Science X Newsletter Wed, Nov 8

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for November 8, 2023:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Seagrass decline poses issues for carbon storage projects

Muon g-2 experiment measures the positive muon anomalous magnetic moment to 0.20 ppm

Study unveils organizational complexity of the prefrontal cortex and neuron subtypes regulating chronic pain

Nasal suctioning method for infants with bronchiolitis found to affect parental satisfaction more than disease outcomes

Five new pulsars discovered with FAST

Researchers demonstrate field-free switching of a commercial PMA ferromagnet at room temperature

Japanese scientist conquers the board game Othello

Researchers identify brain network that is uniquely activated through injection vs. oral drug use

Extracellular vesicles captured by sustainable wood cellulose-based nanofiber may identify and improve cancer treatment

Genetics of nearby healthy tissue may help catch lung cancer's return

Scientists engineer potent immune cells for 'off-the-shelf' cancer immunotherapy

Why a surprising discovery, warming seas and the demise of the 'Meg' may spell trouble for more and more sharks

Study shows willow bark extract has broad-spectrum antiviral effect

Cheetahs become more nocturnal on hot days. Climate change may trigger fights among predators

New research reveals an advanced form of meditation impacts the brain and is linked to aspects of well-being

Nanotechnology news

	Extracellular vesicles captured by sustainable wood cellulose-based nanofiber may identify and improve cancer treatment A research team in Japan, led by Nagoya University's Akira Yokoi, has developed an innovative technique using cellulose nanofiber (CNF) sheets derived from wood cellulose to capture extracellular vesicles (EVs) from fluid samples and even organs during surgery.
	Research team designs injectable nanoparticles that release naloxone when triggered by blue light By rapidly reversing the effects of an opioid overdose, naloxone saves lives―if it's available at the right time. To eliminate this element of chance, researchers are exploring ways to have the medication available in the body before it's needed.
	New sensors measure uric acid levels better than other noninvasive methods Researchers in Purdue University's College of Engineering have invented and are developing noninvasive medical devices to make the monitoring and treatment of certain physiological and psychological conditions timelier and more precise.
	Scaling up nano for sustainable manufacturing with self-assembling nanosheets A new self-assembling nanosheet could radically accelerate the development of functional and sustainable nanomaterials for electronics, energy storage, health and safety, and more.

Physics news

	Muon g-2 experiment measures the positive muon anomalous magnetic moment to 0.20 ppm The Muon g-2 Collaboration is a large group of researchers at different institutes worldwide collaborating on the Muon g-2 experiment. This is a research effort aimed at exploring the interactions of muons, short-lived particles that are essentially heavy electrons, using powerful accelerators at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab).
	Room-temperature superconductor study retracted by Nature A study published in March claiming the discovery of a superconductor that works at room temperature—a scientific holy grail—has been retracted by the high-profile journal Nature at the request of most of its authors.
	Crumpled sheets reveal a mechanism for glassy relaxations We often crumple a scrap piece of paper into a ball before throwing it. This mundane action, however, creates a unique complex system with surprising mechanical properties. Take a thin plastic sheet such as cellophane and try it yourself. While a regular flat sheet will simply bend under the influence of gravity, a crumpled sheet is stiffer and can hold its own weight. It also has shape memory—it has many stable configurations and thus will tend to keep the shape it is deformed to.
	Eavesdropping on the electron: A new method for extracting data from noise A method developed at the University of Duisburg-Essen makes it possible to read data from noisy signals. Theoretical physicists and their experimental colleagues have published their findings in the current issue of Physical Review Research. The method they describe could also be significant for quantum computers.
	Physicists trap electrons in a 3D crystal for the first time Electrons move through a conducting material like commuters at the height of Manhattan rush hour. The charged particles may jostle and bump against each other, but for the most part, they're unconcerned with other electrons as they hurtle forward, each with their own energy.
	Research overcomes major obstacle for quantum sensor development Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI) have removed a key obstacle for development of extremely sensitive monitoring devices based on quantum technology.
	Would matrix mechanics win recognition today? Albert Einstein, best known for his work in relativity, won the Nobel Prize for his formula for the photoelectric effect, which often surprises modern physicists. He's not the only physicist whose Nobel award misaligns with the winner's modern claim-to-fame.
	Acquitting a physicist accused of 'obscurantism' American-born British theoretical physicist David Bohm made many significant contributions to physics. But he's most famous for challenging convention and interpreting quantum mechanics in terms of nonlocal or hidden variables. Several eminent contemporaries accused him of defending outdated ideals based in deterministic physics, rather than embracing his contemporaries' non-deterministic views.
	Magnetic shielding for particle detectors Particle physicists who hunt for neutrinos, cosmic-rays and other charged particles rely on sophisticated instruments that detect very faint bursts of light given off when incident particles interact with a medium. The most common such instruments, called Cherenkov detectors, use photomultiplier tubes to capture as much of this light as possible. This provides a meaningful signal from which to glean information about the particle from whence it came. But their efficiency drops when subjected to Earth's magnetic field.
	Researchers realize water-air acoustic communication based on broadband impedance matching With increasing demand for exploration and utilization of marine resources, achieving direct and efficient communication between water and air has been an urgent need. Sound waves, as the only propagation way with low attenuation in both water and air, has been considered the most practical way to achieve water-air communication.
	Generating cold with solids After more than a century, physicists aim to dethrone the tried-and-tested technology of the refrigerator, as cooling can be made more energy-efficient.
	Picking up the statistics of good vibrations in Brillouin-Mandelstam scattering Experiments with single-photon detectors have revealed surprising statistics of light created via interactions with high-frequency sound waves.
	Q&A: Philosophy meets physics—professor uncovers hidden truth about Newton's 300-year old law Like most high schoolers in an intro to physics class, Dan Hoek heard the legendary tale of Isaac Newton and the apple.

Earth news

	Seagrass decline poses issues for carbon storage projects Climate change is an ever-pressing concern, with innovative ways to remove excess carbon from the atmosphere a continued focus of scientists. One such carbon sequestration method turns to an unlikely sink—seagrass—a marine flowering plant (angiosperm) that is found in shallow coastal waters up to 50m depth on all continents except Antarctica.
	Melting ice, falling snow: Sea ice declines enhance snowfall over West Antarctica As the world continues to warm, Antarctica is losing ice at an increasing pace, but the loss of sea ice may lead to more snowfall over the ice sheets, partially offsetting contributions to sea level rise, according to Penn State scientists.
	Why do climate models underestimate polar warming? 'Invisible clouds' could be the answer Stratospheric clouds over the Arctic may explain the differences seen between the polar warming calculated by climate models and actual recordings, find researchers from UNSW Sydney.
	Study projects how mountain climate systems will change with rising carbon dioxide Mountains create their own weather or climate systems by changing airflow and precipitation patterns. Orographic, or mountain-influenced, precipitation occurs as moisture-laden air rises over the high topography; the air cools, condenses, and releases water; and the atmosphere warms with latent heat. But as the world warms and emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) increase, predicting changes in mountain precipitation is becoming more complex.
	Study finds bacteria use organic phosphorus and release methane in the process Off Barbados, researchers from Bremen have investigated how bacteria inadvertently release methane in order to obtain phosphorus—with significant effects on atmospheric greenhouse gases.
	New AI system can map giant icebergs from satellite images 10,000 times faster than humans Scientists have trained an artificial intelligence (AI) system to accurately map—in one-hundredth of a second—the surface area and outline of giant icebergs captured on satellite images. The paper, titled "Mapping the extent of giant Antarctic icebergs with Deep Learning," is published in The Cryosphere.
	Red hot October almost guarantees 2023 will be the hottest year on record This October was the hottest on record globally, 1.7 degrees Celsius (3.1 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the pre-industrial average for the month—and the fifth straight month with such a mark in what will now almost certainly be the warmest year ever recorded.
	Nasty drought in Syria, Iraq and Iran wouldn't have happened without climate change, study finds A three-year drought that has left millions of people in Syria, Iraq and Iran with little water wouldn't have happened without human-caused climate change, a new study found.
	El Nino set to last at least til April: UN The El Niño weather phenomenon, which triggers higher global temperatures, is expected to last until at least April 2024, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
	Overcoming the climate crisis with trade-based strategies Global warming is making weather patterns more extreme and increasing inequalities across regions. However, economic growth is still possible, with economies showing a range of responses to the impacts of global heating.
	Study suggests link between feral horses and peatland carbon emissions A new study by RMIT has found carbon emissions from Australian alpine peatlands to be much higher in areas disturbed by feral horses. The paper, "Carbon emissions from Australian Sphagnum peatlands increase with feral horse (Equus caballus) presence," was published in the Journal of Environmental Management .
	New analysis finds strong El Niño could bring extra floods this winter An analysis by NASA's sea level change science team finds that if a strong El Niño develops this winter, cities along the western coasts of the Americas could see an increase in the frequency of high-tide flooding that can swamp roads and spill into low-lying buildings.
	A series of powerful earthquakes shakes eastern Indonesia. No immediate reports of casualties A series of powerful and shallow earthquakes shook a sparsely populated island chain in eastern Indonesia on Wednesday. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
	Fossil fuel plans by producing nations threaten global climate goals: UN Plans to expand oil, gas and coal production by major fossil fuel countries would push the world far beyond agreed global warming limits and are "throwing humanity's future into question", the UN warned Wednesday.

Astronomy and Space news

	Five new pulsars discovered with FAST Using the Five-hundred Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), astronomers from China and Australia have discovered five new pulsars, two of which turned out to have ultra-short spin periods. The finding was reported in a research paper published November 1 on the preprint server arXiv.
	Presence of atomic oxygen confirmed on both day and night sides of Venus A multi-institutional team of astrophysicists from Germany has made the first direct observation of oxygen atoms in the day side atmosphere of Venus. In their project, reported in the journal Nature Communications, the group studied data from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, (SOFIA), the airplane-based reflecting telescope, to learn more about elements and molecules in Venus's atmosphere.
	A supermassive black hole's strong magnetic fields are revealed in a new light The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration has published new results that describe for the first time how light from the edge of the supermassive black hole M87* spirals as it escapes the black hole's intense gravity, a signature known as circular polarization. The way light's electric field prefers to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise as it travels carries information about the magnetic field and types of high-energy particles around the black hole.
	Webb findings support long-proposed process of planet formation Scientists using James Webb Space Telescope just made a breakthrough discovery in revealing how planets are made. By observing water vapor in protoplanetary disks, Webb confirmed a physical process involving the drifting of ice-coated solids from the outer regions of the disk into the rocky-planet zone.
	Dwarf galaxies stripped of stars prove to be the missing link in the formation of rare ultra-compact dwarf galaxies Astronomers using the Gemini North telescope, one-half of the International Gemini Observatory operated by NSF's NOIRLab, have captured the eroding remains of more than 100 dwarf galaxies as they transition into ultra-compact dwarf galaxies, objects with masses much greater than star clusters yet much smaller than dwarf galaxies. These findings confirm that many ultra-compact dwarf galaxies are likely the fossil remains of normal dwarf galaxies that have been stripped of their outer layers.
	SpaceX lines up Canaveral launch, KSC launch Thursday It's a busy week for SpaceX on the Space Coast with another Cape Canaveral launch set for late Tuesday and Thursday night launch from neighboring Kennedy Space Center.
	Over the past six years, governments proposed launching more than 1 million satellites, but where will they all go? In September 2021, Rwanda announced that it was planning to launch over 300,000 satellites. Three months later, a Canadian company, having previously launched two dozen CubeSats, said it would launch an additional 100,000. Then, a French company did likewise. And SpaceX, which has already launched around 5,000 satellites, now has plans for over 60,000 more.
	Boom in space tourism threatens to boost the amounts of space junk and climate emissions Commercial companies are increasingly becoming involved in transporting astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), as well as other activities in orbit. Some, such as Houston-based Axiom Space, eventually want to build their own space stations in orbit, where commercial astronauts could make extended stays.
	How to make asteroid landings safer Landing safely on an asteroid is no mean feat. Despite several recent successes, there have also been notable failures—most famously, the Philae lander to 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Admittedly, that was an attempt to land on a comet rather than an asteroid, but those two bodies share many of the same landing hazards.
	Enceladus has all the raw materials for life, researchers say Saturn's ocean moon, Enceladus, is attracting increasing attention in the search for life in our solar system. Most of what we know about Enceladus and its ice-covered ocean comes from the Cassini mission. Cassini ended its exploration of the Saturn system in 2017, but scientists are still working through its data.
	Astronomers are hoping to detect gravitational waves coming from supernova 1987A A supernova explosion is a cataclysmic explosion that marks the violent end of a massive star's life. During the event, the star releases immense amounts of energy, often outshining the combined light from all the stars in the host galaxy for a very brief period of time. The explosion produces heavy elements and spreads them out among the stars to contribute to the formation of new stars and planets.
	Image: Earth through a 2-mm lens A distant, partly shadowed Earth, as viewed from a 6,000-km-altitude orbit. This unusual image was acquired using an extremely miniaturized camera about the size of the edge of a 20 cent coin—a miniscule technology experiment aboard ESA's shoebox-sized TRISAT-R CubeSat.

Technology news

	Researchers demonstrate field-free switching of a commercial PMA ferromagnet at room temperature Magnetic random-access memories (MRAMs) are data storage devices that store digital data within nanomagnets, representing it in binary code (i.e., as "0" or "1"). The magnetization of nanomagnets inside these memory devices can be directed upward or downward.
	Japanese scientist conquers the board game Othello "Othello is now solved." With that summation, a researcher at a Japanese computer company confirmed yet another milestone in supercomputing achievement.
	Ammonia fuel offers great benefits but demands careful action, says study Ammonia, a main component of many fertilizers, could play a key role in a carbon-free fuel system as a convenient way to transport and store clean hydrogen. The chemical, made of hydrogen and nitrogen (NH3), can also itself be burned as a zero-carbon fuel. However, new research led by Princeton University illustrates that even though it may not be a source of carbon pollution, ammonia's widespread use in the energy sector could pose a grave risk to the nitrogen cycle and climate without proper engineering precautions.
	A centimeter-scale quadruped leverages curved-crease origami Centimeter-scale walking and crawling robots are in demand both for their ability to explore tight or cluttered environments and for their low fabrication costs. Now, pulling from origami-inspired construction, researchers led by Cynthia Sung, Gabel Family Term Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Science's Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) Department, have crafted a more simplified approach to the design and fabrication of these robots.
	The secret to longer lasting batteries might be in how soap works, new study says When it comes to making batteries that last longer, a team of researchers including engineers at Brown University and Idaho National Laboratory believes the key might be in how things get clean—specifically how soap works in this process.
	Innovative photoresist materials pave the way for smaller, high performance semiconductor chips For more than 50 years, the semiconductor industry has been hard at work developing advanced technologies that have led to the amazing increases in computing power and energy efficiency that have improved our lives. A primary way the industry has achieved these remarkable performance gains has been by finding ways to decrease the size of the semiconductor devices in microchips. However, with semiconductor feature sizes now approaching only a few nanometers—just a few hundred atoms—it has become increasingly challenging to sustain continued device miniaturization.
	'The Legend of Zelda' will be made into a live-action film Nintendo is developing a live-action film based on its hit video game "The Legend of Zelda," the Japanese company behind the Super Mario franchise said Wednesday.
	Rivian to end exclusivity with Amazon, allow other companies to buy its electric vans Electric vehicle maker Rivian said Tuesday that it will allow other companies to purchase its fleet of delivery vans, ending an exclusive agreement with Amazon.
	Telecoms outage cuts off millions of Australians More than 10 million Australians were cut off from internet and phone services on Wednesday after unexplained outages struck one of the country's largest communications companies.
	'Call of Duty', the stalwart video game veteran, turns 20 James Spratt recalls dashing home from school as a teenager to band together online with friends to do battle in "Call of Duty", the global video game juggernaut that never gets old.
	Meta, Apple at risk of increased regulation of digital wallets Meta Platforms Inc., Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc. and other companies that offer digital wallets and payment apps would fall under U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau supervision under a newly proposed rule aimed at treating nonbanks more like traditional counterparts.
	Engineered 'living materials' could help clean up water pollution one day Water pollution is a growing concern globally, with research estimating that chemical industries discharge 300–400 megatonnes (600–800 billion pounds) of industrial waste into bodies of water each year.
	General Motors' autonomous vehicle unit recalls cars for software update after dragging a pedestrian General Motors' Cruise autonomous vehicle unit is recalling all 950 of its cars to update software after one of them dragged a pedestrian to the side of a San Francisco street in early October.
	Nissan, Renault launch 'rebalanced' alliance French automaker Renault and Japanese partner Nissan officially launched their "rebalanced" alliance on Wednesday as they seek to reset a rocky 24-year-old partnership.
	Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud. Here's what cryptocurrency investors need to know In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, vast sums of money can be made or lost in the blink of an eye. In early November 2022, the crypto exchange FTX was valued at over US$30 billion. By the middle of that month, FTX was in bankruptcy proceedings. And less than a year later, on Nov. 3, 2023, its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was found guilty of seven counts of money laundering and fraud, following a trial that featured less than a month of testimony and only about four hours of jury deliberation.
	Acapulco was built to withstand earthquakes, but not Hurricane Otis' destructive winds. How building codes failed Acapulco wasn't prepared when Hurricane Otis struck as a powerful Category 5 storm on Oct. 25, 2023. The short notice as the storm rapidly intensified over the Pacific Ocean wasn't the only problem—the Mexican resort city's buildings weren't designed to handle anything close to Otis' 165 mph winds.
	Who will write the rules for AI? How nations are racing to regulate artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is a label that can cover a huge range of activities related to machines undertaking tasks with or without human intervention. Our understanding of AI technologies is largely shaped by where we encounter them, from facial recognition tools and chatbots to photo editing software and self-driving cars.
	AI-generated faces look just like real ones, but evidence shows your brain can tell the difference For a while, limitations in technology meant that animators and researchers were only capable of creating human-like faces which seemed a little "off."
	Researchers warn we could run out of data to train AI by 2026. What then? As artificial intelligence (AI) reaches the peak of its popularity, researchers have warned the industry might be running out of training data—the fuel that runs powerful AI systems. This could slow down the growth of AI models, especially large language models, and may even alter the trajectory of the AI revolution.
	Meta to require political ads reveal AI altered images Meta on Wednesday said that advertisers will soon have to disclose when artificial intelligence (AI) or other software is used to create or alter imagery or audio in political ads.
	New interferometry technique could improve GPS A new scientific technique could significantly improve the reference frames that millions of people rely upon each day when using GPS navigation services, according to a recently published article in Radio Science.
	Research calculates how passenger body heat affects energy consumption of airport buildings There's snow and ice on the runway, you've gone through check-in and security, but your flight's delayed, thank goodness the airport has a decent heating system! Well, a study in the International Journal of Sustainable Aviation has investigated how much each passenger's body heat might be contributing to the departure lounge's overall heating budget.
	New technology uses AI and virtual reality to monitor safety of bridges and buildings Monitoring the structural health of the nation's aging buldings and bridges is vital to keeping people safe and helping prevent tragedies such as the Surfside condominium collapse in 2021.
	Co-performing music through voice and gestures: New app enables interactive music performances Music performance requires musical expertise and instrument training. While for many it's a daunting task, others lack physical abilities to play the instruments. Ilya Borovik, a Ph.D. student in computational and data science and engineering, with his co-author from Germany set an ambitious goal to make music performances more accessible to people regardless of their background.
	Experts assess states' case in lawsuit against Meta over youth mental health concerns Meta, the parent company of social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and Threads, faces federal lawsuits from 42 states' attorneys general asserting that the company intentionally crafted features to make children and teens become addicted to their products.
	Harvesting solar heat and raindrop energy using non-planar dielectrics Weather-dependent environmental energy harvesting of solar heat, wind energy, and rain energy towards carbon sustainability and net zero is critical in the post-pandemic world, where economic activities gradually recover with ever-increasing electricity demands. Ubiquitous ambient energy sources, such as solar illuminations, wind fluctuations, ground heat, humidity variations, and raindrops, are typically season-/climate-dependent and present as sunny/cloudy/rainy weather and diurnal cycles.
	21st century Total Wars will enlist technologies in ways we don't yet understand, researcher says The war in Ukraine is not only the largest European land war since the Second World War. It is also the first large-scale shooting war between two technologically advanced countries to be fought in cyberspace as well.
	Netflix reopens Hollywood's 'Egyptian' movie palace The Egyptian Theatre, which hosted Hollywood's first-ever red carpet premiere in its faux hieroglyph-adorned courtyard more than a century ago, reopens this week under the new ownership of Netflix.
	For Hollywood, AI is a threat. For indie filmmakers, it's a lifeline Blazers brushed up against streetwear. Miniature cameras dangled from a woman's earrings. One man's hoodie read: "Rendered With Love."
	Nextdoor lays off 25% of its full-time staff as neighborhood social network works to cut costs Nextdoor is laying off 25% of its full-time staff as the neighborhood-focused social network company cuts costs with its losses widening.
	Chinese auto sales surged 10% year-on-year in October in fastest growth since May, exports up 50% Sales of passenger cars rose 10.2% in October over a year earlier, an industry association said Wednesday, as makers ramped up promotions and customers opted for electric and hybrid vehicles.
	GM, Stellantis among group investing $33M in company that makes magnets without rare earth metals The venture capital arms of General Motors and Stellantis are among investors sinking $33 million into a Minnesota company with technology to make magnets for electric vehicle motors without using expensive rare-earth metals.
	Switzerland ends electric car tax exemption Switzerland on Wednesday scrapped a tax exemption for imports of electric cars, whose growing presence on Swiss roads has cut into tax revenues.
	Grand Theft Auto maker to release new game's trailer in December The maker of "Grand Theft Auto," one of the biggest-selling video game series of all time, said Wednesday it will release a trailer next month for the long-awaited next installment.
	Research uncovers potential and challenge of iridium L-band burst transmission for opportunistic navigation A research team from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has been delving into the iridium L-band downlink burst transmissions to explore their potential as Signals of Opportunity (SoOP) for navigation. Their findings were published in Electronics Letters.
	A new perspective on Petri net learning The state space explosion problem means that the state space of Petri nets (PNs) grows exponentially with PNs' size. Even the fundamental reachability problem is still an NP-Hard problem in general. It has been proved that the equivalence problem for the reachability set of arbitrary PNs is undecidable except for some subclass of PNs. That is, the reachability problem of arbitrary PNs cannot be solved exactly. Nowadays, there is no efficient and accurate algorithm to solve the problem.

Chemistry news

	Study finds a thyroxine derivative enhances brain drug delivery A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that the delivery of drugs into the brain, and especially into glial cells, can be enhanced with prodrugs that temporarily incorporate thyroxine or a thyroxine-like molecule. The transporter protein OATP1C1, which is found in the brain, can be utilized in the delivery of such prodrugs. The results were published in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
	Proof-of-concept device 'smells' seawater to discover, detect novel molecules Under the ocean's surface, marine organisms are constantly releasing invisible molecules. Some of the chemical clues reveal which creatures are nearby, while others could be used someday as medications.
	New antifungal molecule kills fungi without toxicity in human cells, mice A new antifungal molecule, devised by tweaking the structure of prominent antifungal drug Amphotericin B, has the potential to harness the drug's power against fungal infections while doing away with its toxicity, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and collaborators at the University of Wisconsin-Madison report in the journal Nature.
	Researchers produce Mo-99 by electron accelerator with optimized target system Chinese researchers have developed a process for producing the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) using the electron accelerator system. The study was published in Applied Radiation and Isotopes.
	Student-made water quality monitor can help isolated communities track safe water sources A portable water quality monitor created by a team of University of Bath students could help to rapidly detect and map safe water sources for communities around the world.

Biology news

	Why a surprising discovery, warming seas and the demise of the 'Meg' may spell trouble for more and more sharks Some unexpected shark strandings and subsequent surprises following autopsies have ironically taken marine biologists millions of years back in time as they look to the future with concern. Adding chapters to an evolutionary tale involving the infamous megalodon shark (the "Meg"), they think their work suggests there are more warm-blooded sharks out there than previously believed, and—based on the Meg's demise—these species may be at great risk from warming seas.
	Study shows willow bark extract has broad-spectrum antiviral effect From a seasonal cold to a stomach bug, nobody likes catching a virus—and epidemics can be devastating. We need safe, sustainable antiviral options to treat the outbreaks of the future. Scientists in Finland have now shown that an extract of willow bark—a plant that has already provided several medicines, including the precursor to modern aspirin—has a broad-spectrum antiviral effect in cell sample experiments.
	Cheetahs become more nocturnal on hot days. Climate change may trigger fights among predators Cheetahs are usually daytime hunters, but the speedy big cats will shift their activity toward dawn and dusk hours during warmer weather, a new study finds.
	Scientists use quantum biology, AI to sharpen genome editing tool Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have used their expertise in quantum biology, artificial intelligence and bioengineering to improve how CRISPR Cas9 genome editing tools work on organisms like microbes that can be modified to produce renewable fuels and chemicals.
	Comparison of herbaria collected by botanists over centuries shows impact of climate change A team of botanists and biologists affiliated with several institutions in Italy has found it is possible to trace changes to plant life in some parts of the world by studying herbaria created by plant enthusiasts. In their study, reported in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the group compared plant samples in herbaria created by Ulisse Aldrovandi, Girolamo Cocconi and Emilia-Romagna, who made their collections centuries apart.
	New study using 3D scans of 85% of all known bird species sheds light on extraordinary avian diversity A new study, using the digitized scans of beaks from over 8,700 bird species, is shedding light on how evolution changes at different scales. While the general principles of evolution by natural selection have been known for over 160 years, the 3D scanning of specimens housed at Natural History Museum, Tring, and Manchester Museum is not only uncovering information on the evolution of birds but also answering broader questions on how evolution occurs.
	Scientists report completion of chromosome XI, a major step towards creating the world's first synthetic yeast A UK-based team of Scientists, led by experts from the University of Nottingham and Imperial College London, have completed construction of a synthetic chromosome as part of a major international project to build the world's first synthetic yeast genome.
	Plant lifecycle insights: Big data can predict climate change impact A new study published in the journal Nature examines, for the first time, the lifecycles of plants on a global scale, via the creation of a unique database containing huge quantities of data.
	How animals get their stripes and spots Nature has no shortage of patterns, from spots on leopards to stripes on zebras and hexagons on boxfish. But a full explanation for how these patterns form has remained elusive.
	A fifth of European Red List flora and fauna species may be at risk of extinction A new analysis of 14,669 threatened species of plants and animals found in Europe reveals that about one fifth face the risk of extinction, and that agricultural land-use change poses a significant threat to these species. Axel Hochkirch of the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
	Genetic analysis shows head lice evolution mirrors human migration and colonization in the Americas A new analysis of lice genetic diversity suggests that lice came to the Americas twice—once during the first wave of human migration across the Bering Strait, and again during European colonization. Marina Ascunce, currently at the USDA-ARS, and colleagues, report these findings in a study published in the journal PLOS ONE.
	Yeast with more than 50% synthetic genome is created in the lab Researchers have combined over seven synthetic chromosomes that were made in the lab into a single yeast cell, resulting in a strain with more than 50% synthetic DNA that survives and replicates similarly to wild yeast strains.
	Extreme weather may help invasive species outcompete native animals, new study finds Non-native species appear to be better able to resist extreme weather, threatening native plants and animals and potentially creating more favorable conditions for invasive species under climate change. That's the conclusion of a new study in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
	Identifying a silicon transporter to improve the yield of rice Silicon (Si) is abundant in terrestrial environments and accounts for 0.1% to 10% of a plant's dry weight. Certain plant species show high levels of Si accumulation, and research has identified high Si accumulation as a protective mechanism against abiotic (drought, cold, heat) and biotic stressors (living organisms).
	The metabolism of bacteria: New method reveals host-microbe interactions The fascinating world of bacteria that live as symbionts or parasites in animal hosts often remains a mystery to researchers. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Manuel Liebeke, Kiel University (CAU) and the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen are contributing to solving this puzzle by researching the interactions between microbes and their host. However, there has been a lack of insight into what bacteria do in their natural environment.
	Baby dolphins found to receive high doses of persistent organic pollutants from their mothers' milk A team of marine biologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, working with a pair of colleagues from the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, has found that dolphin calves born to mothers in the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program consume milk that contains high amounts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
	Temperature increase triggers viral infection: Research maps what happens on an atomic level Researchers at Lund University, together with colleagues at the NIST Synchrotron Facility in the U.S., have mapped on an atomic level what happens in a virus particle when the temperature is raised.
	Zen and the art of mitochondrial maintenance: The machinery of death makes a healthier life While we all aspire for a long lifespan, what is most coveted is a long period of vigor and health, or "healthspan," that precedes the inevitable decline of advancing age. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have discovered that instruments of death that cells use to commit suicide when things go wrong contribute to making a longer and healthier life by revitalizing the specialized cellular compartments called mitochondria.
	Experts predict 'catastrophic ecosystem collapse' of UK forests within the next 50 years if no action is taken A team of experts from across Europe has produced a list of 15 over-looked and emerging issues that are likely to have a significant impact on UK forests over the next 50 years.
	Southern Alaska's national forests key to meeting climate and conservation goals, study shows Analyses of U.S. national forests led by Oregon State University scientists shows that increased protections for two Alaskan forests is a key to meeting climate and biodiversity goals.
	Research explores molecular basis of ventilator-induced diaphragm weakness A study, published in PNAS Nexus, presents evidence that mitochondrial fragmentation is a proximal mechanism underlying ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD)—and identifies a possible therapeutic to limit diaphragm atrophy during a stay in intensive care.
	How do bacteria actually become resistant to antibiotics? "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger," originally coined by Friedrich Nietzsche in 1888, is a perfect description of how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance.
	Mountain goats seek snow to shake off insects, finds study Losing summer snow patches may hit mountain goats hard, according to a study that suggests that goats seek out snow to avoid biting insects.
	Assessing the sustainability of trade in wild-harvested plants A method for assessing the sustainability of the wild-harvested plant trade has been demonstrated using a valuable Himalayan perennial herb. Thousands of species of wild-harvested plants are bought and sold in large quantities around the world, but there is little information on sustainable harvest levels.
	For freshwaters, these pets are high-risk invasive species Unwanted pets are often released as soon as they become a nuisance. Not just dogs and cats, but also exotic freshwater species. This contributes significantly to the spread of invasive species. Well known examples include the goldfish and pond slider terrapins, which have established non-native populations globally.
	For beginning nontraditional farmers, stress is a constant: Study Farming is already a stressful occupation, but the stress is compounded for nontraditional beginning farmers, a small study in the Midwest suggests.
	Single gene controls Corn Belt weed's resistance to soil-applied herbicide, study finds Waterhemp, the aggressive weed threatening Corn Belt crop production, is throwing curveballs once again, according to researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The weed has famously developed resistance to not one or two, but seven herbicide sites-of-action classes, nearly exhausting the chemical tools farmers can use to defend their livelihood.
	'Alien' wasps thriving in tropical forests, study finds Researchers say they have discovered a high diversity of Darwin wasps in a tropical rainforest in Brazil, wasps which were previously thought to thrive more in cooler habitats.
	Framework provides guidance for ethical wildlife management Wildlife management decisions and practices face increasing ethical scrutiny. In research published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, investigators have developed a framework for incorporating ethical considerations into decisions in a systematic way.
	'Superbugs' with hypervirulence and carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae A new bacterial threat, the carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP), is rapidly spreading in clinical environments in China, posing a significant public health challenge. This pathogen is simultaneously multidrug-resistant, highly virulent, and highly transmissible, making it a devastating threat.
	Researchers hunt for hard-to-spot genetic links to improve crop and livestock breeding When a hurricane-like derecho knocked down corn plants across Iowa in August 2020, it was devastating for farmers. But it also presented a natural experiment for an Iowa State University research team, which fanned out across flattened fields in the days after the storm to record how crops held up.

Medicine and Health news

	Study unveils organizational complexity of the prefrontal cortex and neuron subtypes regulating chronic pain The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is one of the most sophisticated regions of the mammalian brain. This crucial brain region is known to support various complex functions, including cognition, memory, decision-making, intelligence, and the experience of pain.
	Nasal suctioning method for infants with bronchiolitis found to affect parental satisfaction more than disease outcomes Researchers led by the University of Toronto, Canada, have conducted a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced vs. minimal nasal suctioning in treating infants with bronchiolitis after discharge from the emergency department.
	Researchers identify brain network that is uniquely activated through injection vs. oral drug use Results from a new clinical trial suggest that a group of brain regions known as the "salience network" is activated after a drug is taken intravenously, but not when that same drug is taken orally.
	Genetics of nearby healthy tissue may help catch lung cancer's return Genetic information collected from seemingly healthy tissue near lung tumors may be a better predictor of whether cancer will come back after treatment than analysis of the tumors themselves, according to new research led by NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center.
	Scientists engineer potent immune cells for 'off-the-shelf' cancer immunotherapy UCLA scientists have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for "off-the-shelf" cell therapy to treat challenging cancers.
	New research reveals an advanced form of meditation impacts the brain and is linked to aspects of well-being Using advanced brain scanning technology, a team led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a founding member of Mass General Brigham (MGB), have revealed insights into what happens in the brain during an advanced form of meditation called jhana.
	Using AI to optimize for rapid neural imaging Connectomics, the ambitious field of study that seeks to map the intricate network of animal brains, is undergoing a growth spurt. Within the span of a decade, it has journeyed from its nascent stages to a discipline that is poised to (hopefully) unlock the enigmas of cognition and the physical underpinning of neuropathologies such as in Alzheimer's disease.
	Researchers solve mystery behind antibiotic-resistant C. difficile infection Researchers at the Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health) have uncovered why C. diff (also known as Clostridioides difficile or C. difficile) infection has developed resistance to the antibiotic metronidazole.
	With cancer-causing HPVs depleted by vaccination, research suggests it's time to reevaluate screening strategies The vaccine against human papillomaviruses (HPVs) works, successfully preventing infections that cause genital warts, cervical cancer, and some other cancers related to the anus, genitals, head, and neck. But what happens to the remaining HPV population when the vaccine wipes the most notorious cancer-causing HPVs out of the picture? Other types of HPVs seem to fill the vacancy, researchers report November 8 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe.
	1 in 25 carries a genotype that is associated with a shortened lifespan, according to scientists Scientists at deCODE genetics have published a study on actionable genotypes detected in the Icelandic population and their association with lifespan. The results of this study are among the things that have motivated the government of Iceland to announce a nationwide effort in precision medicine.
	Study links gene network and pancreatic beta cell defects to type 2 diabetes A comprehensive study that integrates multiple analytic approaches has linked a regulatory gene network and functional defects in insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells to type 2 diabetes. The study, published Nov. 8 in the journal Nature, lays the foundation for identifying additional early disease-driving events for type 2 diabetes, and it also provides a template for identifying regulatory networks that drive other diseases.
	Cellular 'atlas' built to guide precision medicine treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation that leads to pain, joint damage, and disability, which affects approximately 18 million people worldwide. While RA therapies targeted to specific inflammatory pathways have emerged, only some patients' symptoms improve with treatment, emphasizing the need for multiple treatment approaches tailored to different disease subtypes.
	Autism brain states may hold the key to unlocking childhood memories Neuroscientists have discovered a fascinating connection between the retention of early life memories and brain developmental trajectories associated with autism.
	Artificial bladders shine light on pathogens that cause urinary tract infections Research published in Science Advances is the first to use a sophisticated human tissue model to explore the interaction between host and pathogen for six common species that cause urinary tract infections. The findings suggest that the "one size fits all" approach to diagnosis and treatment currently used in most health care systems is inadequate.
	Disturbances in sensory neurons may turn transient pain into chronic pain Researchers from the Center for Translational Immunology at University Medical Center Utrecht (the Netherlands) have identified that a transient inflammatory pain causes mitochondrial and redox changes in sensory neurons that persist beyond pain resolution. These changes appear to predispose to a failure in resolving pain caused by subsequent inflammation. Additionally, targeting the cellular redox balance prevents and treats chronic inflammatory pain in rodents.
	Algorithm aids in early detection of age-related eye disease  Duke University researchers created a computer program that determines, with 94% accuracy, if a person's age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will worsen within a year.
	Researchers heal heavy metal poisoning from implants Cobalt was widely used for hip and knee joint replacements until cases of heavy metal poisoning appeared. Now, researchers from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and Carnegie Mellon report a way to protect people with these implants from cobalt toxicity.
	Study finds genetic links between some health conditions and PTSD A new study led by Yale Department of Psychiatry researchers has identified numerous physical health conditions, particularly diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, that have genetic links to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
	First evidence of how the Asian malaria mosquito is spreading drug-resistant malaria in Africa Research by Lancaster University has led to the discovery of the role played by the Asian malaria mosquito (Anopheles stephensi) in the spread of drug and diagnosis-resistant malaria in Africa.
	Neural study explores how mice decide whether to eat or drink when they are both hungry and thirsty Making decisions is hard. Our choice often leaves something else on the table even when we know what we want. For a hungry mouse, every morsel counts. But what if the decision is more consequential than choosing between crumbs and cheese?
	Scientists tame biological trigger of deadly Huntington's disease Huntington's disease causes involuntary movements and dementia, has no cure, and is fatal. For the first time, UC Riverside scientists have shown they can slow its progression in flies and worms, opening the door to human treatments.
	Simple womb cancer test could reduce need for invasive diagnostic procedures A new test to detect womb cancer could prevent 87% of women who do not have cancer from needing invasive diagnostic procedures, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL and the University of Innsbruck.
	What is the average age and disability level of older people moving into long-term care? As a geriatrician or physician specially trained to treat older adults, Kenneth Lam, MD, MAS, has many years of experience working with families to understand when their older relatives should move into a nursing home or assisted living facility and what kind of services they might need.
	Synthetic molecule proves able to mitigate heart failure in translational study Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil, partnering with Foresee Pharmaceuticals, a Taiwan and US-based biopharmaceutical company, have tested a synthetic molecule for the treatment of heart failure. The study has been published in the European Heart Journal. The theme was also highlighted in the magazine's editorial.
	Hodgkin's lymphoma: Small changes in cells, big effect Hodgkin's lymphoma is one of the most common types of lymphoma in young adults. It is characterized by the presence of enlarged B lymphocytes, which are unusual in that they bear on their surface the identifying markers of many other immune cells—such as those found on phagocytes, dendritic cells, or T cells. Now, a team led by Stephan Mathas from the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) has explained how these changes take place in the cells and what impact they have. The ECRC is a joint institution of the Max Delbrück Center and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
	Boosting beta cells to treat type 2 diabetes Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have uncovered a novel route to stimulate the growth of healthy insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells in a preclinical model of diabetes. The findings hold promise for future therapeutics that will improve the lives of individuals with type 2 diabetes—a condition that affects more than half a billion people worldwide.
	Team finds new culprit in amyloid beta buildup and neurodegeneration Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have demonstrated how amyloid beta, a peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease, can interact with a protein receptor on immune cells in the brain. This triggers a reaction that damages blood vessels and causes neurodegeneration.
	Young children drinking daily caffeinated soda found more likely to try alcohol within a year The trend among younger children to frequently drink caffeinated soda may indicate higher risk of alcohol consumption in the future, new research suggests.
	Computer models fill critical knowledge gaps to help reduce cancer disparities and advance health equity Reducing health disparities in incidence and mortality for major types of cancers can be aided by sophisticated computer modeling efforts, according to new, wide-ranging perspectives from researchers at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and colleagues around the country. The collection of articles appears in the November 8, 2023, special issue of JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute and is devoted to outlining a path forward in cancer disparities modeling.
	US hospitals turn to gig platforms on nurse shortage When Jessica Martinez moved away from home in 2020, a temporary contract brought her to New Jersey as a nurse on the frontlines of the pandemic. But her earnings slipped as COVID-19 faded.
	Stacking your exercise over the weekend as effective as spreading activity out Researchers have found that condensing exercise into a few days is as effective as spreading activity out across a week. Dr. Wes Troyer, a Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, explains how people who stack their workouts can avoid common injuries and reap the benefits of their activity.
	Growth in plant-based foods industry is slowing: Where does it go from here? When Willa's Oat Milk launched five years ago, the plant-based market was rapidly expanding, attracting unprecedented attention and money.
	FDA approves Voquezna for erosive esophagitis, GERD The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Phathom Pharmaceuticals' Voquezna (vonoprazan), a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, as a new treatment for adults for with all grades of erosive esophagitis or erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
	E-cigarette use common among young adults Electronic cigarette use remains common among U.S. adults, with highest prevalence among those aged 18 to 24 years, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in JAMA Network Open.
	Consuming flavonoids helps fight symptoms of endometriosis, researchers find Researchers at Texas A&M University's School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have found a correlation between a compound found in fruits and vegetables and a reduction in the symptoms of endometriosis.
	Do pets make you happier? Study shows they did not during the pandemic There is a general understanding that pets have a positive impact on one's well-being. A new study by Michigan State University found that although pet owners reported pets improving their lives, there was not a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Mathematicians 'thread the needle' to improve IVF success rates Mathematicians are using their expertise to improve IVF success rates, according to a new study.
	Blood clotting risk quickly drops after stopping hormonal contraceptives, finds study Using birth control pills and other hormone-based contraceptives is known to elevate the risk of blood clots about three-fold, but a new study suggests that this risk largely goes away within two to four weeks after one stops using these contraceptives, according to research published in Blood.
	Using large-scale molecular simulations to improve the way we prepare for future COVID-19 variants Scientists are making significant leaps towards understanding and predicting the future threats posed by the evolution of the COVID-19 virus, thanks to powerful simulation and machine learning techniques.
	Croatia recalls some Coca-Cola products over intoxication scare Croatian authorities on Wednesday ordered Coca-Cola to withdraw some drinks after food poisoning cases were reported in three cities.
	Research explores environmental pollutant BPA and asthma susceptibility in mice The "hygiene hypothesis" posits that allergic asthma can be triggered by a childhood environment that is too clean and sterile. One studied mechanism underlying this relationship is the influence of microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which train the immune system.
	New interactive evidence-based mapping tool gives policymakers more insight into highly concentrated cannabis products After conducting the first scoping review of its kind, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have developed an evidence based interactive mapping tool to assist policymakers as they consider regulating the concentration of THC in cannabis products and as more potent products move into the marketplace.
	Increasing workplace flexibility associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease Increasing workplace flexibility may lower employees' risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Penn State University.
	Frontotemporal dementia: We discovered a brain fold that may delay onset of symptoms It's likely that few people had heard of frontotemporal dementia until earlier this year, when the family of actor Bruce Willis announced the 68-year-old had been diagnosed with the condition.
	ADHD drug shortages are affecting patients in the UK—here's why they're happening Millions of people in the UK who take drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are facing difficulties getting their prescriptions filled due to shortages. These shortages are currently affecting four of the five types of medicine licensed in the UK to treat ADHD. Certain products and dosages may be more affected than others.
	Researchers identify new criteria to detect rapidly progressive dementia Mayo Clinic researchers have identified new scoring criteria allowing for the detection of treatable forms of rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) with reasonably high confidence during a patient's first clinical visit. This scoring criteria may allow physicians to substantially reduce the time it takes to begin treatment. The findings are published in the Annals of Neurology.
	Addressing the need to treat hepatitis C in pregnancy and infancy Driven by the ongoing opioid epidemic and the sharing of needles, hepatitis C cases have been rising in the United States over the last decade, with the highest infection rates among young adults, including women of childbearing age. Without treatment, hepatitis C can lead to acute and chronic hepatitis, increasing the risk of liver cancer, liver failure and other conditions.
	Anesthesia found to block sensation by cutting off communication within the cortex General anesthesia evokes a dual mystery: How does it disrupt consciousness, including sensory perception, and what might that say about the nature of consciousness? A new study led by researchers at The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT provides evidence in animals that consciousness depends on properly synchronized communication across the brain's cortex and that the anesthetic drug Propofol cancels sensory processing by cutting it off.
	Firearm-related suicide data reveals elevated risk in younger teens and in states with lax firearm laws A new study from researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine found that age-related patterns in firearm-related suicide have remained remarkably stable over decades—with the disturbing exception of accelerating rates in younger teens. The researchers also found that states with less strict firearm laws experienced significantly higher firearm suicide rates across all age groups compared to states with more strict gun laws.
	New postpartum depression drug comes with hefty price tag A new drug to treat postpartum depression will cost nearly $16,000 for a 14-day course of treatment, a price tag that has doctors worried that some patients won't be able to afford the medication.
	Double-lung transplant, breast implants save life of man who battled vaping-linked illness "Davey" Bauer hovered on the precipice of death, his lungs damaged by vaping and congested by antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.
	FDA will pull vet drug used in pork industry over cancer concerns for humans The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that it plans to pull a veterinary drug used commonly in the pork industry because it might pose a cancer risk to humans who eat pig products.
	FDA investigating hospitalizations linked to counterfeit Ozempic The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received at least three reports of people being hospitalized after taking counterfeit versions of the wildly popular weight-loss drugs known as semaglutides.
	The rise and fall of antibiotics. What would a post-antibiotic world look like? These days, we don't think much about being able to access a course of antibiotics to head off an infection. But that wasn't always the case—antibiotics have been available for less than a century.
	Your mental dictionary is part of what makes you unique: How your brain stores and retrieves words The days of having a dictionary on your bookshelf are numbered. But that's OK, because everyone already walks around with a dictionary—not the one on your phone, but the one in your head.
	When isolation increased, telehealth use went down for older adults. Why? During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth emerged as a lifeline for delivering health care services, ensuring patient safety while minimizing virus transmission. However, a UC Davis Health study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society sheds light on disparities in telehealth access and use among older adults, particularly concerning social isolation and loneliness.
	Young men in violent parts of Philadelphia, Chicago die from guns at a higher rate than US troops in the heat of battle Mass shootings tend to dominate the debate over gun violence—but they accounted for just 3% of all firearm homicides in the United States in 2021.
	US approves highly anticipated Eli Lilly weight loss drug The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday announced it had approved Eli Lilly's highly anticipated weight loss drug Zepbound, the latest entrant in a field of powerful—and lucrative—new obesity medicines.
	With rising mental health problems but a shortage of services, group therapy is offering new hope The needs of people with mental health problems are increasing globally, especially following the turbulence of COVID.
	New study examines long term effectiveness of live shingles vaccine The effectiveness of the live zoster (shingles) vaccine is highest in the first year after vaccination and then wanes substantially. But it continues to provide some protection against shingles and its complications ten years after vaccination, even in patients with a weakened immune system, finds a study published by The BMJ.
	Targeting pancreatic cancer growth and spread While the overall cancer death rate has been steadily declining in the U.S. since the 1990s, death rates due to pancreatic cancer are increasing.
	Studying medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust crucial to strengthening medical education and ethics, says new work Efforts to strengthen contemporary health professionals' education and medical ethics should be informed by a robust understanding of medicine's role within the Nazi regime, according to a new report from the Lancet Commission on Medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust: Historical Evidence, Implications for Today, Teaching for Tomorrow.
	AI-enhanced integrated model improves lymph node staging in gastric cancer research A research team led by Prof. Li Zhicheng from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has developed an artificial intelligence-based model that significantly improves the prediction of lymph node metastasis stages in patients with gastric cancer. The study was published in Abdominal Radiology.
	New drug combination doubles survival for people with bladder cancer: Clinical trial Results from a clinical trial carried out by researchers at Barts Health NHS Trust and Queen Mary University of London show that a new combination of drugs doubles overall survival for patients with bladder cancer that has spread (metastatic bladder cancer).
	For epilepsy, yoga may be good for your mind For people with epilepsy, doing yoga may help reduce feelings of stigma about the disease along with reducing seizure frequency and anxiety, according to new research published in Neurology.
	Researchers highlight benefits of sharing human brain data In recent years, the scientific community has seen a push for more findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) neurophysiology data sharing. While certain measures have been put in place by institutions such as the National Institute of Health (NIH) to promote more FAIR data sharing, some researchers remain hesitant and unwilling to share their data beyond minimum requirements due to multiple disincentives.
	Immunotherapy plus an investigational cancer drug improves anti-tumor effects An investigational therapy for solid tumors could be especially effective when combined with immunotherapy to target a specific kind of cancer cell, a research team at Duke and Harvard have found.
	Support, education can help teachers with post-pandemic burnout Teaching is already considered among the most stressful professions in the United States. Now in a new study, Case Western Reserve University researchers have found that educators experienced "exacerbated" job-related stress in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the entire profession vulnerable to burnout and indirect trauma.
	Your education and income level may affect your survival, recovery from stroke People with low education and income levels may have a 10% increased risk of death or being dependent on others to complete daily tasks three months after a stroke compared to people with high education and income levels, according to new research published in Neurology. The study does not prove that low education and income cause worse outcomes after stroke. It only shows an association.
	'Double strike' strategy slows growth of drug-resistant breast cancer, study shows Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation and Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology have shown that the simultaneous inhibition of two different proteins may represent a new strategy for tackling triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive and drug-resistant form of breast cancer. The findings are published today in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.
	Researchers track global smartphone addiction patterns in largest-ever study Are you addicted to your smartphone? So is most of the world, it seems, based on new research from the University of Toronto. A team of researchers including U of T Mississauga postdoctoral fellow Jay Olson and U of T Scarborough Ph.D. student Dasha Sandra have collected the largest set of data in any study regarding problematic smartphone use.
	People in redlined neighborhoods may be less likely to receive bystander CPR People who live in neighborhoods that were subjected to the historical practice of "redlining" may be less likely to receive lifesaving care from a bystander during a cardiac arrest than people in other neighborhoods, new research suggests.
	New biomarker for predicting non-lymphocytic lesions, including germinoma, in patients with central diabetes insipidus Central diabetes insipidus (CDI), a rare condition involving the destruction or degeneration of neurons of the hypothalamic-posterior pituitary in the brain, has several likely underlying clinical causes. Patients with CDI experience excessive thirst and excessive urine production, owing to the decreased secretion of AVP. Moreover, in children and young adults with CDI, a malignant tumor known as a 'germinoma' may develop later in life. The diagnosis of these tumors is challenging because biopsy in intracranial lesions is difficult.
	Accurately calculating life expectancy since COVID-19 The coronavirus pandemic caused over one million deaths in the United States from 2021 to 2023. According to the Human Mortality Database, the world's leading scientific data resource on mortality in more developed countries, life expectancy at birth in the United States fell from 78.99 years in 2019 to 76.43 years in 2021.
	Validating the role of inhibitory interneurons in memory Memory, a fundamental tool for our survival, is closely linked with how we encode, recall, and respond to external stimuli. Over the past decade, extensive research has focused on memory-encoding cells, known as engram cells, and their synaptic connections. Most of this research has centered on excitatory neurons and the neurotransmitter glutamate, emphasizing their interaction between specific brain regions.
	Independent monitoring of the WHO pandemic agreement is non-negotiable, experts say An accountability framework, including independent monitoring of state compliance, is critical for the pandemic agreement's success, according to researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and affiliates at Spark Street Advisors. The paper and findings are published in BMJ Global Health.
	Editorial: Combined inhibition of SHP2 and mutated RTKs prevent adaptive resistance in leukemia A new editorial paper was published in Oncotarget, titled "Impact of SHP2 tyrosine phosphorylation on the development of acquired resistance to allosteric SHP2 inhibitors."
	Conceptual model identifies factors to mitigate risk for opioid misuse during cancer care Among cancer patients, psychological distress and accessibility of opioids often lead to chemical coping, a middle ground between addiction and proper adherence to a medication regimen. Chemical coping can diminish quality of life and interfere with pain and symptom management, as well as predispose individuals to developing substance use disorder. The findings are reported in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry (HRP).
	A comparative analysis of two SARS-CoV-2 vaccines The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019. Since then, extensive efforts have been made to develop and evaluate vaccines to combat the virus. One of the promising candidates is GBP510 a recombinant vaccine adjuvanted with AS03, designed to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus's spike receptor-binding domains.
	Study looks at ties between anxiety and gut bacteria Interactions among microorganisms within the human gut may be associated with increased anxiety levels in people with depression, according to research led by UT Southwestern Medical Center.
	New software tool decodes cytokine 'language' of immune cells New research from Yale University has unveiled the complex cellular communication system that allows immune cells to mount responses to infection and cancer. The study, published in Nature Methods, reveals how different cells use cytokines to talk to each other to shape immune responses.
	Rapid high-dose buprenorphine treatment strategy found to reduce opioid withdrawal in individuals using fentanyl Buprenorphine is a medication approved for pain and opioid dependence. New findings published in The American Journal on Addictions indicate that a transmucosal dose (which dissolves in the mouth) of buprenorphine followed by an injection of extended-release buprenorphine (BUP‐XR) may be an effective treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder who use fentanyl.
	Are some children genetically predisposed to poor sleep? Previous research has identified genetic variants associated with insomnia and sleep duration in adults. Now a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found that these variants also likely affect sleep quality and quantity in children.
	Do allergic conditions increase the risk of developing long COVID after SARS-CoV-2 infection? In an analysis of published prospective studies of people of all ages with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were followed for at least 12 months, pre-existing allergic conditions were linked to higher risks of experiencing long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19, or long COVID.
	Does cannabis use affect empathy? In a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research, psychological assessments indicated that people who regularly use cannabis, or marijuana, tend to have a greater understanding of the emotions of others.
	Does being a caregiver affect older women's longevity? In an analysis published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society that included older US women, caregiving was associated with a lower risk of death over an average follow-up of 17.5 years.
	Nonsurgical treatment for uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids are the leading cause of women undergoing hysterectomies, leaving them unable to bear children. Fibroids often are diagnosed in women between 20 and 40. They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain and infertility.
	What a Mayo Clinic pediatrician says about the flu vaccine and kids Young children and older adults are particularly susceptible to severe flu-related illness. That's why Dr. Angela Mattke, a pediatrician with Mayo Clinic's Children's Center, says it's important that kids and adults get their seasonal flu vaccine. She says you should get vaccinated well before the holidays because it takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to become fully effective.
	Iowa's governor opposes abortion—and has final say on whether Medicaid pays for it Any Iowa hospital or clinic seeking Medicaid payment for providing an abortion would need approval from the state's most prominent abortion opponent: Gov. Kim Reynolds.
	Presentations from the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting The annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology was held from Oct. 20 to 25 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and attracted participants from around the world, including gastroenterology and digestive disease specialists and other health care professionals. The conference featured presentations focusing on clinical updates in gastroenterology and hepatology as well as the latest advances in digestive health and gastrointestinal disorders.
	Patients propose real world solutions to Quebec's primary care crisis A new report shares patient-led solutions to help address the worsening primary care crisis in Quebec, where more than two million Quebecers have no assigned family doctor or nurse practitioner, among the worst rates in the country.
	Sleep apnea can be scary, but here's what happened when First Nations people had a say in their own care Obstructive sleep apnea is about twice as common in First Nations people compared with non-Indigenous Australians.
	A new connection between the gut microbiota and prostate inflammation in aging men A new research paper titled "Tissue immunoexpression of IL-6 and IL-18 in aging men with BPH and MetS and their relationship with lipid parameters and gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids" has been published in Aging.
	Sequencing unveils 14% triplicated α-globin genes among thalassemia carriers in Southern China 500,000 children are born with hemoglobinopathies annually, and 80% of them are born in developing countries. According to the Global Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies report, carrier screening could potentially be provided to 113 million pregnant women every year.
	Expert consensus statement defines best practices for integration of lifestyle medicine into primary care settings A multidisciplinary panel assembled by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has published an expert consensus statement that defines the implementation of lifestyle medicine in primary care. The intention of this statement is to support clinicians in helping patients achieve optimal health outcomes in primary care settings.
	Q&A with mental health expert: 'My mind is my best friend and worst enemy' Elyn Saks is a renowned expert in mental health policy and law whose list of accomplishments is as long as it is impressive. She graduated from Yale Law School; directs the Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy, and Ethics at the USC Gould School of Law; and is the recipient of numerous honors, including the prestigious John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowship (the so-called "Genius Grant").

Other Sciences news

	Should AI read your college essay? It's complicated In a new study, researchers developed a series of artificial intelligence tools that can scan through essays in college applications, picking out evidence of key personal traits. That includes qualities like leadership and perseverance.
	Cultural artifacts serve as 'cognitive fossils,' helping uncover the psychology of the past No two societies in history think exactly alike. In fact, the mindset of a given society throughout history can help historians unpack important clues about the effects of psychological shifts—such as more social trust or more openness.
	Eye-to-eye contact is rare but shapes our social behavior, study finds When speaking to one another, much of the communication occurs nonverbally—through body posture, hand gestures, and the eyes. Our eye gaze during conversations, therefore, reveals a wealth of information about our attention, intention, or psychological states. But, there remains little scientific knowledge about the information that human eyes convey in interactions—is looking at others' faces enough, or does our communication require eye-to-eye contact?
	People who contribute least in crowdsourcing can do the most to improve a public good, says study Whether talking about the office kitchen, hiking trails or ratings on Yelp, there are always people who put in effort to leave those spaces better. There are also those who contribute nothing to that public good.
	Generative AI like ChatGPT could help boost democracy—if it overcomes key hurdles The dawn of artificial intelligence systems that can be used by almost anyone, like ChatGPT, has revolutionized business and alarmed policymakers and the public.
	Mouthfeel of food determines whether people go back for seconds Are you a sucker, cruncher or chewer … maybe even a smoosher? Think about it: how do you taste your food?
	Should national brand manufacturers enter the intensely competitive private label business? Researchers from McGill University, Dartmouth College, and Universidad de Salamanca published a new Journal of Marketing study that explores the complex trade-offs in dual branding.
	What drives people to panic buy during times of crisis: New study reveals the psychology of consumers Fear can cause people to behave irrationally in times of uncertainty. During the pandemic, this took the form of panic buying as people flocked to stores to stock up on essential goods. Some even sought to profit off of shortages by price gouging toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
	How the pandemic is shaping US security policy The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most serious crises since the end of World War II, taking a staggering human and economic toll across the planet. As the world gets up again, groggily, like a punch-drunk fighter, it's become increasingly clear that this coronavirus changed everything in our society. And it's forcing leadership to consider new and evolving paths forward.
	October Consumer Food Insights Report highlights Thanksgiving meal plans Nearly eight in 10 Americans will celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday with a special meal, according to the October 2023 Consumer Food Insights Report.
	Poll finds bipartisan concern about use of AI in 2024 elections Only 14% of adults are even somewhat likely to use AI to get information about the presidential election, and there is a bipartisan consensus that the use of AI by either voters or candidates would be more of a bad thing than a good thing, according to a new study from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
	How to keep a forest happy: Study on the function of singing behavior in the Republic of Congo Women during tuber finding events were more likely to sing in large groups of strangers and less likely to sing in large groups of individuals they were close with. This the finding made by a group of international and interdisciplinary researchers led by Karline Janmaat and her former MSc Student Chirag Chittar. The study was part of an elaborate longitudinal study spanning two years and has now been published in Frontiers in Psychology.
	Children were neglected during the pandemic. There are important lessons still to be learned, says analysis Children are still suffering the consequences of official neglect during the first 'shock period' of the COVID-19 pandemic, when families were not widely prioritized by public policies, according to analysis published this week of 40 countries' responses to the pandemic.
	A new cheating technique has professors outmatched—and no, it's not ChatGPT In the changing world of education, online academic resources such as Chegg.com have become the go-to websites for help with schoolwork. These websites are typically used to help students understand how to solve problems if they are stuck on a question, or to check their work to see if they are on the right path.
	School-based law enforcement is likely ineffective for keeping schools safe, finds analysis A systematic review that analyzed the results of published studies concluded that school-based law enforcement (SBLE)—having sworn law enforcement officers stationed in schools on at least a part-time basis—is likely ineffective for keeping schools safe, and it may even have detrimental consequences.
	Letting low-income Americans buy groceries online with SNAP benefits decreased the share of people without enough food The share of low-income U.S. families experiencing food insufficiency—sometimes or often not having enough food to eat—fell from 24.5% to 22.5% at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we found in a new study published in the November 2023 issue of Food Policy.
	Not the government, but powerful corporations determine climate policy in Brazil Bribing a politician to gain influence or making sure friends end up in powerful positions: Brazilian energy companies use these power strategies daily. This has a negative effect on Brazil's climate policy, Ph.D. candidate Anaide Ferraço discovered. She will defend her thesis, "Energy Governance in Brazil: Meeting the international agreements on climate change mitigation," on 9 November.
	How unionization is empowering Jamaican domestic workers to demand decent work In thousands of households across Jamaica, domestic workers do the work of cooking, cleaning, gardening and caring for children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
	Workplace protections needed for menstruation and menopause, says paper As the Australian government announces a Senate inquiry into the impact of menopause on women's health, careers and finances, academics from the Body@Work Project have published a paper in the University of Oxford Human Rights Hub Journal examining international law as it relates to reproduction and the right to work.

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