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Science X Newsletter Fri, Dec 15

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for December 15, 2023:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Astronomers detect almost 100 new extremely-metal poor galaxies

Astronomers discover a new 'warm Jupiter'

A borate-pyran-based electrolyte that minimizes corrosion in Li-metal batteries

Full-day, solar-powered, bidirectional thermoregulatory clothing that can respond to changing temperatures

Computational model captures the elusive transition states of chemical reactions

Rubber that doesn't grow cracks when stretched many times

Research shows immune cells shape lung tissue before birth, provides new avenues for treating respiratory diseases

Significant benefit seen in Phase III trial of experimental drug for kidney disease

Scientists use fiber optic cable to study Arctic seafloor permafrost

Exploring the association of Bifidobacterium infantis with T cell immunity in human infants

A means for searching for new solutions in mathematics and computer science using an LLM and an evaluator

Captive Goffin's cockatoos found to dunk hard bread to improve its texture

Breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis paves way for advanced electronic devices

New strategy improves perovskites' oxygen reduction performance in hydrogen fuel cells

Study provides novel molecular insights into sequential progression of leaflet formation

Nanotechnology news

Researchers develop new electrochemical chemosensor for fast, effective diagnosis of a lethal pulmonary disease

Patients struggling with some chronic diseases often must wait years for a proper diagnosis. For example, symptoms such as shortness of breath can be attributed to many pulmonary as well as cardiovascular disorders, so patients may be treated for a misdiagnosed disease that is far from accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Ultrafast lasers map electrons 'going ballistic' in graphene with implications for next-gen electronic devices

Research appearing in ACS Nano reveals the ballistic movement of electrons in graphene in real-time.

Physics news

New ALICE measurements shed light on the dynamics of charm and beauty particles in quark-gluon plasma

When two lead ions collide at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), they produce an extremely hot and dense state of matter in which quarks and gluons are not confined inside composite particles called hadrons. This fireball of particlesā€”known as quarkā€“gluon plasma and believed to have filled the universe in the first few millionths of a second after the Big Bangā€”expands and cools down rapidly. The quarks and gluons then transform back into hadrons, which fly out of the collision zone towards particle detectors.

Q&A: Bringing virtual reality to nuclear and particle physics

Virtual reality, or VR, is not just for fun-filled video games and other visual entertainment. This technology, involving a computer-generated environment with objects that seem real, has found many scientific and educational applications as well.

Researchers turn a small photonic chip into a functional temperature sensor

Similar to electronics, photonic circuits can be miniaturized onto a chip, leading to a so-called photonic integrated circuit (PIC). Although these developments are more recent than for electronics, this field is rapidly evolving. One of the main issues, however, is to turn such a PIC into a functional device. This requires optical packaging and coupling strategies to bring light into and get light out of the PIC.

Earth news

Scientists use fiber optic cable to study Arctic seafloor permafrost

The Arctic is remote, with often harsh conditions, and its climate is changing rapidlyā€”warming four times faster than the rest of the Earth. This makes studying the Arctic climate both challenging and vital for understanding global climate change.

CLOUD collaboration challenges current understanding of aerosol particle formation in polar and marine regions

Atmospheric aerosol particles exert a strong net cooling effect on the climate by making clouds brighter and more extensive, reflecting more sunlight back out to space. However, how aerosol particles form in the atmosphere remains poorly understood, especially in polar and marine regions.

Researchers study the risk of glacial lake outbursts in the Third Pole

The Third Pole, which spans the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Tianshan Mountain ranges, is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Warming temperatures and altered rainfall patterns have caused more than 10,000 glaciers in the region to retreat over the past three decades, facilitating the formation of thousands of glacial lakes.

Morocco earthquake had unusual deep slip, according to new modeling

In their rapid characterization of the magnitude 6.8 Al Haouz earthquake in Morocco, researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) suggest that the earthquake ruptured roughly 25 kilometers deep beneath the surface.

Research finds Caribbean islands are uniquely susceptible to flash droughts

The word "drought" typically conjures images of parched soil, dust-swept prairies, depleted reservoirs, and dry creek beds, all the result of weeks or seasons of persistently dry atmospheric conditions.

How an overlooked study over a century ago helped fuel the Colorado River crisis

When it comes to the Colorado River, history often repeats itselfā€”but it doesn't have to. That's the take-home message from CU Boulder hydrologist Shemin Ge, who will present a little-known piece of history from the river this Thursday at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting in San Francisco.

Positive tipping points must be triggered to solve climate crisis, say researchers

Positive tipping points must be triggered if we are to avoid the severe consequences of damaging Earth system tipping points, researchers say. With global warming on course to breach 1.5Ā°C, at least five Earth system tipping points are likely to be triggeredā€”and more could follow.

Coal use hits record in 2023, Earth's hottest year

Global consumption of coal reached an all-time high in 2023, the IEA energy watchdog said Friday, as Earth experienced its hottest recorded year.

Five major outcomes from the latest UN climate summit

The latest UN climate summit, COP28, was always going to be controversial. It was held in a state whose economy is heavily dependent on oil and gasā€”the United Arab Emirates. The summit president, Sultan Al Jaber, remains head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and recently declared the UAE would double oil and gas output this decade.

Opinion: COP28 agreement on adapting to climate change kicks the real challenge down the road

COP28 concluded late on Wednesday morning to a mixed reaction. The Dubai agreement extracted a promise from nearly 200 countries to transition away from fossil fuels, but it leaves many questions unanswered when it comes to keeping global average temperatures from warming by more than 1.5Ā°C. The world is rapidly running out of time to limit temperatures to this levelā€”a crucial threshold for many communities living in low-lying islands and delicate ecosystems such as coral reefs.

How the world's first deal to ditch fossil fuels was forged at COP28

It was an improbable scene in Dubai as a top oil executive basked in a standing ovation from hundreds of diplomats tasked with fighting climate change. Sultan Al Jaber, head of the United Arab Emirates' state-owned oil company, had just presided over the two-week COP28 summit that led to the world's first agreement to move away from fossil fuels. There were tears, hugs, and claps on the back as exhausted delegates celebrated a milestone in the battle against global warming.

Northeast China faces high levels of nitrogen pollution, study finds

A new study has revealed the extent and sources of nitrogen pollution in Northeast Asia, a region that suffers from severe air pollution and environmental degradation.

Custom software speeds up, stabilizes high-profile ocean model

On the beach, ocean waves provide soothing white noise. But in scientific laboratories, they play a key role in weather forecasting and climate research. Along with the atmosphere, the ocean is typically one of the largest and most computationally demanding components of Earth system models like the Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM.

Puerto Rico case study sheds light on academic-NGO collaborations for disaster resilience

Puerto Rico has faced several human-made and natural crises in recent years, including the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Building disaster resilience and recovery is crucial for community well-being and requires a comprehensive approach with cooperation from multiple organizations.

Earth had its warmest November on record

November 2023 was the warmest November in NOAA's 174-year global climate record.

US-Mexico border wall threatening rare wildlife

Jaguars don't understand borders, but where the United States meets Mexico, they are having to adapt to them.

A hurricane-proof town? Florida community may be a test case

When Hurricane Ian churned past her home in southwest Florida last year, Mary Frisbee shrugged off worries. She watched TV and surfed the internet.

Countries risk 'paying polluters' billions to regulate for climate: UN expert

An "explosion" of multibillion-dollar claims by fossil fuel and extractive firms through shadowy investment tribunals is blocking action on climate and nature, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights and Environment has warned, with developing nations increasingly targeted.

New Seattle law phases out emissions from large buildings by 2050

Large commercial and residential buildings in Seattle will need to phase out the use of fossil fuels and other greenhouse gas emissions over the next three decades under a new city law passed this week.

'It's finished!': IEA boss says COP28 bid farewell to fossil fuels

While the UN's COP28 climate summit marked a pivot moment, when the world pledged to say "goodbye" to fossil fuels, International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol told AFP on Friday, it needs to now urgently boost finance for the energy transition in developing countries.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma

One stormy November night in 2016, a horror story unfolded across Melbourne.

Is the world running out of freshwater?

More than half of the world's population faces water scarcity for at least one month a year.

Studying old texts using modern climate lenses

In Norse mythology, Ragnarok signifies the end of the world. But in modern popular culture, Ragnarok has also been equated with the climate crisis.

Astronomy and Space news

Astronomers detect almost 100 new extremely-metal poor galaxies

By analyzing the early data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), an international team of astronomers has identified 95 new extremely metal-poor galaxies at a low redshift. The finding is detailed in a paper published December 1 on the pre-print server arXiv.

Astronomers discover a new 'warm Jupiter'

Astronomers from the Harvardā€“Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) and elsewhere, report the discovery of a new 'warm Jupiter' exoplanet orbiting a rapidly rotating F-type star. The newfound alien world, designated TOI-4641 b could be nearly four times as massive as Jupiter. The finding was detailed in a paper published December 7 on the pre-print server arXiv.

Scientists measure the distance to stars by their music

A team of astronomers has used asteroseismology, or the study of stellar oscillations, to accurately measure the distance of stars from the Earth. Their research examined thousands of stars and checked the measurements taken during the Gaia mission to study the near universe.

Discovery of two planetary systems around sun-like stars

A study published today (Dec. 15) in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics reveals the discovery of two new planetary systems orbiting stars similar to our sun, also known as solar analogs.

New red galaxies turn out to be already known blue galaxies

Not all discoveries turn out to be actual new discoveries. This was the case for the extremely red objects (EROs) found in James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) data. Analysis shows that they are very similar to blue-excess dust obscured galaxies (BluDOGs) already reported in Subaru Telescope data.

Biggest solar flare in years temporarily disrupts radio signals on Earth

A NASA telescope has captured the biggest solar flare in years, which temporarily knocked out radio communication on Earth.

Rocket Lab launches a Japanese satellite from the space company's complex in New Zealand

California-based Rocket Lab, which specializes in putting small satellites into orbit, launched a Japanese satellite on Friday from the space company's complex on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula.

Biden hosts four NASA astronauts, the first crew aiming to fly around the moon in a half-century

The four astronauts assigned to fly around the moon for the first time in 50 years met with President Joe Biden on Thursday at the White House, where he showed off an moon rock on display in the Oval Office that was collected in the Apollo era.

New rockets set to launch in 2024

Several new European and American rockets are set for blast off in 2024, at a time the aerospace industry faces a shortage of launch vehicles fueled by the rise of satellite constellations.

Trying to communicate with whales is like talking to extraterrestrials

Communicating between species isn't something that only has to take place between space-faring civilizations. There are plenty of species here on our home planet that communicate using a variety of sights, sounds, and smells. We're only starting to unlock the secrets of how to understand and respond to these types of foreign languages. Researchers at the SETI Institute think that doing so might be a good test for whether we'll be able to communicate with extraterrestrials if we ever get the chance to.

Breakthrough Listen scans entire galaxies for signals from extremely advanced civilizations

In 1960, Dr. Frank Drake led the first Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) experiment at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. In the more than sixty years that have since passed, astronomers have conducted multiple surveys in search of technological activity (aka technosignatures). To date, Breakthrough Listen is the most ambitious SETI experiment, combining data from the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the Parkes Murriyang Telescope, the Automated Planet Finder, and the MeerKAT Radio Telescope and advanced analytics.

Technology news

A borate-pyran-based electrolyte that minimizes corrosion in Li-metal batteries

Electrolytes are key battery components that transfer charge carrying particles (i.e., ions) back and forth between two electrodes, ultimately allowing batteries to repeatedly charge and discharge. Engineering and identifying promising electrolytes can help to improve the performance and properties of batteries, allowing them to better support the needs of the electronics industry.

Full-day, solar-powered, bidirectional thermoregulatory clothing that can respond to changing temperatures

A team of engineers, materials scientists and chemists at Nankai University, in China, has developed a microfiber-based meta-fabric that provides full-day thermoregulation of body temperature during periods of changing external temperatures.

A means for searching for new solutions in mathematics and computer science using an LLM and an evaluator

A team of computer scientists at Google's DeepMind project in the U.K., working with a colleague from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and another from UniversitƩ de Lyon, has developed a computer program that combines a pretrained large language model (LLM) with an automated "evaluator" to produce solutions to problems in the form of computer code.

Research team develops analog hardware solution for real-time compressed sensing recovery in one step

A research team led by Prof. Sun Zhong at Peking University has reported an analog hardware solution for real-time compressed sensing recovery. It has been published as an article titled, "In-memory analog solution of compressed sensing recovery in one step" in Science Advances.

Study identifies performance, economic and environmental tradeoffs involved in turning plants into jet fuel

Every year, airplanes crisscrossing U.S. skies burn 23 billion gallons of fuel, leaving contrails and 8% of the nation's transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in their wake. A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and Sandia National Laboratories reveals which crop-based feedstocks offer the greatest potential for a plentiful, cost-competitive, renewable alternative to petroleum-based jet fuel, while also maximizing atmospheric carbon removal. The scientists conducted the research for the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a DOE Bioenergy Research Center managed by Berkeley Lab.

Image recognition accuracy: An unseen challenge confounding today's AI

Imagine you are scrolling through the photos on your phone and you come across an image that at first you can't recognize. It looks like maybe something fuzzy on the couch; could it be a pillow or a coat? After a couple of seconds it clicksā€”of course! That ball of fluff is your friend's cat, Mocha. While some of your photos could be understood in an instant, why was this cat photo much more difficult?

What is Storm-1152, alleged top creator of fake Microsoft accounts?

Microsoft has seized the websites of a Vietnam-based group it alleges sold millions of fake accounts to cybercriminals who used them for ransomware attacks, identity theft and other scams around the world.

To provide reliable water in a warming world, cities are testing small-scale treatment systems and wastewater recycling

A lot can go wrong in a large urban water system. Pumps malfunction. Valves break. Pipes leak. Even when the system is functioning properly, water can sit in pipes for long periods of time. Water shortages are also a growing problem in a warming world, as communities across the Southwestern U.S. and in many developing nations are discovering.

Robots are becoming human helpers on the factory floor

New machines can improve conditions for workers and boost industrial productivity.

Google's Gemini: Is the new AI model really better than ChatGPT?

Google Deepmind has recently announced Gemini, its new AI model to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT. While both models are examples of "generative AI," which learn to find patterns of input training information to generate new data (pictures, words or other media), ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) which focuses on producing text.

UK's new Hinkley nuclear plant reaches milestone

The UK's planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant reached a major milestone on Friday, with the installation of a steel dome that will cover its first reactor building, operator EDF said.

Artificial intelligence for digital marketing

A study in the International Journal of Business Information Systems has looked at the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on digital marketing. The researchers provide a pragmatic view of the future of this area of marketing and focus on what they describe as the tangible benefits offered by AI solutions.

From 'open skies' to 'slot-hoarding': The turbulent world of aviation laws explained

Despite national and state border closures during the pandemic, the global aviation market has been growing steadily since 1995, at nearly twice the rate of global GDP each year.

Novel method for uranium extraction from wastewater also generates electricity

In a new study published in the journal Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, researchers from Northwestern Polytechnical University introduced a revolutionary SMEC method for uranium recovery from wastewater. This innovative technique not only efficiently extracts uranium but also generates electrical energy, offering a more sustainable and less complex alternative to traditional extraction methods that are often hindered by biotoxicity.

Strategies to limit redox electrolyte-enhanced carbon-based supercapacitor self-discharge

The efficient storage of clean energy is a critical component to achieving carbon neutrality. Capacitors are devices that store energy by separating positive and negative electrical charge, and supercapacitors (SC) are capacitors that can store and release large amounts of energy. A specialized supercapacitor, called a redox electrolyte-enhanced SC (RE-SC), places liquid redox electrolytes, a source of ions that can be electrically charged, next to a carbon-based electrical conductor, or electrode, to achieve high energy storage density and power output.

Using AI to pinpoint hidden sources of clean energy underground

As efforts to transition away from fossil fuels strengthen the hunt for new sources of low-carbon energy, scientists have developed a deep learning model to scan the Earth for surface expressions of subsurface reservoirs of naturally occurring free hydrogen.

Large sequence models for sequential decision-making

Transformer architectures have facilitated the development of large-scale and general-purpose sequence models for prediction tasks in natural language processing and computer vision, for example, GPT-3 and Swin Transformer.

Turkish Airlines announces order for 220 additional aircraft from Airbus

Turkey's national carrier, Turkish Airlines, said Friday that it is placing an order for 220 new planes from Airbus as it seeks to expand its fleet.

Guidelines around a new tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel is issued by Treasury Department

Long-awaited guidance around tax credits for aviation fuel that reduces emissions of greenhouse gases compared with conventional fuel was issued Friday by the Treasury Department.

UK's iconic King's College Chapel gets controversial solar makeover

High above the historic streets of Cambridge in eastern England, the installation of solar panels atop King's College Chapel, the world-famous university's most recognizable landmark, has stirred excitementā€”and controversy.

Chemistry news

Computational model captures the elusive transition states of chemical reactions

During a chemical reaction, molecules gain energy until they reach what's known as the transition stateā€”a point of no return from which the reaction must proceed. This state is so fleeting that it's nearly impossible to observe it experimentally.

Rubber that doesn't grow cracks when stretched many times

Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have increased the fatigue threshold of particle-reinforced rubber, developing a new, multiscale approach that allows the material to bear high loads and resist crack growth over repeated use. This approach could not only increase the longevity of rubber products such as tires but also reduce the amount of pollution from rubber particles shed during use.

Breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis paves way for advanced electronic devices

A team of researchers led by Professor Young S. Park at UNIST's Department of Chemistry has achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of organic semiconductors. Their successful synthesis and characterization of a novel molecule called "BNBN anthracene" has opened up new possibilities for the development of advanced electronic devices.

New strategy improves perovskites' oxygen reduction performance in hydrogen fuel cells

A research group has reported on a new method to enhance the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) in a calcium-doped perovskite, La0.6Ca0.4MnO3 (LCMO64), thereby overcoming a common bottleneck in the application of perovskite oxides as electrocatalysts in hydrogen fuel cells.

Researchers propose a framework for responsible stewardship over ultrathin materials research

To an everyday consumer, the best gadgets on the market have the highest speed, the largest memory, and the longest battery life. Chasing this demand, the forefront of research often only considers these tangible performance metrics when innovating and designing next-generation electronics. In the wake of this technological stampede, the long-term environmental impacts lie obscured and neglected under the dust.

A new method for exploring the hyperpolarization of hydrogen

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful tool that is widely used in many scientific fields, from analytical chemistry to medical diagnostics. However, regardless of its widespread use, there are still areas in which this very informative method cannot be employed because it is limited by its low sensitivity.

Study shows how Rembrandt broke new ground with lead-based impregnation of canvas for The Night Watch

New research has revealed that Rembrandt impregnated the canvas for his famous 1642 militia painting "The Night Watch" with a lead-containing substance even before applying the first ground layer. Such lead-based impregnation has never before been observed with Rembrandt or his contemporaries. The discovery, published today in Science Advances, underlines Rembrandt's inventive way of working, in which he did not shy away from using new techniques.

Reviewing the state of research into 2D noble metal-based intermetallic compound electrocatalysts

As demand grows for more sustainable and efficient energy generation, electrochemical energy conversion technologies that rely on electrocatalysis stand out as promising alternatives. Research into the best type of electrocatalysts is ongoing.

Researchers develop sustainable wound dressing hydrogel based on seaweed and carbonated water

Acting as the main interface between the internal and the external world, the skin is the largest and most important organ of the human body. It is frequently exposed to many types of physical injuries or wounds, including cuts, scrapes, scratches, infections, and ulcers.

Biology news

Captive Goffin's cockatoos found to dunk hard bread to improve its texture

A pair of veterinary medicine researchers at Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, in Austria, has found that some captive Goffin's cockatoos prefer to dunk their hard bread before eating it, seemingly as a means to improve its texture. In their paper published in the journal Biology Letters, Jeroen Zewald and Alice Auersperg, describe their observations of the birds and their theories on why the birds dunk the bread.

Study provides novel molecular insights into sequential progression of leaflet formation

Compound leaves, which are composed of multiple independent units called leaflets, show a wide diversity of patterning, ranging from trifoliolate, palmate, pinnate to higher ordered forms. There is agreement that the proximodistal expression patterns of morphogenetic regulators are associated with the compound leaf patterning. However, the mechanisms by which such patterns are established, maintained, and regulated, as well as their functional relationships to the sequential progression of leaflet formation are largely unknown.

Optogenetics study detects new acid sensor in plant cells

Using optogenetics, WĆ¼rzburg researchers have detected a new acid sensor in plant cells that addresses a cell-internal calcium store. The study is published in the journal Science.

Researchers report the high-res structure of a little-known cyanobacterial virus

A research team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has outlined the high-resolution structure of a little-known virus, improving our understanding of viral infection, which could pave the way for more accurate predictions of climate change.

Myrtle rust is devastating Australian forests: New high-tech spray holds out hope for native trees

Around a decade ago, an invasive fungal disease called myrtle rust reached Australia and began to spread like a plague through certain plants. The disease affects plants of the Myrtaceae family, which includes eucalypts, paperbarks and lilly pillies, and makes up 10% of Australian plant biodiversity.

Sex chromosomes responsible for much more than determining sex, study shows

Human sex chromosomes originated from a pair of autosomes, the ordinary or non-sex chromosomes that contain the majority of our genome and come in identical pairs. That ancestral pair of autosomes diverged to become two different chromosomes, X and Y. Even though X and Y have grown apart from each other and taken on unique functionsā€”namely, determining sex and driving sex differences in males and femalesā€”they also retain shared functions inherited from their common ancestor.

Scientists reveal the molecular structure of a complex bacteriophage

The word "virus" is often associated with negative connotations. However, it is important to note that not all viruses are harmful. In fact, there are many viruses that live inside our bodies and play important roles in our health. One example is bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria and can be used to keep bacterial infections under control.

Pesticides and adjuvants disrupt honey bee's sense of smell

It has long been known that exposure to pesticide sprays is harmful to honey bees. In a new study, researchers have uncovered the effect of such sprays on the sense of smell in bees, which could disrupt their social signals.

Pollinators found to make a big impact on edamame marketability

Soybeans can pollinate themselves, but a new study by UMD researchers shows that pollen from multiple plants can greatly increase their yields. What's more, the addition of a strip of wildflowers near rows of soybeans amplifies the effect. The information could help farmers of one of Maryland's top commodities increase the production and marketability of their crops.

Reindeer vision may have evolved to spot favorite food in the snowy dark of winter

When Santa's exhausted reindeer finally set down their sleigh in the deep snow of the North Pole early Christmas morning, it's not Rudolph's radiant red nose that will help them find sustenance in the barren landscape.

Scientists reveal VMAT2 transport and inhibition mechanisms using cryo-EM

Neurotransmitters are a class of signaling chemicals, including monoamines such as serotonin, dopamine, and histamine, which play a vital role in a variety of neurological activities, including mood, memory, growth and development, and drug addiction. The cytosolic neurotransmitters in presynaptic neurons must be transported into synaptic vesicles for storage and subsequent release.

Companies announce partnership to release dengue-fighting mosquitoes in the Caribbean

Two private companies announced Friday a partnership to release mosquitoes across the Caribbean bred with a bacterium that blocks the dengue virus as the region fights a record number of cases.

Eggs from men, sperm from women: How stem cell science may change how we reproduce

It may soon be possible to coax human skin cells into becoming functional eggs and sperm using a technique known as "in vitro gametogenesis." This involves the creation (genesis) of eggs and sperm (gametes) outside the human body (in vitro).

New analysis confirms precolonial lineage of extinct Indigenous woolly dog

Dogs have been in the Americas for more than 10,000 years. They were already domesticated when they came from Eurasia with the first people to reach North America. In the coastal parts of present-day Washington state and southwestern British Columbia, archaeologists have found dog remains dating back as far as about 5,000 years ago.

Climate change is further reducing fish stocks with worrisome implications for global food supplies

The health benefits of eating seafood are appreciated in many cultures which rely upon it to provide critical nutrients vital to our physical and mental development and health. Eating fish and shellfish provides significant benefits to neurological development and functioning and provides protection against the risks of coronary heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Research reveals origin of saltwater crocodiles caught in Northern Australia harbor

Problem saltwater crocodiles are typically traveling between 100km and 200km to Darwin Harbor potentially in search of new resources or territories, according to a new study on the migration of the reptiles.

New method paves the way for new antibiotics

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) researchers have developed a promising antibiotic candidate against MRSA. Behind the discovery lies a methodology that may be important in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Black truffle production booms in Spain

When Jose Soriano was a child, the hills near the village of Sarrion in Spain's remote and sparsely populated eastern province of Teruel were mostly uncultivated, covered in brush and rocks.

Biden administration promises $1 billion more for salmon, clean energy, but punts on Lower Snake River dam removal

In a major agreement over the operations of hydropower dams in the Columbia River Basin, the federal government has promised to spend $1 billion to help restore wild salmon, assist in the build-out of new tribal clean energy projects and spill water over the dams to help fish.

Colorado could capture wolves within days, unless a judge delays the state's reintroduction efforts

A federal judge plans to issue a ruling Friday deciding whether to delay the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado based on a legal challenge filed this week by ranchers.

'Back where they belong': Beavers released into California tribal waters in conservation effort

For the first time in almost 75 years, beavers were released into California waters as a part of conservation efforts by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Maidu Summit Consortium.

Petri dish poultry and test tube turkey: Researcher explores Christmas dinners of the future with lab-grown meat

Christmas Dinners are one of the UK's most cherished traditions, and Christmas menus have evolved greatly over the years. Today, turkey is the typical meat of choice; going back 500 years, it was beef, venison, and wild boar in Henry VIII's festive feasts. Looking to the future, researchers at the University of Warwick think that lab-grown meat, or cultivated meat, might end up being the centerpiece on our Christmas tables.

Reforming agricultural AI: EasyDAM_V3 unveils next-gen automatic fruit labeling

In the dynamic realm of agricultural AI, deep learning-based fruit detection has gained prominence, particularly in smart orchards. These techniques, however, heavily depend on large, manually labeled datasets, a process both time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Harnessing AI for non-destructive in situ root imaging and phenotyping

Roots are essential for plant growth, but traditional methods of studying roots are resource-intensive and damaging. With advancements in image processing techniques, innovative methods for in situ root studies have emerged, providing non-destructive root imaging.

Medicine and Health news

Research shows immune cells shape lung tissue before birth, provides new avenues for treating respiratory diseases

Immune cells play an active and intimate role in directing the growth of human lung tissue during development, researchers find, revolutionizing our understanding of early lung development and the role of immune cells outside of immunity.

Significant benefit seen in Phase III trial of experimental drug for kidney disease

In a clinical trial of patients with chronic kidney disease, an experimental drug significantly reduced albuminuriaā€”albumin in urine, a sign of kidney damageā€”for 50% of participants. When the experimental drug was paired with a standard-care medication, 70% of participants reportedly experienced a significant reduction in albuminuria.

Exploring the association of Bifidobacterium infantis with T cell immunity in human infants

The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine against tuberculosis can elicit a good response in neonates. Infants who are exposed to HIV but are uninfected display an altered immunity to vaccination.

Chronic migraine research finds genetic mechanism to lower migraine frequency

DNA detectives from QUT have found a biological mechanism behind the reduction of migraine frequency in chronic migraine sufferers after their gradual withdrawal from migraine medications.

New framework to identify genetic risk of disease could lead to targeted therapeutics

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on patient blood samples are useful for identifying the genetic basis of blood cell traits and their links to common diseases. While previous experiments have focused on characterizing clinical parameters such as cell count, few have evaluated the dynamic effects of factorsā€”such as inflammation, microbiome or medicationsā€”on blood cell contributions to disease development and progression.

Developing deep learning models to understand the human genome

Northwestern Medicine scientists have developed a deep learning algorithm capable of identifying the location where a genetic process called polyadenylation occurs on the genome, according to findings published in Nature Communications. Investigators say the development has the potential to accelerate research around diseases and disorders that occur when the process of DNA transcription goes awry.

Designing non-hallucinogenic psychedelic treatments that may accelerate research on mental health benefits

There is nothing magic about the recent increase in interest around the study of psychedelic drugs as potential treatments for patients suffering from a myriad of mental health conditions.

How research helped lead to FDA approval of a pediatric neuroblastoma drug

In 2003, the first year of her fellowship in pediatric oncology, two of Giselle Saulnier Sholler's first three patients had died from neuroblastoma, closely matching the 30% survival rate expected at the time for high-risk neuroblastoma. She knew research was the only way to change these outcomes.

Scientists find a 'scarcode' common across damaged organs

Scarring goes more than skin deep. It can occur in any organ because of injury from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption or as a byproduct of chronic conditions like endometriosis, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. While scar formation is essential in wound healing, when the scarringā€”or fibrosisā€”spins out of control, it can lead to deadly consequences, contributing to almost 2 out of 10 deaths worldwide every year.

A substantial number of Parkinson's disease cases can be attributed to preventable risk factors, researcher says

New research published by neurology researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in npj Parkinson's Disease found that preventable risk factors play a significant role in a person's potential of developing Parkinson's disease.

US adults found to eat a meal's worth of calories in snacks each day

Snacks constitute almost a quarter of a day's calories in U.S. adults and account for about one-third of daily added sugar, a new study suggests.

Researchers discover first-ever link between hemoglobin-like protein and normal heart development

In a study led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, researchers discovered for the first time that a certain kind of protein similar to hemoglobin, called cytoglobin, plays an important role in the development of the heart. Specifically, it affects the correct left-right pattern of the heart and other asymmetric organs.

Study shows COVID-19 infection alters gene transcription of olfactory mucosal cells in Alzheimer's disease

A new study identifies alterations in the transcriptomic signatures in human olfactory mucosal cells of individuals with Alzheimer's disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially contributing to exacerbated COVID-19 outcomes. The study was conducted at the University of Eastern Finland in collaboration with the University of Helsinki and published in Journal of Neuroinflammation.

Blood testing identifies biomarkers of suicidal thoughts

Major depressive disorder affects 16.1 million adults in the United States and costs $210 billion annually. While the primary symptoms of depression are psychological, scientists and doctors have come to understand that depression is a complex disease with physical effects throughout the body. For example, measuring markers of cellular metabolism has become an important approach to studying mental illnesses and developing new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent them.

Risk of death decreases after COVID-19 vaccine but protection wanes after six months, finds study

The risk of death from COVID-19 decreases significantly after vaccination but this protection diminishes after six months, providing evidence for continued booster doses, a new study has found.

New gene therapy could significantly reduce seizures in severe childhood epilepsy

UCL researchers have developed a new gene therapy to cure a devastating form of childhood epilepsy, which a new study shows can significantly reduce seizures in mice.

Study finds contraception has been used by almost all sexually experienced women

Almost all sexually-experienced women of reproductive age have used contraception, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in the National Health Statistics Reports, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Study looks at alcohol intake, mortality link in steatotic liver disease

For individuals with steatotic liver disease (SLD) at low risk for advanced fibrosis, there is a nonlinear association between alcohol consumption and mortality, with increased risk at or above consumption of 7.4g/day, according to a research letter published online Dec. 14 in JAMA Network Open.

Study finds 32.0 and 8.0 suicide deaths per 100,000 working men, women

Suicide deaths in the civilian non-institutionalized working population are 32.0 and 8.0 per 100,000 among men and women, respectively, according to research published in the Dec. 15 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Holiday meals mean safety first in your kitchen

Knives, vegetable peelers, blenders: There are plenty of ways to injure yourself in the kitchen during the holidays. To keep things merry, cheery and safe, experts at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH (MOR) in Chicago say there are simple steps you and those who are helping you cook can take to stay safe.

Too often, unlocked, loaded guns are fatal playthings for America's children

A loaded revolver left out on a nightstand, a curious childā€”and unimaginable tragedy. Moments like this have occurred in American homes hundreds of times over the past two decades, killing 1,262 children, according to a sobering new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mindfulness and mental health

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of purposefully being aware of and focusing your attention on the present moment. Mindfulness allows you to be in tune with your experienceā€”right now in this momentā€”and to explore with curiosity whatever sensations, thoughts and emotions are present without expectations or judgment.

Facility fees charged by hospitals for colonoscopy procedures higher than those charged by surgical centers

U.S. hospitals charge facility fees for colonoscopy procedures covered by private health insurance that are on average approximately 55% higher than facility fees billed by smaller clinics known as ambulatory surgical centers, according to a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Guiding principles to address bias in health care algorithms

A paper published in JAMA Network Open addresses bias in health care algorithms and provides the health care community with guiding principles to avoid repeating errors that have tainted the use of algorithms in other sectors.

Progress toward eliminating child marriage in India has stalled, says study

Child marriage has declined in Indiaā€”but across the country, one in five girls and nearly one in six boys are still married as children, and in recent years the practice has become more prevalent in some states/union territories, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Study assesses well-being of US veterans

More than a decade ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a national initiative, termed Whole Health, that takes a holistic approach to health care, emphasizing personalized care plans that address the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of veterans.

Hundreds of young people urgently needing a mental health bed are being admitted far from home, finds UK study

Young people needing beds urgently for their mental health needs are waiting for long periods on acute general hospital wards, before being placed on wards far from where they live, according to a new study.

Racism produces subtle brain changes that lead to increased disease risk in Black populations, say researchers

The U.S. is in the midst of a racial reckoning. The COVID-19 pandemic, which took a particularly heavy toll on Black communities, turned a harsh spotlight on long-standing health disparities that the public could no longer overlook.

Why alcohol before bedtime leaves you awake at 3 am, desperate for sleep

You've come home after a long day at work, you have dinner, put the kids to bed, and then you have your usual nightcap before drifting off to sleep. Or, perhaps you're at the pub for the work Christmas party, and you think you'll just have one more drink before heading home.

New Australian standards will force providers to disclose risks of cosmetic surgery and consider suitability

People considering cosmetic surgeryā€”such as a breast augmentation, liposuction or face liftā€”should have extra protection following the release this week of new safety and quality standards for providers, from small day-clinics through to larger medical organizations.

Too few Americans are getting vaccinated for flu, COVID & RSV, CDC warns

Low vaccination rates for the flu, RSV and COVID-19 are putting Americans at higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization this winter, a new government alert warned Thursday.

FDA seizes more than 1.4 million illegal vaping products

Federal agents have seized more than 1.4 million illegal vaping products being smuggled into the United States from China.

Wnt pathway dysfunction influences colorectal cancer response to immunotherapy, finds study

Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents with varying clinical characteristics due to tumor heterogeneity. Microsatellite instability (MSI), present in 10ā€“15% of CRC cases, indicates a different clinical trajectory than microsatellite stable (MSS) patients. Notably, MSI patients tend to have better outcomes and respond well to immunotherapy, but not to chemotherapy. The reason behind this disparity and the mechanisms governing MSI remained largely unknown.

OCT scans in optometry could boost glaucoma detection

Optometry clinics that routinely used optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners as part of their regular eye tests were 34% more likely to refer patients for a specialist glaucoma assessment, according to new research that examined the results of almost 1 million people.

Psilocybin has treatment potential for a range of psychiatric conditions but remains poorly understood, says study

Medicinal psilocybin may prove to be an untapped therapeutic resource for a variety of psychiatric conditions identified by researchers at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

New study links high birth weight to childhood obesity in the US

A new study published in the journal Reproductive and Developmental Medicine has found a strong association between fetal macrosomia (high birth weight) and overweight and obesity in early childhood among the U.S.-born children aged 2 to 6 years.

EU watchdog backs anti-bilharzia parasite treatment for kids

The world's first medicine formulated to treat a damaging tropical parasite infection in preschool children received the green light Friday from Europe's drug agency.

WHO warns DR Congo mpox epidemic could spread internationally

The World Health Organization warned on Friday that the mpox epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spread internationally, as sexual transmissions accelerate.

Report: Chronic kidney disease affects 1 in 7 people over 50 in Ireland, and 98% don't know

Findings from the largest study to date in Ireland to characterize the population affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), over the age of 50 years, have been published.

Brief teacher training found to better prepare medical students for patient education and communication

Teaching is an integral communication skill central to the practice of medicine. The art of teaching extends beyond disseminating information. The skill directly translates to health provider-patient communication, the success of which is positively correlated with improved patient outcomes.

Novel therapeutic target overcomes resistance to radiation therapy

A new study finds that radiation therapy (RT) suppresses a key protein called bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) and activates immune suppressive cells. These effects dampen the capacity of cancer-fighting immune cells and decrease the effectiveness of radiation, inducing therapy resistance in cancer patients, according to a paper published December 15, 2023 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Exposure to chemicals found in many household products can lower odds of getting pregnant

Exposure to phthalates, a group of plasticizing and solvent chemicals found in many household products, was linked to a lower probability of getting pregnant, but not to pregnancy loss, according to research by a University of Massachusetts Amherst environmental and reproductive epidemiologist.

Automated insomnia intervention found to improve both sleep and hazardous alcohol use

An online treatment for insomnia may improve both sleep and problem drinking patterns in people who drink heavily, according to a study in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in menstrual products including tampons, pads, and liners

The average menstruator will use over 11,000 tampons or sanitary pads in their lifetime. Vaginal and vulvar tissue that touch pads and tampons is highly permeable. Through this permeable tissue, chemicals are absorbed without being metabolized, which makes endocrine-disrupting chemicals potentially dangerous when found in menstrual products.

Substance-abuse stigma impedes treatment in various ways, scientists say

Addiction is one of society's most misunderstood and rebuked health conditions. That stigma discourages many people from seeking treatment for substance dependence, according to a new report published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest.

Study: Solid organ transplant patients benefit from COVID-19 treatment

New research from Cedars-Sinai's Comprehensive Transplant Center found that a monoclonal antibody treatment reduced the risk of COVID-19 in a large group of solid organ transplant patients who were administered the drug as a preventive measure against the disease.

California embraces emergency rules to protect countertop workers from incurable silicosis

The deaths of young workers who cut kitchen and bathroom countertops prompted a state board to back emergency safety measures Thursday aimed at preventing silicosis, an incurable lung disease that has risen along with the booming popularity of engineered stone.

Understanding iodine in nutrition

I studied it in school. I know it is a micronutrient that the body needs in teeny tiny amounts. But I hadn't thought much more about iodine until I was told to temporarily avoid it for an upcoming medical test.

New Zealanders are learning to live with COVID, but does that mean having to pay for protection themselves?

I'm writing this with a dull ache in my left arm, sore from my third COVID booster. My second was in April when I also got a flu vaccination, which was funded by my employer. The arrival of the fifth wave of COVID in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as the new variant, prompted me to get my booster sorted.

Postpartum depression pill now available to women, drug maker says

The first postpartum depression pill approved for use in the United States is now available to women who need it, the drug's makers announced Thursday.

Doctors are excited, concerned about AI's role in medicine: Poll

American physicians have mixed feelings on the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) into mainstream medical practice, a new survey shows.

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenases in liver zonation and liver cancer

A study, published in the journal Gene Expression and led by Brady Jin-Smith from the Department of Pathology at Tulane University, focuses on ALDHs, a group of key enzymes that catalyze the irreversible oxidation of various aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes to the corresponding carboxylic acids. Understanding their distribution and function within the liver is key to addressing liver diseases, including cancer.

New insights into intervertebral disk degeneration: Role of oxygen concentration and HIF1A in nucleus pulposus cells

In a rapid communication published in the journal Genes & Diseases, researchers from Chongqing Medical University and Yongchuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Chongqing have unveiled crucial insights into the factors that might influence Intervertebral Disk Degeneration (IDD).

Other Sciences news

Parents underestimate the importance of guided play in education, finds study

Child psychologists have long known that play is essential for children's cognitive development because it boosts their social, physical, and emotional skills. But beginning in the 21st century, specialists repeatedly sounded the alarm that 'play is under siege' for US children. Kids were playing less, andā€”it was fearedā€”with a lesser quality.

Why universities warrant public investment: Preparing students for living together well

A recent report noting that funding for Ontario's universities is "low when compared with support in other provinces" points to underfunding as a serious problem in the province's post-secondary sector.

War in Gaza: An ethicist explains why you shouldn't turn to social media for information about the conflict

As the war between Israel and Hamas drags on, many on both sides have taken to social media to gather information and air their outrage. The impulse to do so is understandable: Political activism on social media provides people with an emotional outlet and gives them a sense that they can do something. The war is awful, and following it generates a sharp psychological need to get involved and do something.

Basic monthly income trial shows promise with significant reduction in homelessness

Researchers at the Center for Homelessness, Housing, and Health Equity Research at the University of Southern California released an interim report on the first six months of a randomized controlled trial to study the impact of a basic income and social support intervention for 103 individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reminders of death from disasters affect people's behaviors, research finds

Prolonged reminders of death from long-term disasters affect people's choices and behaviors, finds a new study by King's College London researchers.

Research reveals advantages of scheduling retail employees with higher performers

One barely has to wade into a Reddit thread in which workers whine about their employer before encountering something related to shifts. This often focuses on with whom a worker is scheduled and how that makes things better or worse.

Study exposes oppression of mothers in Brazil's family courts

Thirteen Brazilian mothers who say they are victims of domestic violence have told researchers of their harrowing experiences inside that country's family court system.

Less social media makes you happier and more efficient at work, says study

If you feel overworked and stressed, you'll be less committed to your job and perform less well. Many companies are aware of this problem and, therefore, spend money on professionals to look after the mental health of their employees. And yet there's a much simpler and more cost-effective way to increase satisfaction and efficiency.

Prone to abandoning New Year's resolutions? Research suggests blaming money worries rather than being time-poor

People who abandon New Year's resolutions or other commitments can maintain the respect of their peers by blaming external factors such as lack of money, new research suggests.

In India, computer typists embody 'fuzzy' nature of state borders

Pakistani Hindus arrive in the western Indian city of Jodhpur with hopes and plans to migrate, but before they even approach the Foreigners' Registration Office (FRO), most have to visit a typist.

Inland waters look inviting when heat hits. How to help people swim safely at natural swimming spots

People love to hang out around water, especially on hot summer days. And, for those who aren't near the ocean, Australia is blessed with beautiful inland waterways. In New South Wales, the government wants to increase access to these "blue" natural environments, especially for people living far from the coast.

'This is so crazy.' Tax spike pushes researchers to the brink of bankruptcy

Going into 2022, Zehra Parlak received a warning from her accountant: A looming change to the federal tax code threatened to torpedo the future of Qatch Technologies, the biomedical company she had founded six years earlier based on her postdoctoral research at Duke University.

Study discusses impact of factor endowments on technology choice, industrial upgrading

Assistant Professor Liu Zhengwen and Professor Zhang Bo of the School of Economics, together with Professor Justin Yifu Lin from the Institute of New Structural Economics and National School of Development have co-authored an article titled "Endowment, technology choice, and industrial upgrading." It has been published in Structural Change and Economic Dynamics.

UK project enhances legal understanding for legally accountable 10-year-olds, research finds

Most Year 5 children will know little about the law and their rights, yet at the stroke of midnight on their 10th birthday, they become criminally responsible in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.


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