceutical company developing thermostable nanoparticle vaccines using its ADDomer platform, is published in Antibody Therapeutics today (Nov. 29) under the title "In vitro generated antibodies guide thermostable ADDomer nanoparticle design for nasal vaccination and passive immunization against SARS-CoV-2."
	Laser-induced hydrothermal growth for electrocatalytic applications In the new study published in the journal International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing on 1 November 2023, researchers from the UK and China reported a novel technique based on a laser-induced hydrothermal reaction (LIHR) mechanism for the growth of binary metal oxide nanoarchitecture and layered-double hydroxides on nickel foams for electrocatalytic applications.

Physics news

	Scientists propose new method to search for deviations from the Standard Model of physics In the search for new particles and forces in nature, physicists are on the hunt for behaviors within atoms and molecules that are forbidden by the tried-and-true Standard Model of particle physics. Any deviations from this model could indicate what physicists affectionately refer to as "new physics."
	New study observes hidden quantum transition, bridges gap between theoretical and practical experimentation Researchers from the University of Ottawa (uOttawa), in collaboration with the Weizmann Institute of Science and Lancaster University, have observed a hidden quantum transition that can only be seen depending on how observers perform measurements.
	Theoretical work indicates that the future Electron Ion Collider can be used to measure the shape of atomic nuclei Scientists have developed a new way to study the shapes of atomic nuclei and their internal building blocks. The method relies on modeling the production of certain particles from high-energy collisions of electrons with nuclear targets. Such collisions will take place at the future Electron Ion Collider (EIC). The findings are published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
	Quantum tool opens door to uncharted phenomena Entanglement is a quantum phenomenon where the properties of two or more particles become interconnected in such a way that one cannot assign a definite state to each individual particle anymore. Rather, we have to consider all particles at once that share a certain state. The entanglement of the particles ultimately determines the properties of a material.
	Scientists discover new type of ultrafast magnetic switching while investigating noise interference Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered a new type of ultrafast magnetic switching by investigating fluctuations that normally tend to interfere with experiments as noise.
	Researchers achieve quantum storage of entangled photons at telecom wavelengths in a crystal Quantum technologies are currently maturing at a breath-taking pace. These technologies exploit principles of quantum mechanics in suitably engineered systems, with bright prospects such as boosting computational efficiencies or communication security well beyond what is possible with devices based on today's 'classical' technologies.
	Water and electricity: Charge effects can influence flowing droplets From precise inkjet printing to clear vision through spectacle lenses—the influence of droplets and their movement shapes numerous areas of our daily lives. While droplets should remain precisely in place on inkjet prints, it is desirable that they move quickly across the surface of spectacle lenses. Research into wetting processes, therefore, plays a crucial role in further improving technological applications.
	Photonic chips can calculate optimal shape of light for next-gen wireless systems Optical wireless may no longer have any obstacles. A study by Politecnico di Milano, conducted together with Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, the University of Glasgow and Stanford University, and published in Nature Photonics, has made it possible to create photonic chips that mathematically calculate the optimal shape of light to best pass through any environment, even one that is unknown or changing over time.
	Chloride ions kill the stability of blue perovskite light-emitting diodes: Study Blue light-emitting diodes represent a fundamental element in the contemporary lighting and display technology landscape. Like prevailing technology such as III-V, organics and quantum dot LEDs, developing efficient and stable blue perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) is a formidable challenge.

Earth news

	Study explores whether basic human water needs can be met while protecting surface and groundwater ecosystems A Griffith-led study has assessed whether basic human water needs can be met without exceeding safe and just Earth system boundaries (ESBs) for surface and groundwater (blue water), defined to protect people and planet.
	Being prepared for storm surges on the Baltic Sea coast The record storm surge in October 2023 caused severe damage to the German Baltic coast. Effective adaptation scenarios to rising sea levels are, therefore, becoming increasingly urgent. In two recent studies, researchers at Kiel University have modeled both the flooding extent along the Baltic Sea coastal areas and, for the first time, two possible upgrades for current dike lines in high resolution.
	Plastic pollution from cigarette butts likely costs US $26 billion/year The costs of environmental pollution caused by plastics in cigarette butts and packaging amount to an estimated US $26 billion every year or US $186 billion every 10 years—adjusted for inflation—in waste management and marine ecosystem damage worldwide, finds a data analysis published online in the journal Tobacco Control.
	Some high-threat volcanoes are severely understudied: Study The Cascade Volcanic Arc stretches from Northern California to southern British Columbia and contains more than a dozen volcanoes. The U.S. Geological Survey classifies 11 of them, including Mount Baker and Mount Hood, as "very high threat," meaning they pose significant hazards to people and infrastructure.
	Antarctica's ancient ice sheets foreshadow dynamic changes in Earth's future Nineteen million years ago, during a time known as the early Miocene, massive ice sheets in Antarctica rapidly and repeatedly grew and receded. The Miocene is widely considered a potential analog for Earth's climate in the coming century, should humanity remain on its current carbon emissions trajectory.
	This year's Chesapeake Bay 'dead zone' was the smallest on record, going back to 1985 This summer's oxygen-poor "dead zone" in the Chesapeake Bay was the smallest since scientists started monitoring it in 1985, according to estimates by researchers in Maryland and Virginia.
	UAE to pump CO2 into rock as carbon capture debate rages High in remote mountains in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, a new plant will soon take atmospheric CO2 and pump it into rock—part of controversial attempts to target planet-heating emissions without abandoning fossil fuels.
	Q&A: Waiting for an eruption—what do we know about the Iceland volcano? Icelanders are no strangers to volcanic eruptions, but right now the country waits in a state of limbo.
	How a small Caribbean island is trying to become hurricane-proof When Hurricane Maria struck the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica in 2017, it caused the kind of devastation which is unthinkable to larger countries. The Category 5 hurricane damaged 98% of building roofs and caused US$1.2 billion (£950 million) in damage. Dominica effectively lost 226% of its GDP overnight.
	Earth's frozen zones are in trouble. We're already seeing the consequences, researcher says As this year's UN climate summit (COP28) gets under way in Dubai, scientists studying Earth's frozen regions have been delivering an urgent call for action to policy makers. But is anyone listening?
	As disasters and heat intensify, can the world meet the urgency of the moment at the COP28 climate talks? Eight years ago, the world agreed to an ambitious target in the Paris Agreement: hold warming to 1.5°C to limit further dangerous levels of climate change.
	River floods and plastics: Where did the litter go when the Meuse flooded? Plastic pollution is a global problem and Dutch rivers are no exception. Anyone who has ever walked along their banks will know the sight of bottles, caps and food packaging. But some of that litter may originate from elsewhere. How much plastic waste is transported and deposited by rivers? And what happens during floods?
	Severe weather disproportionately impacts Oklahoma's native communities, study shows As the climate, demographics and land usage continue to change, tribal communities in Oklahoma are increasingly at risk of severe weather. A recent study led by Yang Hong with the University of Oklahoma examines these changes and the risks they pose.
	Researchers optimize errors caused by traditional interferometer system in lightning study Lightning is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena. With technological advancements, researchers are using more advanced tools and methods to study lightning to better understand its complex physical processes.
	Five things to watch for at COP28 climate talks Deadly floods in the Horn of Africa. Summer wildfires that ravaged Canadian forests. Global temperature records unprecedented in the history of humanity.
	The big emitters: the United States The United States, the world's second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged to halve its emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels—but so far is failing to stay on target, analysts say.
	Extreme weather leaves energy networks vulnerable to 'hostile actors,' Climate Statement warns Extreme weather seasons are putting Australia's energy systems more at risk of sabotage, the government's annual Climate Change Statement warns.
	Almost half of Aussies in regional areas say they've experienced severe climate impacts Almost half (49%) of Aussies living in regional areas say their area has had severe climate impacts, compared with 43% in capital cities, according to international research, which also found that almost 6 in 10 Australians say their government is not working hard enough to tackle climate change.
	Improving our understanding of the effects of PFOS on fish Two papers recently published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry have made important advancements toward understanding the effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on aquatic life, especially fish. Zebrafish had been identified in a previous study of limited scope as being among one of the most sensitive aquatic species to PFOS, and the results of that limited-scope study have influenced PFOS water quality criteria derived by some regulatory agencies, including the Australian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Astronomy and Space news

	Research investigates a high-frequency bump in the X-ray binary GX 339-4 An international team of astronomers has inspected a low-mass X-ray binary system known as GX 339-4. Results of the study, reported in a paper published Nov. 21 on the pre-print server arXiv, shed more light on the high-frequency bump observed in the power density spectrum of GX 339−4 and provide more insights into the properties of this system.
	Scientists discover rare six-planet system that moves in strange synchrony Scientists have discovered a rare sight in a nearby star system: Six planets orbiting their central star in a rhythmic beat. The planets move in an orbital waltz that repeats itself so precisely that it can be readily set to music.
	Webb captures a prominent protostar in Perseus This new Picture of the Month from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope reveals intricate details of the Herbig Haro object 797 (HH 797). Herbig-Haro objects are luminous regions surrounding newborn stars (known as protostars), and are formed when stellar winds or jets of gas spewing from these newborn stars form shockwaves colliding with nearby gas and dust at high speeds.
	Building blocks for life could have formed near new stars and planets While life on Earth is relatively new, geologically speaking, the ingredients that combined to form it might be much older than once thought. According to research published in ACS Central Science, the simplest amino acid, carbamic acid, could have formed alongside stars or planets within interstellar ices. The findings could be used to train deep space instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope to search for prebiotic molecules in distant, star-forming regions of the universe.
	A sophisticated Bayesian spectral energy distribution synthesis and analysis tool for multiband study of galaxies A study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, reports new findings in the performance test for simultaneous photometric redshift and stellar population parameter estimation of galaxies in the China Space Station Telescope (CSST) wide-field multiband imaging survey.
	Astronomers detect first extragalactic circumstellar disk around a massive young star outside of the Milky Way An international team of astronomers led by Durham University and including astronomers at the UK Astronomy Technology Center has reported the first detection of a rotating disk structure around a forming high-mass star outside of our Milky Way in another galaxy.
	Distant stars spotted for the first time in the vast Magellanic Stream For nearly fifty years, astronomers have come up empty-handed in their search for stars within the sprawling structure known as the Magellanic Stream. A colossal ribbon of gas, the Magellanic Stream spans nearly 300 moon diameters across the Southern Hemisphere's sky, trailing behind the Magellanic Cloud galaxies, two of our Milky Way galaxy's closest cosmic neighbors.
	Observations find evolving material, not rings, circling Centaur Chiron Observations during a stellar occultation detected the presence of evolving material orbiting around Centaur (2060) Chiron, rather than a two-ring system interpretation, according to a paper by Planetary Science Institute Senior Scientist Amanda Sickafoose.
	New astrophysics model sheds light on additional source of long gamma-ray bursts Cutting-edge computer simulations combined with theoretical calculations are helping astronomers better understand the origin of some of the universe's most energetic and mysterious light shows—gamma-ray bursts, or GRBs. The new unified model confirms that some long-lasting GRBs are created in the aftermath of cosmic mergers that spawn an infant black hole surrounded by a giant disk of natal material.
	A tiny quadcopter could gather rocks for China's sample return mission Space exploration is always changing. Before February 2021 there had never been a human made craft flying around in the atmosphere of another world (other than rocket propelled landers arriving or departing). The Mars Perseverance rover changed that, carrying with it what can only be described as a drone named Ingenuity. It revolutionized planetary exploration and now, China are getting in on the act with a proposed quadcopter for a Mars sample return mission.
	Why don't we see robotic civilizations rapidly expanding across the universe? In 1950, while sitting down to lunch with colleagues at the Los Alamos Laboratory, famed physicist and nuclear scientist Enrico Fermi asked his famous question: "Where is everybody?" In short, Fermi was addressing the all-important question that has plagued human minds since they first realized planet Earth was merely a speck in an infinite universe. Given the size and age of the universe and the way the ingredients for life are seemingly everywhere in abundance, why haven't we found any evidence of intelligent life beyond Earth?
	Telescopes didn't always play nicely with each other. That's about to change Those readers who have dabbled with astronomical imaging will be familiar with the technique of taking multiple images and then stacking them together to improve the strength of the signal, yielding better images. Taking this technique further many research projects require data of the same object spanning longer time frames than a night's observing. This data is usually captured from different locations and under different conditions. The problem has been matching the observations across all these survey runs. Researchers have shared a new approach to calculate if separate images of the same object will yield additional signals or just generate useless noise.

Technology news

	Artificial intelligence shares our confidence bias, research reveals The pronounced positive confidence bias that is a characteristic and apparently irrational trait of human decision-making has been replicated and dissected using an artificial intelligence (AI) model. The unnerving result, published in Nature Communications by a RIKEN-led team, reveals that our inflated sense of confidence might stem from subtle observational cues.
	Researchers look to the human eye to boost computer vision efficiency Conventional silicon architecture has taken computer vision a long way, but Purdue University researchers are developing an alternative path—taking a cue from nature—that they say is the foundation of an artificial retina. Like our own visual system, the device is geared to sense change, making it more efficient in principle than the computationally demanding digital camera systems used in applications like self-driving cars and autonomous robots.
	How reducing greenhouse gases, aerosols in the atmosphere will make solar panels more efficient The levels of atmospheric aerosols and greenhouse gas emissions will have a significant impact in the future on both the production of photovoltaic energy and associated costs.
	How do you make a robot smarter? Program it to know what it doesn't know Modern robots know how to sense their environment and respond to language, but what they don't know is often more important than what they do know. Teaching robots to ask for help is key to making them safer and more efficient.
	New technology installed beneath Detroit street can charge electric vehicles as they drive Crews have installed what's billed as the nation's first wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles beneath a street just west of downtown Detroit.
	Fake AI-generated woman on tech conference agenda leads Microsoft and Amazon execs to drop out Tech executives at Microsoft and Amazon have dropped out of an upcoming software conference after at least one of the women on the agenda turned out to be fake.
	Amazon launches Q, a business chatbot powered by generative artificial intelligence Amazon finally has its answer to ChatGPT.
	Sports Illustrated is the latest media company damaged by an AI experiment gone wrong Computer-generated writers ... writing computer-generated stories?
	Big Tech in charge as ChatGPT turns one A year after the history-making release of ChatGPT, the AI revolution is here, but the recent boardroom crisis at OpenAI, the super app's company, has erased any doubt that Big Tech is in charge.
	Japan space agency likely penetrated by cyber attack Japan's space agency was likely penetrated by a cyber attack this year by unknown entities but no sensitive information about rockets or satellites was accessed, officials said Wednesday.
	A single Bitcoin transaction could use as much water as a backyard swimming pool Cryptocurrency mining uses a significant amount of water amid the global water crisis, and its water demand may grow further. In a commentary published November 29 in the journal Cell Reports Sustainability, financial economist Alex de Vries provides the first comprehensive estimate of Bitcoin's water use. He warns that its sheer scale could impact drinking water if it continues to operate without constraints, especially in countries that are already battling water scarcity, including the U.S.
	Toyota selling part of Denso stake to raise cash to develop electric vehicles Toyota is selling a part of its stake in components maker Denso to raise cash for its drive toward electric vehicles and other innovations, Japan's top automaker said Wednesday.
	Consumer Reports: Electric vehicles less reliable, on average, than conventional cars and trucks Electric vehicles have proved far less reliable, on average, than gasoline-powered cars, trucks and SUVs, according to the latest survey by Consumer Reports, which found that EVs from the 2021 through 2023 model years encountered nearly 80% more problems than did vehicles propelled by internal combustion engines.
	Network of robots can successfully monitor pipes using acoustic wave sensors An inspection design method and procedure by which mobile robots can inspect large pipe structures has been demonstrated with the successful inspection of multiple defects on a three-meter long steel pipe using guided acoustic wave sensors.
	Is pretty good, good enough? Social network analysis evaluates PGP data encryption Research in the International Journal of Business Information Systems has used social network analysis to look at the most important and influential users utilizing PGP (pretty good privacy) data encryption to reveal where there might be problems that could lead to compromise of data.
	Wind turbine blades: Inside the battle to overcome their waste problem Wind-farm owners in Europe are holding off on scrapping their old turbines to maximize the power they can generate from them. That's the latest news from a meeting we recently attended on the industry's future. Wind turbines are designed to last 25 years, but the calculus for owners appears to have shifted because of the surge in electricity prices due to the Ukraine war.
	What if ChatGPT were good for ethics? Many people use ChatGPT: computer programmers write code with it, students do their homework with it and teachers plan their lessons with it. And yet the Open AI chatbot's rise has also prompted many ethical concerns.
	Experts revive ancient techniques to make concrete more sustainable A team of experts from EPFL, ETH Zurich and a Geneva-based architecture firm has developed a new type of non-reinforced concrete made from stone offcuts. Their method, which reduces the use of carbon-intensive cement-based binders, draws on ancient techniques uncovered in historical archives.
	Ottawa, Google reach 'historic' deal to support Canadian media The Canadian government and Google announced Wednesday a "historic" deal to support the country's media, heading off an imminent threat by the digital giant to block news on its platform.
	Establishing a digital emblem to protect humanitarian organizations in cyberspace Ransomware attacks can paralyze organizations or entire countries by hacking into a network and encrypting critical data. The attackers then demand a ransom; if their demands aren't met, the data will not be decrypted and may be lost forever. Depending on the given situation, the financial and logistical damage can be enormous.
	Mathematicians make 5G network scheme more efficient and reliable Mathematicians from RUDN University have proposed a new scheme for 5G networks that optimizes access to different network segments. The number of non-priority tasks awaiting the start of execution or interruption has halved, while the probability of disconnection for them does not exceed 0.1%. The results are published in the journal Mathematics.
	Estimating the environmental impacts of the global lithium-ion battery supply chain Decarbonization of the global economy will require the production of a large number of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). However, these batteries require energy and an array of minerals to produce and are not without their own environmental impacts.
	Popularity matters more than compatibility: Study uncovers bias in algorithms used by online dating platforms A new study has found that algorithms used by online dating platforms have popularity bias—meaning that they recommend more popular, attractive users over less popular, less attractive users. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Washington published their findings in the journal Manufacturing & Service Operations Management.
	Development of long-life organic electrode expedites commercialization of next-generation secondary batteries A research team, led by Dr. Hosun Shin from the Interdisciplinary Materials Measurement Institute at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science and Professor Jae Yong Song's team from the Department of Semiconductor Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology has developed a long-life organic electrode that has potential to expedite the commercialization of next-generation secondary batteries.
	AI- and human-generated online content are considered similarly credible, finds study In a time when the Internet has become the main source of information for many people, the credibility of online content and its sources has reached a critical tipping point. This concern is intensified by the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications such as ChatGPT and Google Bard.
	Can you charge an old phone with a new charger? "Do older Apple devices have the software that allows them to regulate the amount of power provided by today's more powerful chargers? Can those higher-powered chargers harm older devices?"
	Review: Testing the best automotive hands-free driving systems While fully automated vehicles are still a ways off, the stepping stone of hands-free driving technology has become prevalent in the past few years. These assist systems allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in certain situations. Combined with automated braking and acceleration, the feature can help make driving long distances or in congested traffic easier and less fatiguing. To better explain what's available, the automotive experts at Edmunds put four hands-free drive systems to the test: Ford's BlueCruise, General Motors' Super Cruise, Tesla's AutoPilot with Full Self-Driving Beta and BMW's Driving Assistant Plus.
	With auto strike over, GM announces big share buybacks General Motors announced hefty new initiatives Wednesday to return billions of dollars to shareholders, lifting its stock price as it estimated the recent labor strike hit at $1.1 billion.
	Uber to partner with London's black cabs despite disputes Uber is to roll out its service to London black cabs next year, it announced Wednesday, despite long-running friction between drivers of the traditional taxis and the US-based firm.
	Philips stock slumps after new FDA warning Shares in Dutch medical device manufacturer Philips plunged Wednesday after the US Food and Drug Administration warned that its new machine to help patients sleep risked overheating.
	Blackstone acquires pet care app Rover in $2.3 billion all-cash deal Private equity giant Blackstone will acquire the pet care app Rover in an all-cash deal valued at $2.3 billion, the companies announced Wednesday.
	A novel connection method using expanded rib and spiral bars for reinforced concrete beams with cold joints The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology has developed a new Contactless Coupler that can efficiently improve the constructability of precast concrete (PC).

Chemistry news

	Researchers discover how to prevent formaldehyde from inhibiting hydrogen-producing enzymes Enzymes from microorganisms can produce hydrogen (H2) under certain conditions, which makes them potential biocatalysts for biobased H2 technologies. In order to make this hydrogen production efficient, researchers are trying to identify and eliminate possible limiting factors. These include formaldehyde, which occurs naturally as a metabolic product in cells and inhibits the particularly efficient [FeFe] hydrogenase.
	Google DeepMind adds nearly 400,000 new compounds to open-access database New technology often calls for new materials—and with supercomputers and simulations, researchers don't have to wade through inefficient guesswork to invent them from scratch.
	Swapping blood for spit to help with convenient at-home health monitoring Blood tests are a common, yet often painful, step in health care. But what if we could skip the needles altogether? Saliva and blood contain many of the same biomarkers, and collecting spit is as simple as drooling into a container. Researchers reporting in ACS Sensors have developed a device that detects glucose and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) biomarkers in saliva with high sensitivity, which could help make at-home health monitoring easier and without a poke.
	Researchers develop irreversible inhibitor to address proteins that have acquired drug-resistant mutations The idea of irreversible inhibitors adhering permanently to a target protein has gained increasing attention for application in potential drug development. However, one of many hurdles is the possibility of protein mutations making otherwise effective drugs pharmacologically inactive.
	Researchers identify dynamic behavior of key SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein Researchers at Kanazawa University report in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters high-speed atomic force microscopy studies that shed light on the possible role of the open reading frame 6 (ORF6) protein in COVID-19 symptoms.

Biology news

	Solicitor in 19th-century Tasmania traded human Aboriginal remains for scientific accolades, study reveals A Hobart-based solicitor built his reputation as "the foremost scientist in the colony" in the mid-1800s, despite limited contributions to scientific knowledge.
	Translating global theories of change into tangible steps for conservation of ecosystems A new Griffith-led study has developed a framework to operationalize global "theories of change," coordinating local and global actions to secure a future where humans live in harmony with nature.
	Researchers decipher enzyme scissors of intestinal microbes A research team has found that microorganisms in the human gut utilize beta-elimination to break down plant natural products and thus make them available to humans.
	Study gives gecko ancestor a place of honor, and a new name Yale paleontologists have identified a new fossil lizard, found in the western United States, which they say was an ancestor of modern geckos. And they gave it a name that honors the lead researcher's grandmother and great aunt.
	Researchers find evidence of golden mole species thought to be extinct A team of zoologists and wildlife managers at the Endangered Wildlife Trust, in South Africa, working with a colleague from Stellenbosch University, another with South Africa's Department of Agriculture, and a third from the University of Pretoria, has found DNA evidence of a golden mole thought to be extinct. In their study, published in the journal Biodiversity and Conservation, the group used two techniques to find evidence of the mole.
	Researchers design smaller, more cost-efficient electron cryo-microscope Researchers have designed a new electron cryo-microscope that is a fraction of the size and cost of current alternatives and used it to determine 11 atomic structures. The breakthrough aims to slash the cost of running electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) to make it more accessible to scientists all over the world.
	Protection of highly threatened sharks and rays inadequate, study finds Biodiversity—the total variation of life—is multidimensional. Its study encompasses multiple facets, such as taxonomy (the variety of species), phylogenetics (their evolutionary history) and functionality (the ecological roles that species play in ecosystems). Protecting biodiversity implies safeguarding all of these dimensions.
	Exploring bird-like footprints left by unknown animals in Late Triassic Southern Africa Ancient animals were walking around on bird-like feet over 210 million years ago, according to a study published November 29, 2023 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Miengah Abrahams and Emese M. Bordy of the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
	Research reveals clever dosage control mechanism of biallelic genes Have you ever wondered why we carry two copies of each chromosome in all of our cells? During reproduction, we receive one from each of our parents. This means that we also receive two copies, or alleles, of each gene—one allele per chromosome or parent.
	Bees are still being harmed despite tightened pesticide regulations, study shows A new study has confirmed that pesticides, commonly used in farmland, significantly harm bumblebees—one of the most important wild pollinators. In a huge study spanning 106 sites across eight European countries, researchers have shown that despite tightened pesticide regulations, far more needs to be done.
	Genomic studies shed light on the origins of bee venom Bees, wasps and ants belong to the Hymenoptera order and inject a whole cocktail of venomous ingredients when they sting. Despite their tremendous ecological and economic importance, little was previously known about the origins of their venom.
	Landscape dynamics determine the evolution of biodiversity on Earth, research reveals Movement of rivers, mountains, oceans and sediment nutrients at the geological timescale are the central drivers of Earth's biodiversity, research published in Nature has revealed.
	'Sea firefly' ostracods demonstrate collective synchrony with bioluminescent mating signals A team of evolutionary biologists and limnologists affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.S. has described the synchronous bioluminescent signals they observed being produced by a type of marine ostracod (Crustacea; Luxorina). In their paper published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group describes their study of the synchronized mating behavior of the tiny creatures.
	A close look at changes to the skin biome after ear piercing A team of microbiologists at McGill University's Redpath Museum, working with a colleague at Tattoo Lounge MTL, has investigated changes to the skin microbiome when a person has an ear pierced and a metal object inserted into the puncture. In their study, reported in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group collected skin swabs from volunteers before and after their piercings.
	Are healthy foods automatically sustainable, too? Many people are keen on making healthy as well as sustainable food choices, and they often intuitively equate "healthy" with being "sustainable." A study by researchers at the University of Konstanz, the Johannes Kepler University Linz, and the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences focuses on whether or not this perception corresponds to reality. It has just been published in the journal PLOS Sustainability and Transformation.
	Study of ancient British oral microbiomes reveals shift following Black Death The Second Plague Pandemic of the mid-14th century, also known as the Black Death, killed 30–60% of the European population and profoundly changed the course of European history. New research led by Penn State and the University of Adelaide suggests that this plague, potentially through resulting changes in diet and hygiene, may also be associated with a shift in the composition of the human oral microbiome toward one that contributes to chronic diseases in modern-day humans.
	The 'longevity bottleneck' hypothesis: Research suggests that dinosaurs may have influenced how human beings age Human aging may have been influenced by millions of years of dinosaur domination according to a new theory from a leading aging expert. The 'longevity bottleneck' hypothesis has been proposed by Professor Joao Pedro de Magalhaes from the University of Birmingham in a new study published in BioEssays. The hypothesis connects the role that dinosaurs played over 100 million years with the aging process in mammals.
	Study shows that inoculating soil with mycorrhizal fungi can increase plant yield by by up to 40% Farmland often harbors a multitude of pathogens which attack plants and reduce yields. A Swiss research team has now shown that inoculating the soil with mycorrhizal fungi can help maintain or even improve yields without using additional fertilizers or pesticides. In a large-scale field trial, plant yield increased by up to 40%.
	Fish brains may provide insight into the molecular basis of decision-making How do animals make decisions when faced with competing demands, and how have decision making processes evolved over time? In a recent publication in Biology Letters, Tina Barbasch, a postdoctoral researcher at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, and Alison Bell (GNDP), a professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, explored these questions using three-spined stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus).
	Newly identified algal strains rich in phosphorous could improve wastewater treatment Phosphorus in wastewater is a major contributor to harmful algal blooms in water bodies around the globe, with the potential to harm wildlife, livestock, and even humans. To prevent this, wastewater treatment plants often rely on chemical- and energy-intensive techniques to remove phosphorus before it can impact downstream water bodies.
	Idaho wolf-killing proposals prompt petition for feds to ban 'barbaric' aerial hunts A group of environmental organizations has submitted a petition to the federal government to ban wolf killing by shooting from helicopters, calling the practice "barbaric."
	The National Park Service wants to plant sequoias: Environmentalists sue, say there's no need to interfere High-intensity fires in 2020 and 2021 devastated the adult sequoia tree population globally, particularly at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in Northern California.
	Study identifies a key protein in blood vessel growth Blood vessels are responsible for the appropriate and efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the whole body. To do so, they must grow and branch to reach every cell in a process called angiogenesis. The precise regulation of the sprouting and pruning of blood vessels is complex and partly unknown, but endothelial cells, those lining the inner part of the vessels, are known to play an important role.
	Plants found to recruit distinct chemical activities of coumarins under different soil pHs Plants have two main uptake mechanisms to obtain iron (Fe) from the soils. The type of strategy employed depends on the botanical classification of the plant. In the so-called strategy-I mechanism, plants must first reduce the trivalent iron (Fe3+) into bivalent iron (Fe2+). Only then can Fe2+ be taken up by roots as a free ion.
	Striving for transparency: Why Canada's pesticide regulations need an overhaul In 2021, Health Canada announced a freeze on changing maximum residue limits (MRLs)—the maximum allowable pesticide residues acceptable under Canadian law. This decision followed substantial public outcry following Canada's most widely used weed killer glyphosate's proposed MRL increase.
	How fitter fish can feed more people in the midst of food insecurity With the growing human population placing enormous pressure on food resources, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be an additional half a billion people to feed. This, combined with the rising cost of living, has amassed worldwide concern for the future of food security.
	Study highlights vulnerability of England's only resident bottlenose dolphins England's only resident population of bottlenose dolphins is under serious threat from a combination of human activity, environmental pollution and difficulties in rearing young that survive into adulthood, according to new research.
	Scientists determine how to properly feed rainbow trout Scientists from the RUDN University and colleagues from Iran have determined the optimal dosage of a popular dietary supplement for rainbow trout. Exceeding it not only negates a positive effect, but can cause harm to the health of the fish. Results of the study have been published in Aquaculture.
	Agronomists save tomatoes from toxic aluminum with melatonin RUDN University agronomists and colleagues from China and Iran have helped tomatoes cope with the toxic effect of aluminum in acidic soils with the help of melatonin. This hormone contributes to nitric oxide production, blocking the toxic metal and preventing it from destroying plant cells. The results are published in the South African Journal of Botany.
	Study: Your local sea snail might not make it in warmer oceans, but oysters will The frilled dog winkle may sound like a complex knot for a tie, but this local sea snail holds clues to our warmer future, including a dire outlook for species that can't move, adapt, or acclimate as fast as their environment heats up.
	Elephant at center of animal rights campaign dies in Philippine zoo An elderly elephant has died in a Philippine zoo, an official said Wednesday, after a failed global campaign to relocate her to an animal sanctuary.
	Scientists and the cork industry work together to preserve wine quality Spain produces 50% of the world's cork and 30% of all cork stoppers. Cork is a natural polymer which has been a crucial element used to seal bottles, being of great importance for the wine industry. However, a major challenge is the appearance of the "corked wine" aroma, caused by the presence of a compound called trichloroanisole or TCA in the stoppers. Due to its high volatility, TCA can migrate from the cork to the wine, adversely affecting its taste.
	Minnesota turkey farmers say expanded rural broadband could help detect bird flu sooner Just over 5 miles from where folklore has long claimed Vikings scribbled Scandinavian etchings on a runestone, Erica Sawatzke surveys thousands of chirping baby birds in her long barn.

Medicine and Health news

	Exploring the impact of short mindfulness practices on intimate partner aggression Mindfulness practices are meditative exercises that encourage people to bring their awareness to what they are experiencing in the present moment, while trying not to interpret or judge these experiences. Studies have found that these practices can have numerous benefits, for instance relieving stress, improving the quality of sleep, and supporting the processing of emotions.
	New method uses platelets to predict risk of serious COVID-19 infection Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a method for assessing the number and structure of aggregated blood platelets (or thrombocytes) that can potentially help quantify the risk of a severe COVID-19 infection. As a result, they have identified a predictive biomarker for the seriousness of a COVID-19 infection.
	New method can detect early-stage breast cancer in two minutes, study claims University of Waterloo researchers are pioneering a method to detect breast cancer in women early enough for them to receive life-saving treatment. The innovative technology aims to be more accurate as well as cheaper to provide than today's most common diagnostic tools such as X-ray mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
	Researchers find connections between neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease Immune-regulating brain cells known as microglia are known to play a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A new study by investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital explores how the genetics of microglia contribute to neuroinflammation and, in turn, AD.
	Findings challenge standard understanding of COVID-19 infection Some viruses move between species. For example, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spill over from humans to mink, an agricultural species, and then spill back from mink to humans. Spillback is a concern because SARS-CoV-2 can mutate in the mink and come back to humans in a more virulent form. Both spillover and spillback of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported on mink farms in the United States and Europe.
	Scientists create 'cloaked' donor cell and tissue grafts that escape rejection by the immune system In a preclinical breakthrough that could transform cell therapies for incurable diseases, researchers at Sinai Health and the University of Toronto have developed a technology that may one day eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs in transplant patients.
	Eye-safe laser technology to diagnose traumatic brain injury Researchers from the University of Birmingham have designed and developed a novel diagnostic device to detect traumatic brain injury (TBI) by shining a safe laser into the eye.
	Breaking down barriers: What happens when the vaginal microbiome attacks Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition in which the natural microbiome of the vagina falls out of balance, sometimes leading to complications in sexual and reproductive health. But exactly how these bacterial populations disrupt vaginal health has remained unclear.
	Newborn babies at risk from bacteria commonly carried by mothers, finds study Streptococcus agalactiae (known as Group B Streptococcus, or GBS) is present in the genital tract in around one in five women. Previous research by the team at the University of Cambridge and Rosie Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, identified GBS in the placenta of around 5% of women prior to the onset of labor. Although it can be treated with antibiotics, unless screened, women will not know they are carriers.
	Scientists unveil genetic programs controlling the development of cellular diversity in the cerebellum The evolution of higher cognitive functions in human beings has so far mostly been linked to the expansion of the neocortex—a region of the brain that is responsible, inter alia, for conscious thought, movement and sensory perception. Researchers are increasingly realizing, however, that the "little brain" or cerebellum also expanded during evolution and probably contributes to the capacities unique to humans, explains Prof. Dr. Henrik Kaessmann from the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University.
	Brain scans of former NFL athletes show a repair protein in place long after initial injury In a new study using brain scans of former NFL athletes, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers say they found high levels of a repair protein present long after a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion takes place. The repair protein, known as 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), is known to be present in the brain at high levels in the immediate aftermath of brain injury as part of the inflammatory response and to facilitate repair.
	Examining what smoking does to oral bacteria The father of Biotechnologist Giacomo Antonello, a dentist, sometimes amazed patients with his seemingly clairvoyant diagnostic abilities: one look in their mouth and he would advise them to see a specialist because, he explained, they might have a problem with their heart or diabetes. He often turned out to be correct.
	New target identified for drugs to treat cancer and age-related diseases Insights that pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to tackle cancer, fibrosis, and many age-related conditions have been uncovered by a team of scientists, including researchers from UCL.
	Fighting fruit flies help researchers understand why we stay angry It's one of those days. On the drive home from work, the car in the next lane cuts you off. You slam on the brakes, lay on the horn, and yell choice words at the offending driver. When you walk into your house half an hour later, you're still angry and snap at your partner when they ask about your day.
	Researchers identify cell signaling pathways controlling melanoma cell metastasis to the brain Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer because of its ability to quickly grow and spread throughout the body. More than half of those with advanced melanoma will see the disease spread to the brain, where it rapidly progresses, often leading to death in only three to four months. Researchers in Moffitt Cancer Center's Donald A. Adam Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence have been working to better understand what drives melanoma brain metastasis.
	Long-standing hormone treatment for donated hearts found to be ineffective, possibly harmful Doctors managing deceased organ donors routinely treat the donors' bodies with thyroid hormones in a bid to preserve heart function and increase the quantity and quality of hearts and other organs available for transplantation. However, according to a recent clinical trial led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Mid-America Transplant in St. Louis, routine thyroid hormone intervention is not effective at achieving these goals, and may even cause harm.
	Understanding rapid tendon regeneration in newts may one day help human athletes A research group led by Nagoya University's Graduate School of Engineering has uncovered how rapid tendon regeneration occurs in newts. The research, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, compared the regeneration mechanism of damaged tendons in newts with those in mice. In the future, their findings could help physicians to treat human athletes recovering from tendon injuries.
	Artificial intelligence used in new COVID-19 test improves accuracy A new AI-assisted molecular diagnostic platform capable of identifying variants of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases has been developed by scientists in the UK. The low cost, portable device could play a crucial role in preventing future pandemics due to its accuracy and versatility.
	A long-acting biologic with transmucosal transport properties that arrest SARS-CoV-2 virus variants When the COVID-19 pandemic first started, no effective anti-viral drugs were available to fight the disease. However, in record time, so-called monoclonal antibodies were developed as a lifesaving treatment. Now, three years later, none of the approved antibodies work effectively against the new SARS-CoV-2 virus variants due to mutations that alter their spike protein.
	Made-to-order diagnostic tests may be on the horizon: Researchers invent lab on a chip that can be 3D-printed in minutes McGill University researchers have made a breakthrough in diagnostic technology, inventing a "lab on a chip" that can be 3D-printed in just 30 minutes. The chip has the potential to make on-the-spot testing widely accessible.
	Researchers detail how prostate cancers grow more aggressively to evade treatment As cancers grow and spread in the human body, they tend to become more aggressive over time, and this can accelerate during treatment as they develop resistance to drugs. In prostate cancers, some evolve into a rare, treatment-resistant tumor known as a small cell neuroendocrine, or SCN, cancer.
	AI model predicts breast cancer risk without racial bias, researchers report A deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) model that was developed using only mammogram image biomarkers has accurately predicted both ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive carcinoma, according to research being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Additionally, the model showed no bias across multiple races.
	AI may aid in diagnosing adolescents with ADHD Using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze specialized brain MRI scans of adolescents with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers have found significant differences in nine brain white matter tracts in individuals with ADHD. Results of the study will be presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
	20-year study finds no evidence that cannabis reduces long-term opioid use A 20-year Australian study has found no evidence to suggest cannabis reduces illicit opioid use, and it may not be an effective long-term method of reducing harm for those with an opioid use disorder or problematic use of opioids.
	Common headaches tied to neck inflammation Researchers have identified objective evidence of how the neck muscles are involved in primary headaches, according to a study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). The findings could lead to better treatments.
	Coronary heart disease before age 45 may increase risk of dementia later in life Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease, especially before the age of 45, may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia later in life, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
	Threats to public health workers While doctors and nurses were hailed as the frontline heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, their counterparts in public health were experiencing threats. During the pandemic, threats against public health workers reached an all-time high. After the vaccine was released, those threats increased and changed in nature, according to a longitudinal study conducted during the first year of the pandemic by Jennifer Horney, founder of the University of Delaware Epidemiology Program in the College of Health Sciences.
	US life expectancy rose last year, but it remains below its pre-pandemic level U.S. life expectancy rose last year—by more than a year—but still isn't close to what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
	FDA is investigating whether CAR-T, a cancer therapy pioneered at Penn, can cause lymphoma The University of Pennsylvania plans to continue offering CAR-T therapy, a cancer treatment pioneered at Penn, after the Food and Drug Administration announced an investigation into whether the treatment may cause cancer in rare cases.
	Many autoimmune disease patients struggle with diagnosis, costs, inattentive care After years of debilitating bouts of fatigue, Beth VanOrden finally thought she had an answer to her problems in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder.
	Neighborhood disadvantage tied to higher postpartum depression risk Residing in more disadvantaged neighborhoods is associated with a greater risk for postpartum depression (PPD), according to a study published online Nov. 13 in JAMA Network Open.
	Neratinib, fulvestrant, trastuzumab combo aids metastatic breast cancer For patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive HER2-mutant metastatic breast cancer (MBC) with progression on cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) therapy, neratinib + fulvestrant + trastuzumab (N + F + T) is beneficial, according to a study published in the October issue of the Annals of Oncology.
	Primary care loop closure low across all test types Rates of loop closure are low for all test types across all primary care visit modalities but are worse for telehealth visits, according to a study published online Nov. 15 in JAMA Network Open.
	Compassionate teens are likely to feel a sense of belonging, study suggests When teens feel a sense of belonging and being cared for, they are more likely to show compassion for others, according to a study led by Blake Colaianne, assistant research professor at Penn State's Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center.
	Researchers study the link between the bacteria H. pylori and stomach cancer H. pylori—short for Helicobacter pylori—colonizes the stomach and is known to be linked to the development of stomach cancer. It is estimated that over half of the world's population is infected with H. pylori, making it one of the most common bacterial infections.
	Newly identified biomarkers may detect early cognitive decline via blood test For some people, extreme stressors like psychiatric disorders or childhood neglect and abuse can lead to a range of health problems later in life, including depression, anxiety and cardiovascular disease. A new study led by researchers in the Penn State Center for Healthy Aging identified genetic indicators that can predict another health problem, the decline of cognitive abilities, among people who have been affected by these extreme stressors.
	Doctors call for expanded reporting of medical care given in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers A new study led by Dr. Annette Dekker, an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UCLA, calls for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers to increase health outcome reporting for detained immigrants to monitor the quality of medical care. Pulling from three different data sources, the researchers found discrepancies in care reported by emergency medical services (EMS) compared to ICE reports.
	To build better tuberculosis vaccines, researchers develop a new model by leveraging an old vaccine Each year, tuberculosis (TB) kills more people than any other infectious disease, falling out of the top spot only temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Call for sleep health to be put on global public health agendas Scientists from around the world have issued an urgent call to action for governments to incorporate sleep health into public health policies, with research indicating it's as important as nutrition and physical activity.
	Croatia struggles to contain whooping cough epidemic Croatia was struggling to contain a whooping cough epidemic that health officials said Wednesday was due in part to a drop in inoculation rates linked to the growth of the anti-vaccine movement.
	How can adults with congenital heart disease reduce risks? Study finds lifetime cardiology monitoring is key Heart failure is a potentially urgent health concern for young adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) that is often overlooked and undertreated, even as hospitalizations for this condition continue to rise.
	Meal kits are booming, but how do they stack up nutritionally? Meal kits are a billion dollar industry selling the promise of convenience while cooking healthy meals at home. Delivering ingredients and step-by-step recipes to the doorstep, meal kits reduce the time and energy to plan, shop and prepare meals. But do they deliver on their promise of health?
	Do you really need antibiotics? Curbing our use can help fight drug-resistant bacteria Antibiotic resistance occurs when a microorganism changes and no longer responds to an antibiotic that was previously effective. It's associated with poorer outcomes, a greater chance of death and higher health-care costs.
	Researchers: Lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk by maintaining brain plasticity, but the time to act is now Walk 10,000 steps a day, cut back alcohol, get better sleep at night, stay socially active—we're told that changes like these can prevent up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide.
	'I can see the characters': How reading aloud to patients can break through 'cancer fog' Author Neil Gaiman said, "Escapist fiction is just that: fiction that opens a door, shows the sunlight outside."
	Why you should talk about fertility, even if you don't want children. And what you should discuss Women (and men) are having their first child at older ages. As a result, couples are sometimes unable to conceive or require medical intervention in their pursuit of parenthood. Others may face a "fertility gap" between the number of children they anticipate having and those they actually have.
	Report: Nazi doctors weren't just 'a few bad apples.' Simplistic stories won't help guard against future medical abuses Extraordinary evil involves a total moral collapse across society caused by failure of individual humanity and ethical judgment. This was the conclusion of the philosopher Hannah Arendt after witnessing the trial of Adolf Eichmann—the chief architect of the Holocaust—in Jerusalem.
	A smart glove to improve stroke rehabilitation An electronic glove that enables movement in the paralyzed hand of stroke survivors to support their rehabilitation has been invented by a team from the University of Southampton.
	Study: Cannabis use disorder increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry finds that during a period of increasing cannabis use in the U.S., the prevalence of cannabis use disorder is disproportionally increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders, especially those with more severe psychiatric disorders.
	Exploring the role of marketing in disrupted health care markets Researchers from Duke University, University of New South Wales, University of Wisconsin, and University of Washington published an editorial for the Journal of Marketing that calls for marketing to tackle the challenges and opportunities in dynamic contemporary health care markets.
	Conscientious personalities less at risk of dementia diagnosis, analysis suggests People with personality traits such as conscientiousness, extraversion and positive affect are less likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those with neuroticism and negative affect, according to a new analysis by researchers at the University of California, Davis and Northwestern University. The difference was not linked to physical damage to brain tissue found in dementia patients, but more likely to how certain personality traits help people navigate dementia-related impairments.
	Clinicians, practices and patients all have a part to play in dealing with risks of remote GP consultations While most remote GP consultations are safe, the "Remote by Default" study finds that GP consultations conducted remotely carry more risk for patients with some urgent conditions.
	Genetic switches in tumor development may lead to new therapeutic target for colorectal cancer Researchers at Kanazawa University report in Cancer Research how Kras and p53 mutations influence the tumor suppressor and promoter functions of a TGF- ß pathway. The findings may lead to a new approach for colorectal cancer therapy.
	Sit all day? Periodic squatting exercises may help preserve your brain power We know sedentary behavior is bad for our health, especially for those of us who sit at a desk all day or in front of the TV each night. It has even been linked to mild cognitive impairment. Previous research has suggested that executive function—the processes in the brain that enable people to plan, focus, remember and multitask—may suffer when we sit for long periods without moving our bodies.
	Already-licensed drugs could be trialed to potentially treat secondary brain cancer, new research finds The largest review of papers for brain cancer that has spread from the lungs has found abnormalities in the brain cancer for which licensed drugs could be clinically trialed to find out if they could treat the disease. The research led by the University of Bristol and published in Neuro-Oncology Advances also found genetic differences between smokers and non-smokers. The paper is titled "Genomic landscape and actionable mutations of brain metastases derived from non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review."
	Survey suggests lack of awareness of the effects of gym lifestyles in young male gym goers Young male gym users are largely unaware of the risks of their lifestyle on their fertility, a new study shows.
	How can health care systems research improve health equity? In the United States, health care inequities based on racial and ethnic sociodemographics are pervasive and persistent. Research has shown the systems that deliver health care have both contributed to and maintain these disparities.
	Age at menopause could determine risk for decline in muscle mass and strength A shorter reproductive life span, which is determined by a woman's age at menarche and menopause, has been associated with a number of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular disease and mortality. A new study suggests that it can also lead to a decline in muscle mass and strength as defined by handgrip strength. Results of the study are published online today in Menopause.
	Research highlights need for education to combat cancer in Appalachia University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center research underscores the need for interventions to increase educational attainment and knowledge of cancer in Appalachian Kentucky.
	Exploring how OCD therapy retrains the brain A first-line therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) reshapes connectivity of the brain, according to a new study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging.
	Mindfulness-based intervention shows promise for PTSD in cardiac arrest survivors A novel pilot study that combines mindfulness and exposure intervention shows promise for reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress in survivors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a leading cause of death in the United States.
	Mounjaro beats Ozempic for weight loss in early trial The diabetes drug Mounjaro prompted more weight loss among overweight and obese adults than Ozempic did in a real-world setting, researchers report.
	How your weight changes over time can impact your health Researchers from SCHARR have conducted a study that sheds light on how changes in body mass index (BMI) can significantly affect our health as we grow older. Body mass index (BMI), a measure of body weight relative to height, has long been associated with various health issues, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
	Air pollution from fossil fuel use accounts for over 5 million extra deaths a year, new modeling study finds Air pollution from using fossil fuels in industry, power generation, and transportation accounts for 5.1 million extra deaths a year worldwide, finds a new modeling study published by The BMJ.
	Social media use linked to risky health behaviors in young people Social media use is associated with risky health behaviors in young people, including increased alcohol, drug and tobacco use, anti-social behavior, risky sexual behaviors and gambling, finds a review of the latest evidence published by The BMJ today.
	Actively monitoring cervical lesions linked to heightened long-term risk of cervical cancer Actively monitoring abnormal cells (lesions) that line the cervix rather than removing them straight away is associated with an increased long-term risk of cervical cancer, suggests a study published by The BMJ today.
	Study shows exercise improves cognitive health for people with Down syndrome An exploratory study has shown that light, regular exercise can improve the cognitive as well as physical health of adults with Down syndrome.
	Certain migraine medications may be more effective than ibuprofen For many people with migraine, it can be difficult to find a treatment that is effective and reliable, and information on how medications compare to one another is lacking. A new study draws data from nearly 300,000 people using a smartphone app to help people make decisions about their medications. The study found that certain migraine medications like triptans, ergots and anti-emetics may be two to five times more effective than ibuprofen for treating migraine attacks, according to new research published in Neurology.
	With some forms of traumatic brain injury, non-deployed vets have higher risk of epilepsy than deployed A study of post-9/11 veterans shows that those with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who have never been deployed have a higher risk of epilepsy than those who have been deployed. The study is published in Neurology.
	New research compares five retinoids for anti-photoaging therapy Over the past decades, increasing evidence has demonstrated that five retinoids, including retinol (ROL), retinol acetate (RAc), retinol propionate (RP), retinol palmitate (RPalm), and hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), can be potential therapeutic agents for skin photoaging. However, therapeutic efficacies and biosafety have never been compared to these compounds.
	DNA sequencing reveals clonal evolution of tumor in childhood leukemia Researchers at the RUDN Laboratory of Biology of Single Cells have studied the possibilities of DNA sequencing at the level of individual cells in patients with a rare form of childhood leukemia. The study revealed the mechanisms of the clonal evolution of the tumor and its transformation into a more aggressive form of leukemia at the level of individual subclones. It has also been shown that this technology can also be used as a very accurate tool for assessing the response of the disease to the treatment.
	Investigating how genetic and environmental factors influence the risk and course of eating disorders Eating disorders are debilitating conditions characterized by dysregulated eating and/or weight-control behaviors leading to significant impairment of psychosocial functioning and/or physical health. Both environmental factors and variation in multiple genetic variants influence eating disorder etiology and maintenance.
	Genetic study unlocks new connections between sleep problems and mental health A massive genetic study involving almost 800,000 participants has uncovered genetic factors that contribute to the use of sleep medications, shedding new light on the intricate relationship between sleep problems and psychiatric conditions.
	Pancreatic cancer triggers immune response, but disease-fighting T cells may not easily infiltrate PDAC tumors: Study Recent findings at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) shine a new light on pancreatic cancer.
	Enhanced treatment of liver carcinoma with a drug-eluting hydrogel Scientists from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) have developed an injectable or catheter-administered hydrogel with enhanced capabilities for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a deadly form of liver cancer. As described in their recent publication in Advanced Functional Materials, this drug-eluting hydrogel can provide sustained, pH-dependent drug co-delivery and has capabilities for promoting anti-tumor immune responses. This reduces tumor cell proliferation and growth and offers a more efficient means of enabling tumor cell death.
	Vaccine acceptance hindered by lack of culturally responsive communications: Study Although vaccination remains one of the most important public health strategies for preventing COVID and limiting its adverse outcomes, rates of vaccination are lower for Black people, suggesting that public health messaging and strategies have failed to adequately reach this community. A new study published in Vaccine from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) examines these shortcomings and seeks to understand the process that leads them to a decision about vaccination.
	Embedding fibers to undo the tapestry of memory loss in Alzheimer's disease Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease, a devastating form of dementia that affects 6.2 million Americans.
	Non-Europeans found to have more eating disorder symptoms, but less likely to receive specialist treatment People in Sweden of non-European descent have almost three times as many eating disorder symptoms as people born in Sweden. But despite this, they have significantly less access to specialist treatment. This is according to new research from Karolinska Institutet published in BJPsych Open.
	New research shows men sleep better than women, and sleep quality improves with age Researchers have unveiled crucial insights into the sleep health of middle-aged and older adults in Canada, identifying social determinants that contribute to disparities in sleep satisfaction, efficiency, and duration. The study revealed that men report sleeping better than women, and contrary to previously held beliefs, sleep actually improves with age. Socioeconomic factors like income level and homeownership also had an impact on sleep.
	Research reveals risk factors for poor asthma control in children A recent University of Alberta study is shedding more light on how perinatal health and early life events are related to asthma control in children. "Perinatal and early life factors and asthma control among preschoolers: a population-based retrospective cohort study" was published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research.
	New survey illustrates scale of maternal health crisis in Georgia One in 10 Georgians know of someone who has died during pregnancy, at delivery, or soon after giving birth.
	What happens when a kneecap dislocates Knee dislocation can be caused by a sudden blow, such as taking a hard hit playing a contact sport like football or hockey, or by a chronic condition, such as a stretched ligament. Some people have a particular knee anatomy that makes it more common. In those cases, a dislocation could be caused by something as simple as normal walking or standing up from a chair. With chronic dislocation, it may feel as though your knee is buckling or giving way. There's often no pattern or regular causes of the dislocations.
	Treating Dupuytren contracture without surgery Dupuytren (DOO-puh-tren) contracture is a disorder that can cause the fingers to curl in, primarily the ring and small fingers.
	Is assisted dying available equally to all in New Zealand? Just over two years ago, terminally ill New Zealanders were given the right to request a medically assisted death with the End of Life Choice Act. But having assisted dying legally available doesn't mean everyone has the access.
	Mental health costs of lockdown compliance still being felt, research shows An analysis by researchers from Bangor University looked at the behavior of around 1,700 people during the COVID restrictions in relation to their personality traits and their post-pandemic recovery. The study aimed to answer three broad questions: who follows health advice, what can be done to improve compliance; and what are the costs for those who comply?
	Cost of maternity care in Queensland is rising while adverse birth outcomes have become more frequent The cost of maternity care in Queensland is rising while adverse birth outcomes have also become more frequent, new research has found, raising concerns about sustaining quality of care into the future.
	Instead of calories and macros, think about the level of food processing, expert says Scientific consensus is building around a clear recommendation: To improve health, we need to think differently about our diet of ultra-processed foods. Rather than focus on calories or macronutrients, consider how the food you eat has been physically and chemically modified, says Alexandra DiFeliceantonio, an assistant professor and neuroscientist with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and associate director of the research institute's Center for Health Behaviors Research.
	Thyroid cancer prevalent among transgender female veterans There is a high prevalence of thyroid cancer among transgender female veterans, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Thyroid Association, held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C.
	Aussie babies and toddlers are targeted with unhealthy foods, finds research Babies and toddlers can't read or buy food yet, but new research reveals that they are being targeted with aggressive marketing in the baby and toddler aisle at the supermarket.

Other Sciences news

	Genetic research into a 9,000-year-old shaman burial in Germany The double burial of an adult woman and an infant, dating to about 7000–6800 BCE, discovered in 1934 during construction works at the spa gardens of Bad Dürrenberg, is regarded as one of the outstanding burial finds of the Mesolithic in Central Europe. Because of the unusual equipment with the woman, who was buried in a seated position, and her bodily anomalies, the burial is interpreted as that of a shaman.
	Study reveals the real tax rate paid by multinational corporations in 47 countries Despite a similar statutory tax rate for multinational corporations (MNCs) across many countries, the effective tax rate that MNCs actually pay differs greatly—as low as 1% of gross income in Luxembourg and as high as 67% in Norway. That's one conclusion of a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Javier Garcia-Bernardo of Utrecht University, the Netherlands, Petr Janský of Charles University, Czechia, and Thomas Tørsløv of Danmarks Nationalbank, Denmark.
	Remote collaborations deliver fewer scientific breakthroughs, co-led research finds Remote teams are less likely to make breakthrough discoveries compared to those who work onsite, according to research led by the universities of Oxford and Pittsburgh into the rise of remote collaborations among scientists and inventors across the world.
	New research sheds light on Bantu-speaking populations' expansion in Africa About 350 million people across Africa speak one or more of the 500 Bantu languages. New genetic analysis of modern and ancient individuals suggests that these populations probably originated in western Africa and then moved south and east in several waves. The study has been published in Nature.
	Big cities foster socioeconomic segregation: Here's how we can fix that We tend to think of large cities as melting pots—places where people from all sorts of backgrounds can mingle and interact. But according to new research, people in big cities tend to primarily interact with other individuals in the same socioeconomic bracket, whereas people in small cities and rural areas are much more likely to have diverse interactions.
	Psychological science can help counter spread of misinformation, says new report Debunking, "prebunking," nudging and teaching digital literacy are several of the more effective ways to counter misinformation, according to a new report from the American Psychological Association.
	Political ideology affected how COVID-19 news was consumed, study finds During the COVID-19 pandemic, the speed with which available health and safety information evolved was novel to most people around the world. To assess how the public handled the changing guidance, an international research team compared information consumption among citizens of Germany and the United States. They found the two countries displayed some similarities in how people consumed pandemic news, but differences emerged between German and U.S. citizens who lean right politically.
	Cyberbullying girls with pornographic deepfakes is a form of misogyny, say researchers The BBC recently reported on a disturbing new form of cyberbullying that took place at a school in Almendralejo, Spain.
	New research shows how Indigenous-owned businesses are creating better outcomes for their employees We are seeing more Indigenous businesses in Australia. This is important, given these businesses produce social impact, support Indigenous economic self-determination and maintain strong levels of Indigenous employment.
	Opinion: Science communicators need to stop telling everybody the universe is a meaningless void The scientific worldview has made great contributions to humanity's flourishing. But, as science advances into territory once firmly held by religion—attempting to answer questions about the origins of the universe, life and consciousness—science communication often paints a fairly pessimistic picture of the world.
	Researcher: Policing is not the answer to shoplifting, feeding people is Big businesses like to tell us that, as consumers, we all pay for food theft. We've been sold a narrative that as consumers who don't steal, we pay for the theft of food by others on our grocery receipts.
	Lloyds of London archives show how important the city was to the transatlantic slave trade In 1783, the City of London was gripped by a court case which symbolized the brutal economics of slavery. Two years previously, the Liverpool slave ship Zong had set out from Accra, in present-day Ghana, with 442 men, women and children crammed in its hold.
	Authentic or ethical? Study shows best leadership style for inclusive hiring depends on manager's racial identity As many companies aim to build diverse workforces, candidates from historically marginalized communities continue to report unfair recruitment practices and limited opportunities. Building an equitable organization starts during the hiring process, with potential supervisors playing a major role in making applicants feel comfortable.
	Attending early education during pandemic provides sustained benefits for youngsters' development The more time pre-schoolers spent in childcare during the first year of the pandemic, the more their vocabulary grew, a new study has found.
	Remote work, reduced pay: Are we willing to make a trade? The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape the workforce, with almost half of Australian workers willing to sacrifice part of their annual salary to work from home.
	The miraculous effect of music: Concerts bind people together Why does music exist? Some researchers believe that music is so widespread across human cultures because it brings people together. The theory is that during evolution, human groups who were musical worked better together, and therefore music may have offered an advantage for survival.
	What are young Australians most worried about? Finding affordable housing, say researchers Many of us were anxious and fearful during the COVID pandemic, but we've probably started to feel a lot better since lockdowns have stopped and life looks more like it did previously.
	It can be hard to challenge workplace discrimination, but Australian government's new bill should make it easier Alex Gutierrez worked for MUR Shipping and its predecessors for nearly 30 years. But in 2018 he was told, in line with company policy, it was time to set a retirement date.
	Hidden reality of hygiene poverty in Ireland revealed Hygiene poverty is a pervasive and hidden problem in Ireland and cuts across all income levels, according to the first comprehensive study of the issue in Ireland.
	Hallelujah, it's school concert season: Music researcher explains why these performances are so important Who could have imagined how quickly we would return to pre-COVID routines?
	Sexual assault survivors deserve a gold standard reporting experience A world-first report examining alternative ways for victim-survivors to report sexual assault says under-reporting could be reduced if moved away from law enforcement, but it will need greater support to be sustainable and secure.
	Māori suicide rates remain too high. Involving whānau more in coronial inquiries should be a priority Rates of suicide in Aotearoa have remained stubbornly high, despite government efforts to address the issue through the suicide prevention strategy and action plan and other measures.
	Study shows schools are providing 'fourth emergency service' by feeding families in desperate need New research has exposed how food charity in schools is becoming mainstreamed across England amidst the cost-of-living crisis, welfare cutbacks, and entrenched poverty.
	Cross-cultural mentoring to enhance education for Samoan infants and toddlers in Aotearoa New research led by AUT academics shows how to enhance early childhood education for Samoan pepe meamea (infants and toddlers)—the majority of whom are taught in English-medium centers.
	Dutch youth found to have little knowledge about democracy Dutch youth are less informed about democracy than peers in similar countries. This is evident from the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS), an international survey conducted in 24 countries on citizenship among second-year high school students. The Dutch part of the study was conducted by the University of Amsterdam, the Kohnstamm Institute, and GION Education/Research at the University of Groningen and commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.
	Study examines the perceptions of pre-service teachers on peer reaction video feedback Teacher training courses are integral to teacher education programs. However, they often offer limited opportunities for novice teachers to practice teaching and receive feedback on their performance. In this regard, peer evaluation of a teacher's recorded teaching video or "microteaching" is promising. Recently, this method has been integrated into many teacher education programs.

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