Science X Newsletter Fri, Dec 8

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

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Reptilian robots used in BBC documentary considered for use in disaster response efforts
Researchers quantify the onset of turbulence in a pipe bent back on itself
Six-million-year-old groundwater pool discovered deep under Sicilian mountains
Study of Philippine sea cucumber shows it may have biomedical applications
Novel insights into antibody aggregation expected to open up new avenues for research and therapeutic applications
Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda is warmer and more acidic than ever, 40 years of observation show
Researchers safely integrate fragile 2D materials into devices, opening a path to unique electronic properties
Genetic mutations that promote reproduction tend to shorten human lifespan, study shows
Immersive VR goggles for mice unlock new potential for brain science
Polyethylene waste could be a thing of the past
Scientists develop potential new drug treatment for multiple sclerosis
Spinning up control: Propeller shape helps direct nanoparticles, researchers say
Researchers discover a mechanism that controls the identity of stem cells
How 'listening' to archaeological sites could shed light on the past
Nanoparticle flu vaccine design shows promise in early tests

Nanotechnology news

	Researchers safely integrate fragile 2D materials into devices, opening a path to unique electronic properties Two-dimensional materials, which are only a few atoms thick, can exhibit some incredible properties, such as the ability to carry electric charge extremely efficiently, which could boost the performance of next-generation electronic devices.
	Spinning up control: Propeller shape helps direct nanoparticles, researchers say Self-propelled nanoparticles could potentially advance drug delivery and lab-on-a-chip systems—but they are prone to go rogue with random, directionless movements. Now, an international team of researchers has developed an approach to rein in the synthetic particles.
	Nanoparticle flu vaccine design shows promise in early tests Existing flu vaccines provide only limited, seasonal protection because they target highly changeable proteins on the virus. Scripps Research scientists have now designed a vaccine that should work broadly against influenza A strains—one of the two types of flu virus that normally circulate in humans.
	Bimetallic alloy nanocatalyst boosts efficient ammonia production with potential for carbon-free energy Ammonia (NH3) is regarded as a promising carbon-free energy carrier, but its energy-intensive production process still challenges global scientists. A research team led by City University of Hong Kong (CityU) recently engineered a bimetallic alloy as an ultrathin nanocatalyst that can deliver greatly improved electrochemical performance for generating ammonia from nitrate (NO3-), offering great potential for obtaining carbon-neutral fuel in the future.
	Researchers discover new lipid nanoparticle that shows muscle-specific mRNA delivery, reduces off-target effects. A team of researchers based at the University of Toronto's (U of T) Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy has discovered a novel ionizable lipid nanoparticle that enables muscle-focused mRNA delivery while minimizing off-target delivery to other tissues. The team also showed that mRNA delivered by the lipid nanoparticles investigated in their study triggered potent cellular-level immune responses as a proof-of-concept melanoma cancer vaccine.
	Team develops nanobody technology against liver inflammation Mathieu Vinken, a professor in the In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology (IVTD) lab at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and doctoral student Raf Van Campenhout have developed a technique based on nanobody technology to prevent liver inflammation.

Physics news

	Researchers quantify the onset of turbulence in a pipe bent back on itself How much stress do pipes undergo when a liquid flows through them, and how does it depend on the degree of curvature of the pipe?
	A micro-ring resonator with big potential: Hybrid device significantly improves laser technology The team at EPFL's Photonic Systems Laboratory (PHOSL) has developed a chip-scale laser source that enhances the performance of semiconductor lasers while enabling the generation of shorter wavelengths.
	Diamond quantum sensors measure neuron activity A recent study by European scientists shows that highly sensitive sensors based on color centers in a diamond can be used to record electrical activity from neurons in living brain tissue. The work is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
	Conjoined 'racetracks' make new optical device possible When we last checked in with Caltech's Kerry Vahala three years ago, his lab had recently reported the development of a new optical device called a turnkey frequency microcomb that has applications in digital communications, precision time keeping, spectroscopy, and even astronomy.
	A superconducting junction made from a single 2D material promises to harness strange new physics Physicists at RIKEN have developed an electronic device that hosts unusual states of matter, which could one day be useful for quantum computation.
	Research enables high-resolution imaging of moving objects using Fourier ptychographic imaging Recently, a research team led by Prof. Wang Yingjian at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), proposed an efficient method to implement Fourier ptychographic imaging technology for moving objects, which successfully achieved high-resolution imaging of moving objects at a distance.

Earth news

	Six-million-year-old groundwater pool discovered deep under Sicilian mountains A multi-institutional team of geoscientists has discovered a deep, ancient underground pool of fresh water underneath part of the Sicilian mountains. In their study, reported in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, the group used publicly available data gathered from oil discovery efforts to study the groundwater in and around the Gela formation beneath the mountains on the island of Sicily.
	Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda is warmer and more acidic than ever, 40 years of observation show Decade-long ocean warming that impacts ocean circulation, a decrease in oxygen levels that contributes to changes in salinification and nutrient supply, and ocean acidification are just some of the challenges the world's oceans are facing.
	Improving thunderstorm prediction by watching lightning flashes from space In a study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences (AAS) on Dec. 6, Prof. Ming Xue and his team from the University of Oklahoma spearhead research focusing on harnessing the power of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite "R-series" (GOES-R) lightning flash observations to improve thunderstorm forecasting through numerical weather prediction models.
	Adapting to hypoxia: Zooplankton influence efficiency of biological carbon pump in the Humboldt Current Marine organisms play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequester it in organic matter that sinks to the deep ocean where it can be stored for long periods of time. Until now, this process—the biological carbon pump—was thought to be particularly efficient in oxygen-poor areas.
	Research finds marine bacteria, atmospheric rivers can contribute to formation of ice clouds Understanding cloud formation in polar regions is essential to discern the influence of solar radiation on the polar ice caps. Existing numerical models, however, struggle to replicate ice clouds accurately. Now, using real-world observations and climate data, researchers from Japan have found that marine bioaerosols carried by streams of warm, moisture-laden air from higher latitudes contribute to the formation of ice clouds over the high latitude region of the Southern Ocean.
	Climate change will increase wildfire risk and lengthen fire seasons, study confirms Wildfires are some of the most destructive natural disasters in the country, threatening lives, destroying homes and infrastructure, and creating air pollution. In order to properly forecast and manage wildfires, managers need to understand wildfire risk and allocate resources accordingly. A new study contributes scientific expertise to this effort.
	Dryland biocrusts enhance soil carbon release in response to climate warming: Study Biocrusts, comprised of diverse organisms such as mosses, lichens, and cyanobacteria, have an enormous influence on soil carbon dynamics. Therefore, understanding the function and response of biocrusts to environmental stressors is essential for ecosystem prediction and management.
	Rich nations need to ditch fossil fuels by 2040: scientists Rich countries need to stop using coal by 2030 and oil and gas by 2040, with poorer nations following a decade behind, to give the world a chance of limiting warming to 1.5C, climate scientists told the UN Friday.
	Harnessing the oceans to 'bury' carbon has huge potential—and risk—so NZ needs to move with caution Climate change might not be high on its immediate agenda, but New Zealand's new government does have one potentially significant and innovative policy.
	Australia's first mobile cooling hub is ready for searing heat this summer—and people who are homeless helped design it Heat waves are a major public health hazard. Socially disadvantaged people are especially exposed to extreme heat and other impacts of climate change. Many people experiencing homelessness—more than 120,000 on any given day in Australia—are exposed to extreme temperatures sleeping on the street, in cars or tents, or in overcrowded and substandard housing.
	New report highlights imminent climate threats: Calls for urgent global action A new report, based on findings from more than 200 researchers, sounds the alarm on climate tipping points—critical thresholds that, when crossed, will severely impact human life and disrupt global social and economic systems.
	Scientists unveil high-resolution remote sensing monitoring system for surface solar radiation Solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface serves as the cornerstone of our planet's energy dynamics, driving climate patterns, sustaining life through photosynthesis, and powering renewable energy technologies. The presence of clouds and aerosols significantly impacts surface solar radiation. Scientists have tackled both theoretical and technical challenges in measuring the scattering of light caused by various atmospheric clouds and aerosol particles.
	Novel tool informs land use and nutrient control in troubled waters In watersheds degraded by runoff of nutrients from farmland, land managers struggle to pinpoint the best locations to install riparian buffer strips along streams or other pollution-reduction practices, but a new technology devised by Penn State scientists promises to make the search for those sites easier and less expensive.
	More accurate O'ahu rainfall data supports extreme weather preparedness Rainfall estimations on O'ahu can be more accurate by combining Hawai'i's two main types of rainfall observations, radar and rain gauge, according to a study by University of Hawai'i at Mānoa researchers. Current observations are based on one or the other, where specific weather stations are checked (rain gauge), or weather radars are observed to view patterns. The study is an effort to better understand Hawai'i's complex weather patterns and hydrological consequences.
	The mysterious 'speeding up' glaciers of Svalbard Spectacular Svalbard sits halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole and is one of the fastest warming places in the Arctic.
	Catalyzing momentum for health negotiations at COP28 By now, there is no doubt that the climate crisis is also a significant health crisis affecting people across the globe.
	Nearly 1 in 4 people now drought stricken, according to UN report Almost 1 in every 4 people on Earth are now stricken by drought, and it's just the start of things to come, according to the latest UN report released as the COP28 climate summit gets underway in Dubai.
	California's greenhouse gas emissions are rising, and we're not even counting them all California has committed to substantially reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045. The pledge is key to Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims of climate leadership, which featured prominently in his recent visits to China and the United Nations.
	UN climate talks chief pushes for rapid draft deal The head of the UN climate summit pressed nations Friday to strike a deal as talks resumed after a break, with only four days left for negotiators to iron out differences over the fate of fossil fuels.
	What does El Niño do to the weather in your part of Australia? You've probably heard El Niño brings hot and dry weather to the eastern states, but what about the rest of Australia? Are we all in for a scorcher this summer?
	How to stay hopeful in a world seemingly beyond saving As world leaders embark upon yet another COP climate conference, it can be easy to be cynical, afraid or overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the impacts that climate change is having (and will continue to have), upon our world.
	Non-summer hydrothermal variations in north subtropical China over the past 200 years Located in the core area of the Asian monsoon, China's subtropical regions have a large population and abundant forest resources, and great potential for carbon sequestration. Increasing global warming not only threatens China's subtropical regions with drought, but also significantly affects the dormancy period of subtropical trees. This highlights the dominant role of non-growing season hydro (precipitation)—thermal (temperature) conditions on tree growth, which has not been considered before.
	Metamorphic evolution of the East Tethys tectonic domain and its tectonic implications A synthesis study published in Science China Earth Sciences is led by Prof. Yong-Fei Zheng at University of Science and Technology of China. It focuses on the thermal and tectonic evolution of regional metamorphism at convergent continental margins based on a systematic outline of metamorphic temperature (T), pressure (P), and time (t) information on high-grade metamorphic rocks along the Central China Orogenic System (CCOS).
	Evidence that ancient Tethys Ocean influenced Earth's past environments A recent study, published in Science China Earth Sciences and led by geologist Bo Wan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Geology and Geophysics, connects the Tethyan plate tectonic movements to changes in Earth's surface environment. The work reveals Earth's multi-sphere interactions.

Human beings first disturbed moon dust on Sept. 13, 1959, when the USSR's unmanned spacecraft Luna 2 alighted on the lunar surface. In the following decades, more than a hundred other spacecraft have touched the moon—both crewed and uncrewed, sometimes landing and sometimes crashing. The most famous of these were NASA's Apollo Lunar Modules, which transported humans to the moon's surface to the astonishment of humankind.

Asteroid will pass in front of bright star Betelgeuse to produce a rare eclipse visible to millions

One of the biggest and brightest stars in the night sky will momentarily vanish as an asteroid passes in front of it to produce a one-of-a-kind eclipse.

Image: Hubble captures a cluster in the Large Magellanic Cloud

This striking Hubble Space Telescope image shows the densely packed globular cluster known as NGC 2210, which is situated in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The LMC lies about 157,000 light-years from Earth and is a so-called satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, meaning that the two galaxies are gravitationally bound. Globular clusters are very stable, tightly bound clusters of thousands or even millions of stars. Their stability means that they can last a long time, and therefore globular clusters are often studied to investigate potentially very old stellar populations.

Technology news

	Reptilian robots used in BBC documentary considered for use in disaster response efforts A trio of roboticists from KM-RoBoTa Sàrl, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Verity AG, all in Switzerland, has found that a pair of reptilian robots they built for use in a BBC documentary back in 2016 may now offer a novel means for studying marine life and could also be used in disaster efforts.
	Veins of bacteria could form a self-healing system for concrete infrastructure In hopes of producing concrete structures that can repair their cracks, researchers from Drexel University's College of Engineering are putting a new twist on an old trick for improving the durability of concrete.
	Learn to forget? How to rein in a rogue chatbot When Australian politician Brian Hood noticed ChatGPT was telling people he was a convicted criminal, he took the old-fashioned route and threatened legal action against the AI chatbot's maker, OpenAI.
	Nintendo cancels its Live 2024 Tokyo event after persistent threats to workers and customers Nintendo canceled its upcoming video game showcase and postponed several other events because of persistent threats to the company, its workers and players.
	Israel's AI can produce 100 bombing targets a day in Gaza. Is this the future of war? Last week, reports emerged that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are using an artificial intelligence (AI) system called Habsora (Hebrew for "The Gospel") to select targets in the war on Hamas in Gaza. The system has reportedly been used to find more targets for bombing, to link locations to Hamas operatives, and to estimate likely numbers of civilian deaths in advance.
	Q&A: Electric, autonomous vehicles offer promise, but broad-based benefits elusive without public role Autonomous and electric vehicles can be a positive force for people and the planet, but widespread gains require government incentives and investment to ensure access for users across the economic spectrum.
	The sky's the limit: A brief history of in-flight entertainment As the winter holidays draw near, many of us are already booking flights to see friends and family or vacation in warmer climates. Nowadays, air travel is synonymous with some form of in-flight entertainment, encompassing everything from the reception offered by the aircrew to the food choices and digital content.
	Study shows challenges to protecting privacy of library users Librarians have historically taken a strong stand on protecting the privacy of their patrons. But how well they accomplish this varies widely with the size of a library, and technology has made it more difficult, according to the first study of privacy practices and challenges in public libraries.
	Integrated wastewater treatment plants and public transport are a win-win, says simulation study What could clean energy buses and sewage treatment plants have in common? Answer: the co-location of hydrogen production by electrolysis at a wastewater facility to produce hydrogen for fuel cells to run buses, and oxygen to feed beneficial bacteria in the treatment tanks.
	China is ahead of Europe and US in recycling lithium, cobalt and nickel for batteries, finds study A team headed by business chemist Prof. Stephan von Delft from the University of Münster has concluded that China will be the first country worldwide to become independent of the need to mine the raw materials that are essential for batteries. They have also established that this development could be accelerated in all the regions they looked at—including Europe and the U.S.
	Biases in large image-text AI model favor wealthier, Western perspectives: Study In a study evaluating the bias in OpenAI's CLIP, a model that pairs text and images and operates behind the scenes in the popular DALL-E image generator, University of Michigan researchers found that CLIP performs poorly on images that portray low-income and non-Western lifestyles.
	Nvidia CEO suggests Malaysia could be AI 'manufacturing' hub as Southeast Asia expands data centers The CEO of technology giant Nvidia said Friday that he views Malaysia as a potential hub for artificial intelligence "manufacturing," though he did not confirm the chipmaker is in talks with a local conglomerate to set up AI data centers in the Southeast Asian country.
	Spotify CFO becomes one of thousands departing the streaming service, after selling $9M in shares Spotify's chief financial officer will step down next year, according to the music streaming service, just days after it announced its third round of layoffs for 2023.
	'Lithium Valley': Inside California's 'white gold' rush The Imperial Valley in southeastern California is emerging as a global hotspot for lithium: A new U.S. Department of Energy report confirms that the Salton Sea holds enough of the rare mineral to power over 375 million electric vehicle batteries—more than the total number of vehicles on U.S. roads.
	From useless plastic waste to valuable oil Researchers and business people have developed a new technology that can make oil from plastic waste that cannot be recycled. This oil can be used to make new plastic and other oil-based products. The technology was recently used in a new commercial facility in West Zealand, Denmark.
	UK probes Microsoft-OpenAI partnership Britain's competition watchdog announced on Friday that it was looking into whether a partnership between US tech giant Microsoft and artificial intelligence developer OpenAI resembles a merger.

Chemistry news

	Novel insights into antibody aggregation expected to open up new avenues for research and therapeutic applications Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are Y-shaped proteins that recognize and neutralize specific pathogens. Their ability to target specific molecules or cells has made them promising candidates for future drug development. However, their light chains—parts of the antibody that contribute to recognizing and binding to specific antigens—misfold and aggregate, leading to amyloidosis, a condition that brings about complications and tissue dysfunction in the body.
	Polyethylene waste could be a thing of the past An international team of experts undertaking fundamental research has developed a way of using polyethylene waste (PE) as a feedstock and converted it into valuable chemicals, via light-driven photocatalysis.
	Researchers unveil comprehensive collection of rhodamine-based fluorescent dyes When Senior Scientist Jonathan Grimm came to Janelia 13 years ago, he didn't know much about fluorescence or fluorescent dyes. But as an organic chemist who had been working in drug discovery at Merck, he certainly knew a thing or two about medicinal chemistry.
	Catalyst makes drugs inside the body to minimize side effects A highly active catalyst capable of synthesizing drug molecules within the body has been developed by RIKEN chemists. In mice, an anticancer drug assembled near tumors using the injected catalyst suppressed tumor growth.
	Researcher offers increased understanding of corrosion in lime kilns fired with biofuel To reduce carbon dioxide emissions from lime kilns, there is a growing interest in introducing bio-based fuels as an alternative to fossil fuels. Naresh Kumar Wagri, Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, Umeå University, shows in his thesis that this presents challenges due to the different chemical and physical properties of biofuels.
	Researcher characterizes enzymes with N–N bonds for antibacterial applications The building blocks for new drugs that help fight bacteria that are resistant to known antibiotics, for example, should be as cost-effective and environmentally friendly as possible. Enzymes are ideal for this purpose. For example, they can produce or combine different components of active substances.
	Modified caffeine molecules help medical research move forward Before researchers can develop targeted drugs, they need to know exactly how a disease works. Biochemist Bert Beerkens created molecules that allow them to find out. He used caffeine as the basis for new molecules that enable research into certain receptor proteins on cells.
	Reassessing what we can expect from peptides in disease detection Based on blood tests, it is possible to detect rare genetic diseases, recognize cancer, or determine the inflammation level in the body. Moreover, due to the rapid development of medical diagnostics based on biofluid analysis, many efforts are being made worldwide to adapt medical approaches, making personalized medicine the paradigm of future health care.

Biology news

	Study of Philippine sea cucumber shows it may have biomedical applications A small team of marine scientists and chemists at the University of the Philippines, The Marine Science Institute, has found that a type of sea cucumber found locally may have biomedical applications. In their study, reported in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, the group conducted a metabolomic study of Stichopus cf. horrens, a species of sea cucumber found off the coast of the Philippines.
	Genetic mutations that promote reproduction tend to shorten human lifespan, study shows A University of Michigan-led study based on a review of genetic and health information from more than 276,000 people finds strong support for a decades-old evolutionary theory that sought to explain aging and senescence.
	Researchers discover a mechanism that controls the identity of stem cells Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, discovered a mechanism that controls the identity of stem cells. When this mechanism fails, embryonic stem cells revert back in time and become totipotent.
	Orangutan male success not due to dominance alone, study finds In primates, the biggest, bossiest males usually get to father the most offspring; and for a long time it was thought that this rule applied to orangutans too. Male orangutans openly compete; and it's the older males with hefty cheek pads, known as "flanges," who usually get their way when they want to mate. But for wild orangutans, nobody knew for sure which males actually won the ultimate prize of fathering offspring.
	Structure of a central component of the human immune system revealed A central component of the human immune system, the NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in fighting off infections. However, its chronic activation is also implicated in a variety of common diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, gout, and type II diabetes.
	Research pieces ancient ecosystems together to reveal new details about the end-Triassic mass extinction Startling new insights into the catastrophic impact of one of the most devastating events in Earth's history have been revealed by a team led by researchers with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. More than deepening our understanding of the end-Triassic mass extinction, their findings offer critical lessons for today's environmental challenges.
	Researchers elucidate how IGF2's secretory pathway mediates muscle stem cell differentiation A research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently revealed how TMED10, a type of transmembrane protein, regulates muscle stem cell differentiation through mediating the secretion of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). This provides potential therapeutic strategies to downregulate IGF2 signaling by inhibiting its secretion.
	New compound could lead to therapeutics that selectively kill cancer cells A team from Children's Medical Research Institute has discovered a new way to impair cancer cell growth, which could lead to the development of a new class of cancer therapeutics with minimal side-effects on normal cells.
	Algorithm for AI enables low-cost tracking of invasive plant To manage johnsongrass, a noxious weed that crowds out cotton and sickens horses, farmers have tried herbicides, burning and hand-pulling. Now, researchers at University of California, Davis, have developed a more high-tech weapon against the invasive weed: artificial intelligence and machine learning.
	New insights into Zebra mussel attachment fibers offer potential solutions to combat invasive species A recent study from researchers in Canada and Germany has revealed that an unlikely event, occurring over 12 million years ago, played an important role in shaping one of Canada's most damaging invasive species.
	New genes found that can arise 'from nothing' The complexity of living organisms is encoded within their genes, but where do these genes come from? Researchers at the University of Helsinki resolved outstanding questions around the origin of small regulatory genes, and described a mechanism that creates their DNA palindromes. Under suitable circumstances, these palindromes evolve into microRNA genes.
	Biopesticide is harmless to mammals but can wipe out colonies of wasps that benefit plants Some wasps and bees are able to recognize sick nestmates by smell and can prevent their entry into the nest to avert infection of the entire colony, assuring its survival and that of the species in the long run.
	Parrots and songbirds have evolved distinct brain mechanisms, study shows When humans learn to speak a language, we learn to produce new vocalizations and use them flexibly for communication, but how the brain is able to achieve this is an important but largely unanswered question, according to Zhilei Zhao, Klarman Fellow in neurobiology and behavior in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S).
	'Appetite for drumsticks': First prey found in a tyrannosaur stomach Prey has been discovered inside the stomach of a tyrannosaur skeleton for the first time, scientists said Friday, revealing that the mighty dinosaurs had an "appetite for drumsticks" when they were young.
	How bird feeders help small species fight infection Every day, throughout the world, people put huge quantities of food out at feeding stations for birds and other wild animals.
	Rent-a-tree firm helps Londoners have a sustainable Christmas On a crisp, winter's day at a London scout center, seasoned customers picked their way along muddy rows of Christmas trees in pots labeled with their names while newcomers mulled over which one to rent. "It's a big decision", said one.
	Hospitals in Ukraine seeing surge in drug-resistant infections: CDC As the war in the Ukraine rages on, new research shows that hospitals there are waging a battle of their own against a different kind of enemy: antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" that are spreading at an alarming rate.
	Fire ants are on the march—here's what happens when they sting Red imported fire ants are a particularly nasty type of ant because they are aggressive, and inflict painful stings that may be life threatening. That's in addition to being a serious threat to agriculture and biosecurity.
	Human noise makes cod inactive. When it gets quiet again, they take off She narrowly defied bureaucracy and spent days angling for cod. In the North Sea, marine biologist Inge van der Knaap discovered that noise significantly disturbs fish behavior. "There is now a lot of attention for underwater noise."
	Research shows noisy miner birds are bullying forest birds from urban area Australia's native noisy miner bird is more of a pest than originally thought, with new research from La Trobe University showing it is preventing forest birds from persisting in residential suburbs.
	Stingray diet keeps great hammerhead sharks close to shore New research from James Cook University shows great hammerhead sharks spend much of their time in the shallows of the Great Barrier Reef to feed on a bountiful supply of stingrays.
	eDNA explained: Unlocking nature's hidden biodiversity Environmental DNA—or eDNA for short—is DNA left behind in the environment like fingerprints at a crime scene.
	Future of 200 migratory bird species put at risk by cyclones and droughts About 200 migratory bird species across the world—including swifts and eagles—are impacted by cyclones and droughts, and with these extreme weather events only set to worsen under a warming planet, the future of these species is at risk.
	Study demonstrates improved nutrition and taste of plant-based milks thanks to pretreatment methods Researchers have improved the nutritional value of plant-based milks through the implementation of simple pretreatment methods.
	Are wetlands really a flood risk? Experts debunk most common myths around these precious ecosystems Back in 2020, a grim picture of nature in the European Union emerged.
	Transforming rice phenotyping: Advanced deep learning models enhance panicle analysis and nitrogen impact studies Rice is crucial for global food security, providing sustenance for half of the world's population. Its production, particularly influenced by environmental factors during the heading-flowering stage, affects crucial growth traits. Traditional phenotyping methods are inefficient for large-scale analysis, necessitating advanced, accurate monitoring solutions.
	Private timberland from Washington to California lost billions in value due to wildfires A new study from Oregon State University estimates that wildfire and drought caused $11.2 billion in economic losses to privately owned timberland in California, Oregon and Washington over the past two decades.
	Scientists spice up genetic research through habanero peppers and AI An artificial intelligence study at West Virginia University is focused on habanero peppers for now, but project lead Donald Adjeroh said the work could one day support prevention or treatment of genetic disease.
	Snake charm: Four reasons to love snakes Picture this: the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you're enjoying a hike in nature. You haven't a care in the world until you round the corner on your favorite walking trail. And then you see it.
	Creating a C4-like vein pattern in rice by manipulating SHORT ROOT and auxin levels C4 plants are distinguished by a unique leaf structure known as Kranz anatomy, characterized by inner vascular bundle sheath cells and outer mesophyll cells. This specialized arrangement confers C4 plants with several advantages over C3 plants, including higher photosynthetic rates and superior nitrogen and water use efficiency.
	Using machine learning to optimize volatile fatty acid production in riboflavin-mediated sludge fermentation Waste activated sludge (WAS) is the most yielding byproduct in municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs), and its disposal poses secondary pollution that severely threatens the environment. Producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from WAS is a promising technology that enables the reutilization of organic carbons associated with the WAS complex.

Medicine and Health news

	Immersive VR goggles for mice unlock new potential for brain science Northwestern University researchers have developed new virtual reality (VR) goggles for mice. Besides just being cute, these miniature goggles provide more immersive experiences for mice living in laboratory settings. By more faithfully simulating natural environments, the researchers can more accurately and precisely study the neural circuitry that underlies behavior.
	Scientists develop potential new drug treatment for multiple sclerosis CAMH-led pre-clinical studies using a small molecule drug have shown promise as a potential new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The results have been published in the journal Science Advances.
	Study offers new insights into how immune cells recognize their enemies In order for immune cells to do their job, they need to know against whom they should direct their attack. Research teams at the University of Würzburg have identified new details in this process.
	AI takes the reins in deep-tissue imaging Artificial intelligence is finding more and more applications every day. One of the newest is in the biomedical field, using AI to control and drive single-molecule microscopy in ways no human can. The result is a landmark capacity of nanoscale optical imaging deep into tissue—visualizing 3D ultrastructure of the brain circuitry and plaque-forming amyloid beta fibrils in healthy and diseased brains, promising insights into autism and Alzheimer's disease.
	Study suggests link between higher prenatal PFAS exposures and offspring obesity risk in adolescence A new Project Viva study demonstrates the impact of prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposures on children. The study, published in the December 6 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, observed a strong link between higher prenatal PFAS exposure and increased rates of obesity and body fat in adolescent offspring, further defining and adding depth to their colloquial name: "forever chemicals."
	Plasmodium vivax malaria: Infections may be largely underestimated in sub-Saharan Africa An international research team has revealed how Plasmodium vivax, one of the main causes of malaria, is capable of infecting people in Africa. This is an important discovery, given that until now these populations were considered to be naturally protected due to the absence of the Duffy protein on the surface of their red blood cells.
	New cause of diabetes discovered, offering potential target for new classes of drugs to treat the disease Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals have identified an enzyme that blocks insulin produced in the body—a discovery that could provide a new target to treat diabetes.
	Pasteurization reduces bioactive component of breast milk, finds study Providing human breast milk to preterm infants is a strategy for preventing complications including necrotizing enterocolitis. Because a mother's own milk (considered the gold standard) is not always available, it is important to determine whether alternate breast milk products confer equal nutritional and bioactive value.
	Genomic study on ulcers in European and Asian populations could lead to new population-specific treatments Researchers studied stomach and duodenal ulcers in a large research project comparing Japanese and European populations. They found 25 new genetic markers linked to ulcers which showed that, though these sores on the walls of the stomach and of the duodenum (the beginning part of the small intestine) share some genetic factors, stomach ulcers have more possible causes.
	Copaiba oil nanoemulsion found to have antiviral potential against zika In an article published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil describe a potential strategy for combating zika virus (ZIKV).
	Severe COVID-19 is a thrombotic disease, study claims Blood clotting (thrombosis) in the capillary vessels of the lungs is one of the first consequences of severe COVID-19, even preceding the respiratory distress caused by diffuse alveolar damage, according to a Brazilian study reported in an article published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. Autopsies of nine patients who died after developing the severe form of the disease showed a clearly typified condition involving alterations to lung vascularization and thrombosis.
	Race doesn't impact cardiovascular risk calculations, study finds Removing race information from cardiovascular risk calculators—which predict the probability of developing heart disease—doesn't affect patients' risk scores, according to a study by Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian investigators.
	Researchers discover potential source of stem cells in injury-affected brains of patients Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and the LMU have discovered that, in the case of brain injuries, specific cells in the brain become active in disease situations, exhibiting properties of neural stem cells.
	New study questions effectiveness of drugs for ovarian protection during cancer treatment A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has found no evidence that a common drug used to protect the ovaries of women undergoing chemotherapy increases their chances of having children after cancer treatment. The study is published in eClinicalMedicine.
	New 3D co-cultured model to study effect of proton therapy on aggressive brain cancer Researchers at TU Delft designed novel 3D-engineered scaffolds inspired by the geometry of the brain microvasculature. The micro-structures were co-cultured with both glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, and endothelial cells, the building blocks of blood vessels. This model enabled researchers to study the effect of proton therapy on glioblastoma and uncover a possible protective role of endothelial cells on cancer cells.
	Engineers design a robotic replica of the heart's right chamber MIT engineers have developed a robotic replica of the heart's right ventricle, which mimics the beating and blood-pumping action of live hearts.
	COVID-19: The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs and the role of innate immunity One to two weeks after contracting COVID, the SARS-CoV-2 virus generally becomes undetectable in the upper respiratory tract. But does that mean that it is no longer present in the body? To find out, a team from the Institut Pasteur specialized in HIV, in collaboration with a French public research institute, the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), conducted a study on lung cells in an animal model.
	Study shows T cells can tackle new 'Pirola' SARS-CoV-2 variant In August, researchers detected a new SARS-CoV-2 "variant of concern" in patients in Israel and Denmark. Since then, this variant, dubbed BA.2.86 or "Pirola," has made its way around the globe. The Pirola variant has raised alarms because it is highly mutated. In fact, Pirola is as mutated as the omicron variant was, compared with the early SARS-CoV-2 variant included in the original vaccinations.
	Researchers lay groundwork to study effects of maternal diabetes on fetal metabolism and development UCLA scientists examined how exposure to higher levels of glucose alter fetal tissue metabolism, using a technique they pioneered to trace in utero carbon-13 in fetal tissues. Their paper, "Atlas of Fetal Metabolism During Mid-to-Late Gestation and Diabetic Pregnancy," published in Cell, reveals the impact of maternal hyperglycemia on fetal tissues.
	Engaging heterosexual men more effectively could slash HIV infections in Uganda A study looking at 15 years of HIV transmission and suppression in Uganda reveals how closing gender gaps in treatment could slash infection rates.
	Good maternal health 'reparations' has lifelong benefits for women, research finds Women around the world who have positive health 'reparations' during the journey through pregnancy benefit throughout their lives, new research says.
	A shape-shifting robotic catheter could make heart surgery safer A beating heart makes for a formidable surgical arena, but a new robotic catheter could someday equip surgeons to operate in the cardiac environment with greater ease.
	Multinational study finds biologic therapies can control severe asthma A study has shown that severe asthma can be controlled using biologic therapies, without the addition of regular high-dose inhaled steroids, which can have significant side effects.
	New research paints a dynamic picture of how we respond to high or low oxygen levels It only takes holding your breath for slightly too long to understand that too little oxygen is bad for you. But can you also have too much? Indeed, breathing air with a higher oxygen level than your body needs can cause health problems or even death.
	Rare pre- and post-operative recordings show what happens after the brain loses a hub A University of Iowa-led team of international neuroscientists have obtained the first direct recordings of the human brain in the minutes before and after a brain hub crucial for language meaning was surgically disconnected. The results reveal the importance of brain hubs in neural networks and the remarkable way in which the human brain attempts to compensate when a hub is lost, with immediacy not previously observed.
	Research finds peer support vital for those taking medication for severe mental illness Researchers at Aston Pharmacy School have found that people with severe mental illness could benefit from peer support to help them manage their medication and improve their health and quality of life.
	Chronic fatigue syndrome is not rare, says new CDC survey. It affects 3.3 million U.S. adults Health officials on Friday released the first nationally representative estimate of how many U.S. adults have chronic fatigue syndrome: 3.3 million.
	Deaths from tainted cantaloupe increase to 3 in U.S. and 5 in Canada A salmonella outbreak tied to tainted cantaloupe has now killed eight people—three in the U.S. and five in Canada, health officials reported Thursday.
	Study reveals insights into diabetic kidney disease and how anti-obesity drugs work Data from Australian researchers could partly explain why a trial of a new drug for diabetes, was recently halted because it was found to be so effective. Importantly, the data also reveals how anti-obesity drugs like Ozempic, actually work, which to date has been a mystery.
	Breast cancer survivors may not need so many mammograms after surgery, UK study suggests Annual mammograms are recommended indefinitely for breast cancer survivors in many countries, including the U.S., but a large British study finds that less frequent screening is just as good.
	Study: Key mechanisms of action differences in immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapies for advanced melanoma Checkpoint inhibitors that activate the immune system to target cancer cells for destruction have revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with advanced melanoma, leading to more options and improved patient survival. Despite the approval of several immune checkpoint inhibitor regimens for melanoma, scientists do not completely understand their anticancer effects.
	Study finds that infants are not startled by visual illusions We, as adults, experience a unified conscious world by integrating various scattered pieces of information from the external environment. To experience consciousness by integrating individual features into one, it is believed that not only aggregating information from lower to higher visual areas but also "feedback processing," where information is sent back from higher to lower visual areas in the brain, plays a crucial role.
	New Zealand's medical students do not reflect diverse communities, says study New research shows Māori and Pacific medical students remain underrepresented in Aotearoa New Zealand.
	Latin dance can liven up holiday celebrations and boost health Family gatherings and workplace parties with mouth-watering spreads are hallmarks of the holiday season. But if you want to boost your holiday cheer and your health simultaneously, tap your feet to the beats of salsa, merengue and bachata.
	Mothers need more 'exclusive breastfeeding' support, study says Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is proven to protect both mother and child health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2015 and 2021, 48% of mothers breastfed exclusively, meaning that their babies were not given any other food or liquids.
	Viewpoint: OCD is so much more than handwashing or tidying. As a historian with the disorder, here's what I've learned (Readers are advised that this article contains explicit discussion of suicide and suicidal and obsessional thoughts. If you are in need of support, contact details are included at the end of the article.)
	The holidays and your brain—a neuroscientist explains how to identify and manage your emotions Just as the shift to shorter days and colder weather can bring with it mood swings and other emotional challenges, the holiday season can also bring about somewhat predictable changes in mood and behavior.
	Could visiting a museum be the secret to a healthy life? It's Saturday morning. You are barely awake, with a cup of coffee in your hand, and your gaze wanders to the window. It's raining. So you make up your mind. This afternoon, you will go to a museum.
	When 'rights' divide: Trans kids need supportive families Protests in support of "parental rights" have taken place across Canada in recent months. Many taking part in these demonstrations have railed against "gender ideology" in school curricula and mixed bathrooms.
	Tardive dyskinesia impacts patients and caregivers Tardive dyskinesia (TD) poses a substantial burden for both caregivers and patients, according to a study published online Nov. 28 in the Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes.
	Suicide rates have risen steadily for black girls and women Suicide rates for Black women and girls ages 15 to 24 have more than doubled over the past two decades, a new report finds.
	Salmonella illnesses tied to cantaloupes have doubled: CDC A salmonella outbreak tied to tainted cantaloupes keeps expanding, with cases doubling since the last tally, U.S. health officials reported Thursday.
	Withholding intubation helpful for comatose patients with acute poisoning A conservative strategy of withholding intubation is associated with clinical benefit in comatose patients with acute poisoning, according to a study published online Nov. 29 in the Journal of the American Medical Association to coincide with the annual Critical Care Canada Forum, held from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 in Toronto.
	Silica is not the only hazard in engineered stone While some engineered stone producers are promoting reduced-silica or silica-free products due to health concerns, researchers have found other substances in the material are damaging workers' lungs.
	Stem cell study reveals how infantile cystinosis causes kidney failure, and how to cure it University at Buffalo research has identified how a misstep in the genesis of a key component of the kidney causes infantile cystinosis, a rare disease that significantly shortens the lifespan of patients.
	Improving dietary habits of gastrointestinal cancer patients and their caregivers Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers—which includes appendix, anal, bile duct, colorectal, esophageal, gall bladder, liver, pancreatic, rectal, small intestine and stomach cancers—are the most common type of cancer in the United States. While there have been promising advancements in treatments for these cancers, treatment side effects—including fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea—can lead to other health problems, such as malnutrition.
	Potentially targetable fusion RNAs may be more common in metastatic breast cancer than previously realized Comprehensive profiling of fusion RNAs present in a large cohort of metastatic breast tumors revealed unique fusion mutations that may be therapeutically targetable, according to results presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held December 5–9, 2023.
	New insight into the impact of arsenic exposure on vaccine efficacy in children A new study led by researchers in the Texas A&M University School of Public Health explores the potential adverse effects of arsenic on immune responses in children, which can make them more vulnerable to infectious diseases by reducing vaccine effectiveness. However, the study also suggests that folate—vitamin B9 essential for metabolic processes—might play a role in mitigating these effects.
	Skipping adjuvant radiotherapy may not impact risk of recurrence or progression in patients with low-risk DCIS Patients with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who skipped adjuvant radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery had comparable five-year outcomes to those with high-risk DCIS who received adjuvant radiotherapy, according to results from the E4112 clinical trial presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held December 5–9, 2023.
	Some breast cancer survivors may safely de-escalate mammography three years after surgery Women 50 or older who de-escalated to less-frequent mammography three years after curative surgery for early-stage breast cancer had similar outcomes to women who received annual mammography, according to results from the Mammo-50 trial presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held December 5–9, 2023.
	The quest to bring osteoarthritis to its knees Millions of people in Europe and elsewhere suffer degeneration of joint cartilage in the knee, driving EU research into better treatments.
	Study finds social factors drive use of scented menstrual products tied to health risks New research finds that Black Americans and people with less formal education are more likely to use scented and scent-altering menstrual and intimate care products than other groups. Ingredients used in these products have been linked to allergies, asthma, cancer, endocrine disruption, and poor pregnancy outcomes.
	Even small amounts of physical activity could be valuable in late-stage lung cancer Lung cancer kills more people globally each year than any other type of cancer, however new Curtin University-led research has found less than five minutes of daily physical activity could be linked with prolonged life in people living with inoperable forms of the disease.
	Shaping tobacco control messages for the Chinese lunar new year through effective short videos China is the largest tobacco producer and consumer in the world. However, these is still a serious lack of public awareness of the hazards of smoking and second-hand smoke exposure in China. Furthermore, despite efforts by the government in tobacco control, challenges persist. For example, harmful behaviors, such as gifting cigarettes, are still prevalent, and legal restrictions on smoking in designated areas have not yet translated into completely smoke-free environments.
	How health system hesitancies contributed to COVID risks More than 1.2 million people have died in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic to date, more documented deaths than any other nation on Earth.
	No spike in overdoses seen with COVID-era expansion of methadone access A new study led by researchers at Columbia University indicates that patients who receive methadone take-home doses—a protocol expanded during the COVID pandemic—are no more likely to overdose or drop out of care than those whose methadone is delivered at government‐approved opioid treatment programs.
	Suicide rates among Black women and girls are on the rise for two decades Suicide rates among Black women increased from 1999 to 2020, especially among Black teens and young adults, according to latest research published by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The study is the first to examine the epidemiology of suicide among Black females in the U.S. by geographical region. The results are published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
	High pressure competitive environment impacts performance of top esports players, new study shows Elite esports gamers contend with pressures that significantly impact their performance, as revealed in a recent study conducted by the University of Chichester.
	CDC: Chronic fatigue syndrome prevalence 1.3 percent in 2021 to 2022 The prevalence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in the United States in 2021 to 2022 was 1.3 percent, according to a December data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
	Mexico City Policy on global aid curtailed family planning services in Africa, study finds A new study has found that the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy, formerly known as the Mexico City Policy, reduced the provision and use of contraceptives, as well as community health volunteer services, in African countries.
	Battle of the AIs in medical research: ChatGPT vs Elicit Can AI save us from the arduous and time-consuming task of academic research collection? An international team of researchers investigated the credibility and efficiency of generative AI as an information-gathering tool in the medical field.
	Q&A: How serious is FDA warning about revolutionary blood-cancer treatment? The Food and Drug Administration announced last week that it's investigating reports of secondary cancers in patients who received CAR T-cell therapy, one of a suite of immunotherapies that have revolutionized cancer care over the past decade. The treatment reprograms a patient's T cells, a key part of the immune system, to recognize and attack cancer cells.
	Updated systemic lupus erythematosus management recommendations Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous disease, which can cause many different manifestations and symptoms, and traditionally did not have many treatment options. However, the picture is changing, and clinical practice must change accordingly, to keep up with modern treatment options and to make the most of new drugs that can target key pathophysiological pathways. In line with this, EULAR has updated its recommendations for managing SLE.
	Recommendations for fatigue management in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases Fatigue is common in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). The causes of fatigue are not well understood, and it is likely that they vary between people and over time. From a patient perspective, fatigue has a significant and detrimental impact on daily life, and it is a priority to address.
	Looking at first results in using new tools to tackle respiratory syncytial virus in Europe Each year, an estimated 101,000 children below the age of 5 years die across the globe due to infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Worldwide, RSV is a main cause of hospitalization among young children.
	Spanish-speaking children with type 1 diabetes face barriers to using medical technology Many children with type 1 diabetes benefit from technology—including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices—to help manage their blood sugar level, which is key to staying healthy.
	Evolving insights in blood-based liquid biopsies for prostate cancer interrogation A new research perspective was published in Oncoscience on November 30, 2023, titled, "Evolving insights in blood-based liquid biopsies for prostate cancer interrogation."
	US approves sickle cell breakthrough with gene editing therapy The United States on Friday approved a breakthrough medicine that uses revolutionary gene editing tool CRISPR to treat the debilitating blood disorder sickle cell disease.
	Maternal mortality rate is much higher for Black women than white women in Mississippi, study says Black people make up about 38% of Mississippi's population, but a new study shows that Black women were four times more likely to die of causes directly related to pregnancy than white women in the state in 2020.
	Many people of color worry good health care is tied to their appearance Many people from racial and ethnic minority groups brace themselves for insults and judgments before medical appointments, according to a new survey of patients that reaffirms the prevalence of racial discrimination in the U.S. health system.
	Flu vaccination and cancer The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mayo Clinic recommend a yearly flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is your best defense against flu. If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now's the time.
	The rainbow of urine colors: What's typical, what's not Regular urine color varies but usually ranges from clear to pale yellow. The exact hue depends on how much water you drink. Fluids dilute the yellow pigments in urine. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. When you drink less, the yellow color becomes stronger.
	Australian study finds risky increase in antipsychotic drugs for children Australian GPs are prescribing more antipsychotic drugs to children and adolescents for non-approved conditions, according to a new study by University of Adelaide researchers.
	Video: Sickle cell disease explained The Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide by Dec. 8 on a new therapy to treat sickle cell disease using gene editing technology called CRISPR, which stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats.
	Virtual avatars want you to tell them about your pain. Is that the future of health care? Venkata Leelakrishna Kodipunjula was dealing with a loss.
	Young people find cocaine use increasingly common in party settings, finds report Cocaine use is becoming normalized in parts of party culture, according to a new study of Roskilde festival attendees. It also shows that cannabis is now widely accepted and not even considered a "drug" by many young people.

Other Sciences news

	How 'listening' to archaeological sites could shed light on the past Until recently, archaeologists have mostly relied on what they can see at the sites of ancient ruins to unlock the secrets of the past. But lately, new methods have started to allow researchers to use other senses to explore these sites in different ways.
	Study suggests climate played a crucial role in human migration from Africa About 6 million years ago, in the deep forests of eastern Africa, something spectacular happened. Chimpanzees, our closest relative in the animal kingdom, evolved in one direction, while our earliest ancestors continued in another.
	A better way of measuring homophily: Uncovering hidden mixing patterns in real-world networks. It is likely that you have heard of the term "homophily" before. After all, the concept permeates all of our relationships, both in real-life and online—the way we make friends, the way we choose a sexual partner, who we follow on social media, or who we collaborate with if we are artists or scientists. It is the idea that people who are alike act alike, that "birds of a feather naturally flock together," that similarity breeds connection.
	How early farmers in Scandinavia overcame climate change As the world faces the challenges of present-day climate change, scientific inquiry is, among other objectives, exploring how human societies navigate environmental variations at large. Investigating the past provides valuable insights into this.
	AI can teach math teachers how to improve student skills When middle school math teachers completed an online professional development program that uses artificial intelligence to improve their math knowledge and teaching skills, their students' math performance improved.
	Turning annual performance reviews into 'humble encounters' yields dividends for employees and managers Every year, employees worldwide enter annual performance reviews with mixed feelings. Do employees enter these conversations with enthusiasm to learn new things? Rarely. Are managers eager to have these conversations and coach their employees on how they can improve in the coming year? No.
	As the temperature rises, so do rates of domestic violence, say researchers Large parts of Australia are currently in the grip of a heat wave, and climate change means we're in for more frequent and intense heat events into the future.
	Generous social welfare policies are linked to decreased child neglect Young children in low-income households could be at risk for abuse and neglect if their parents are unable to receive adequate child care subsidies, according to a new University of Michigan study published in Child Maltreatment.
	The benefit of music education on the well-being of children in a post-COVID world A new publication by a University of Adelaide researcher highlights the benefits of music education for child development and well-being, particularly in a post-COVID-19 landscape of disrupted social connections and networks.
	Digital multi-sided platforms transform traditional value chains in business-to-business service sales: Study Various digital platforms are becoming increasingly common in business-to-business (B2B) activities. They enable building competitiveness and boosting selling and buying. The platforms also offer different ways of building long-term customer relationships in B2B service sales. A recent study found that digital platforms are transforming traditional value chains based on linear value creation towards a platform-based, multi-sided, digital value network.
	Australian councils are opening the door to tiny houses as a quick, affordable and green solution Soaring rents and home prices, increasing mortgage stress, record immigration and a growing population are fueling a housing crisis and increasing homelessness. In the face of this pressing need, tiny houses offer an alternative housing option.
	New research reveals challenges posed by austerity, Brexit and COVID-19 for international town-twinning partnerships Research by USP Academic Dr. Tosh Warwick has shed new light on transnational town-twinning history and the challenges posed by Brexit, the pandemic and austerity.

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