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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for December 21, 2023:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

A skin-integrated multimodal haptic interface to produce immersive tactile experiences

Young open cluster Messier 39 investigated in detail

New study reveals five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia

New 1.5-billion-pixel image shows Running Chicken Nebula in unprecedented detail

Back to the future: Scientists develop the first method to measure cellular changes in the body over time

Study reveals new insights on tissue-dependent roles of JAK signaling in inflammation

Eye specialists warn of possible eye injuries due to corks rocketing from pressurized bottles

Statins found to reduce risk of blood clots associated with menopausal hormone therapy

Analysis finds that organic compounds in asteroids likely formed in colder regions of space

New type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of flu virus

Researchers map how measles virus spreads in human brain

Research shows that sniffing women's tears reduces aggressive behavior in men

Pancake stack of radioactivity-sensitive films captures most accurate picture of star's gamma ray beam

The future of canine stem cell therapy: Unprecedented, painless, and feeder-free

Researchers discover key to epithelial cell growth

Nanotechnology news

	Using molecular 'cookie cutters' to view membrane protein organization The membrane that encases a biological cell is not simply a barrier; it is chock full of proteins involved in all sorts of critical biological functions. To really understand what membrane proteins are doing and how, researchers need to know how they're organized and how they interact with one another. But uncovering that information is challenging.
	Are diamonds GaN's best friend? Revolutionizing transistor technology Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University are proving that diamonds are so much more than just a girl's best friend. Their groundbreaking research focuses on gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, which are high-power, high-frequency semiconductor devices used in mobile data and satellite communication systems.
	Researchers develop self-assembling, self-illuminating therapeutic proteins When it comes to delivering drugs to the body, a major challenge is ensuring that they remain in the area they're treating and continuing to deliver their payload accurately. While major strides have been made in delivering drugs, monitoring them is a challenge that often requires invasive procedures like biopsies.
	Researchers identify key mechanisms, novel materials for biologically inspired information processing Every search engine query, every AI-generated text and developments such as autonomous driving: In the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, computers and data centers consume a lot of energy. By contrast, the human brain is far more energy-efficient. In order to develop more powerful and energy-saving computers inspired by the brain, a research team from Materials Science and Electrical Engineering at Kiel University (CAU) has now identified fundamental requirements for suitable hardware.
	Scientists create chiral polyoxometalate-based frameworks with enhanced stability and catalytic activity A team of scientists has created a chiral assembly by blending inorganic polyoxometalates and organic cyclodextrin molecules.
	Nanotechnology approaches for creating biodeterioration-resistant wood Emerging technologies such as nanotechnology can provide efficient approaches by which new materials with broad functions, such as durable and fire-retardant properties, can be developed and subsequently used for the treatment of wood materials.
	Generation of lossy mode resonances using perovskite nanofilms In recent research, scientists have unlocked the potential of a remarkable material called perovskite to revolutionize the world of optical sensing. Their study is published in the journal Opto-Electronic Advances.

Physics news

	Researchers take a different approach with measurement-based quantum computing The race to develop quantum computers has really heated up over the past few years. State-of-the-art systems can now run simple algorithms using dozens of qubits—or quantum bits—which are the building blocks of quantum computers.
	Research unveils Rubik's cube-like Heusler materials with potential for thermoelectric applications Researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have designed Slater-Pauling (S-P) Heusler materials with a unique structure resembling a Rubik's cube. These materials exhibit semiconductor-like properties and have potential in thermoelectric applications.
	Clarified at last: The physics of popping champagne When you uncork a bottle of champagne, complex supersonic phenomena occur. Scientists at TU Wien have now been able to calculate exactly what happens for the first time.
	Researchers develop all-optical switches that could lead to faster computer processors Conventional computer processors have pretty much maxed out their "clock speeds"—a measurement of how fast they can toggle on and off—due to the limitations of electronic switching. Scientists looking to improve computer processors have become intrigued by the potential of all-optical switching, which uses light instead of electricity to control how data is processed and stored on a chip.
	Shock wave photographed passing through a single cell with improved nanosecond imaging technology A microscopic shock wave has been photographed passing through a single biological cell, thanks to a new photography technique. Nanosecond photography uses ultrafast electronic cameras to take images at the speed of a billionth of a second. However, image quality and exposure time are typically limited.
	An advanced computational tool for understanding quantum materials Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME), Argonne National Laboratory, and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia have developed a new computational tool to describe how the atoms within quantum materials behave when they absorb and emit light.
	Dynamic interactive bitwise meta-holography with ultra-high computational and display frame rates Computer-generated holography (CGH) represents a cutting-edge technology that employs computer algorithms to dynamically reconstruct virtual objects. This technology has found extensive applications across diverse fields such as three-dimensional display, optical information storage and processing, entertainment, and encryption.
	Probing for THz radiation directly at the source The search for and development of efficient terahertz (THz) sources is one of the major scientific goals of the 21st century. The THz region of the electromagnetic spectrum is composed of light frequencies in between the infrared and the microwave bands and accounts for one of the last scarcely explored regions of light—there are not many strong and efficient sources and detectors currently available for the THz frequency range.
	The strangest coincidence in physics: The AdS/CFT correspondence Attempts to turn string theory into a workable theory of nature have led to the potential conclusion that our universe is a hologram—that what we perceive as three spatial dimensions is actually composed of only two. The greatest realization of this hologram-led program is a proposal that goes by the awkward and clunky name of the AdS/CFT correspondence, first proposed by string theorist Juan Maldacena in the late 1990s.
	All-optical object identification and three-dimensional reconstruction based on optical computing metasurface As object identification and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques become essential in various reverse engineering, artificial intelligence, medical diagnosis, and industrial production fields, there is an increasing focus on seeking vastly efficient, faster speed, and more integrated methods that can simplify processing.

Earth news

	A new map shows all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon Publication of a new map showing all the above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon is good news in the context of the severe crisis afflicting the world's largest contiguous tropical rainforest. Using airborne laser scanning and satellite imagery calibrated by field forest inventories and integrated by heavy-duty computer processing and machine learning, the map reflects the world's largest survey of tropical forest biomass ever conducted.
	As the Arctic warms, its waters are emitting carbon: Study When it comes to influencing climate change, the world's smallest ocean punches above its weight. It's been estimated that the cold waters of the Arctic absorb as much as 180 million metric tons of carbon per year—more than three times what New York City emits annually—making it one of Earth's critical carbon sinks. But recent findings show that thawing permafrost and carbon-rich runoff from Canada's Mackenzie River trigger part of the Arctic Ocean to release more carbon dioxide (CO2) than it absorbs.
	Antarctic octopus DNA reveals ice sheet collapse closer than thought Scientists investigating how Antarctica's ice sheets retreated in the deep past have turned to an innovative approach: studying the genes of octopuses that live in its chilly waters.
	More records tumble as China cold snap persists More low temperature records tumbled across China on Thursday, as the country endures a persistent cold snap that has crowned a year of extreme weather.
	Hidden dangers in eco-friendly choices: The health risks of biodegradable microplastics revealed A study published in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering on September 25, 2023, unveils the potential health risks associated with biodegradable microplastics, particularly polylactic acid (PLA).
	Researchers reveal linkage between wildfire activity and abrupt climate events during the Holocene As a major Earth system component, wildfire plays an important role in the Earth's terrestrial ecosystems and climate system, with significant impacts on the atmosphere, radiation effects, vegetation, surface properties, global biogeochemical cycles and human survival. Understanding the interactions among wildfires, climate change, vegetation, and human activities over geologic time is a viable approach to making accurate projections of future wildfire occurrences, which is crucial for human adaptation to possible wildfire threats.
	Opinion: Climate change solutions require collaboration between politicians, scientists and entrepreneurs Most Canadians agree something should be done about climate change. Yet, even though there is tremendous pressure on politicians to do something, widespread discontent usually follows whatever action they may take.
	Invasive grasses are worsening bushfires across Australia's drylands As the semi-arid Pilliga Scrub burns in New South Wales, many of us are thinking about fire once again. It's an El Niño summer in the hottest year on record. And there's a remarkable amount of grass drying out and ready to burn.
	The two (country) sides of forests: How do public policies influence conservation? How do national policies impact deforestation? Researchers from the University of Bonn have looked into this question at the global scale and have found that, contrary to common assumptions, national strategies have a significant—and visible—influence on efforts to protect forest heritage. Their study has now been published in the journal Global Environmental Change.
	Perfluoroalkyl acids found to accelerate DNA degradation, highlighting potential ecological risks Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), infamous for their persistence and widespread environmental presence, have long been a concern due to their toxicological impacts. However, the specific ecological consequences of their interaction with environmental DNA (eDNA) have remained largely unexplored. eDNA, the environmental gene pool, plays a crucial role in monitoring ecosystem biodiversity and assessing the ecotoxicological effects of pollutants.
	Microplastic-associated pathogens in aquatic environments: A hidden health risk Microplastics, which are minute plastic particles under 5mm in size, are becoming ever more ubiquitous in marine and freshwater ecosystems around the globe. These particles, derived from primary and secondary sources, such as industrial raw material nurdles and the degradation of larger plastic items, have escalated into a major environmental issue.
	Fleeing drought, vulnerable populations face flood risk in most African countries In 80% of African countries, human settlements move toward rivers and into cities during drought, increasing the number of people living in flood-risk areas in recent decades, according to a recent study. This resettlement pattern will likely intensify in coming decades as climate change is expected to make droughts more frequent and severe.
	Researchers find cancer-causing metals in a Chesapeake Bay tributary adjacent to a coal ash landfill A recent study in Environmental Pollution unveils alarming discoveries: Researchers have identified cancer-causing contaminants in sediments and fish in a Chesapeake Bay tributary near a coal ash landfill.
	Canada bids farewell to plastic straws, cutlery and checkout bags Canadian restaurants and cafes were no longer permitted as of Wednesday to offer plastic straws, food containers, checkout bags or cutlery to customers—despite a court ruling that such restrictions are unconstitutional.
	A wildfire in Australia on the outskirts of Perth destroys at least 2 homes and injures 2 people A wildfire burning out of control on the outskirts of the Australian west coast city of Perth on Thursday destroyed at least two homes and injured two people, officials said.

Astronomy and Space news

	Young open cluster Messier 39 investigated in detail Italian astronomers have performed high-resolution spectroscopic observations of a young open cluster known as Messier 39. Results of the observational campaign, presented in a paper published Dec. 14 on the pre-print server arXiv, yield essential information about the cluster's chemical composition.
	New 1.5-billion-pixel image shows Running Chicken Nebula in unprecedented detail While many holiday traditions involve feasts of turkey, soba noodles, latkes or Pan de Pascua, this year, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is bringing you a holiday chicken. The so-called Running Chicken Nebula, home to young stars in the making, is revealed in spectacular detail in this 1.5-billion-pixel image captured by the VLT Survey Telescope (VST), hosted at ESO's Paranal site in Chile.
	Analysis finds that organic compounds in asteroids likely formed in colder regions of space Analysis of organic compounds—called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—extracted from the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite has found that certain PAHs likely formed in the cold areas of space between stars rather than in hot regions near stars as was previously thought. The findings open new possibilities for studying life beyond Earth and the chemistry of objects in space.
	Pancake stack of radioactivity-sensitive films captures most accurate picture of star's gamma ray beam A pancake stack of radioactivity-sensitive films carried through the sky by a balloon was able to take the world's most accurate picture of a neutron star's gamma ray beam. To achieve this, Kobe University researchers combined the oldest method of capturing radioactive radiation with the newest data capturing techniques and a clever time-recording device.
	Astronomers detect seismic ripples in ancient galactic disk A new snapshot of an ancient, far-off galaxy could help scientists understand how it formed and the origins of our own Milky Way. At more than 12 billion years old, BRI 1335-0417 is the oldest and furthest known spiral galaxy in our universe.
	Webb spots a second lensed supernova in a distant galaxy In November 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope observed a massive cluster of galaxies named MACS J0138.0-2155. Through an effect called gravitational lensing, first predicted by Albert Einstein, a distant galaxy named MRG-M0138 appears warped by the powerful gravity of the intervening galaxy cluster. In addition to warping and magnifying the distant galaxy, the gravitational lensing effect caused by MACS J0138 produces five different images of MRG-M0138.
	Research team models different signatures of a kilonova explosion simultaneously for the first time Neutron stars are the end products of massive stars and gather together a large part of the original stellar mass in a super-dense star with a diameter of only around ten kilometers. On 17 August 2017, researchers observed the manifold signatures of an explosive merger of two orbiting neutron stars for the first time: gravitational waves and enormous bursts of radiation, including a gamma-ray burst.
	NASA's Hubble watches 'spoke season' on Saturn Though Saturn's unusual-looking "cup handle" features were first noted by Galileo in 1610, it would be another 45 years before they were described by Christiaan Huygens as a disk surrounding Saturn. Subsequently, ground-based telescopes could only distinguish four unique concentric rings, labeled A, B, C, and D.
	Innovative X-ray lobster-eye mission set to launch The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) spacecraft Einstein Probe is ready to launch in January 2024. Equipped with a new generation of X-ray instruments with high sensitivity and a very wide view, this mission will survey the sky and hunt for powerful blasts of X-ray light coming from mysterious celestial objects such as neutron stars and black holes.
	NASA astronauts test SpaceX elevator concept for Artemis lunar lander NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Doug "Wheels" Wheelock participated in a recent test of a sub-scale mockup elevator for SpaceX's Starship human landing system that will be used for NASA's Artemis III and IV missions to the moon. The Starship human landing system will carry two astronauts from the Orion spacecraft in lunar orbit to the surface, serve as a habitat for crew members' approximately one week stay on the moon, and transfer them from the surface back to Orion.
	Image: Pinhole propulsion for satellites A palm-sized propulsion option for future space missions: Each one of these seven emitter arrays etched onto this silicon wafer using micro- and nano-technology possesses more than 500 pinhole-sized emitters that spray out ions, accelerated via an electrostatic field to maximize thrust.

Technology news

	A skin-integrated multimodal haptic interface to produce immersive tactile experiences Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have become increasingly advanced over the past decade or so, enabling highly engaging gaming experiences and new forms of media entertainment. Yet there is still significant room to improvement, particularly in terms of artificially stimulating other senses beyond vision and hearing.
	Researchers create first programmable, logical quantum processor Harvard researchers have realized a key milestone in the quest for stable, scalable quantum computing, an ultra-high-speed technology that will enable game-changing advances in a variety of fields, including medicine, science, and finance.
	New ultra-high speed processor to advance AI, driverless vehicles and more A team of international scientists have developed an ultra-high speed signal processor that can analyze 400,000 real time video images concurrently, according to a paper published in Communications Engineering.
	New phosphorescent OLEDs can maintain 90% of blue light intensity for 10–14 times longer than other designs Lights could soon use the full color suite of perfectly efficient organic light-emitting diodes, or OLEDs, that last tens of thousands of hours, thanks to an innovation from physicists and engineers at the University of Michigan.
	Ultra-thin lithium strips show great promise as anode material for enhanced lithium ion batteries A research team led by scientists from Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, has used the Australian Synchrotron in developing a novel strategy for the scalable production of high-performance, thin, and free-standing lithium anodes for lithium-ion batteries with enhanced cycling stability and electrochemical properties.
	AI study shows Raphael painting was not entirely the master's work A famous Raphael painting features a face that was NOT created by the Renaissance master, according to new artificial intelligence analysis.
	Polymer-air battery research investigates advanced energy storage solutions Polymer-air batteries often face challenges related to stability, kinetics and conductivity. In response, Dr. Jodie Lutkenhaus has developed a method to use a polymer as an anode in these batteries.
	Sony PlayStation 5 sales cross 50 million units Sales of Sony's PlayStation 5 have crossed 50 million units, the Japanese electronics giant said, pointing to "strong momentum" this year for its flagship gaming console.
	X users report global outage: monitoring site Tens of thousands of global users of X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday reported problems using the Elon Musk-owned social network.
	Toyota shares sink after Daihatsu suspension, US recall Shares in Japanese auto titan Toyota dived Thursday as a rigged safety test scandal builds at subsidiary Daihatsu, and after it recalled a million vehicles in the United States over airbag safety concerns.
	Japan begins on-site inspection to Toyota unit Daihatsu Japanese officials on Thursday started an on-site inspection at the headquarters of Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu, the transport ministry said, after an investigation found it had rigged safety tests and was forced to suspend all shipments of its vehicles.
	Warner Brothers Discovery explores merger: report Warner Brothers Discovery shares slid more than 5 percent Wednesday after reports emerged that the media and entertainment giant is exploring a merger with rival Paramount Global.
	Apple ramps up Vision Pro production, aiming for launch by February Apple Inc. is ramping up production of the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, setting the stage for a launch by February, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
	Citrix sued over Xfinity breach that exposed 36 million users' data Just three days after Xfinity disclosed that 36 million of its users' personal information was exposed in a data breach, Fort Lauderdale-based Citrix Systems Inc. is facing a class-action lawsuit accusing the firm of failing to prevent the breach.
	Solar energy and its cheaper bills are coming to more disadvantaged communities When a lightning storm knocked out power in Doris Brown's Northeast Houston neighborhood this summer, her solar-powered home suddenly became a refuge for frantic neighbors left without electricity.
	More US auto buyers are turning to hybrids as sales of electric vehicles slow America's automakers have staked their futures on the notion that electric vehicles will dominate sales in the coming years, spurred by buyers determined to reduce carbon emissions and save on fuel.
	UK and EU agree delay to post-Brexit electric car tariffs British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday hailed a deal with the European Union to delay post-Brexit tariffs on electric vehicle sales that were due to kick in from January.
	Leveraging language models for fusion energy research Since the advent of fusion research, scientists have published thousands of documents on the subject—papers, conference proceedings, and even written logs from previous experiments at fusion reactors around the world. Such a wellspring of information would easily take a lifetime to read, and even longer to comprehend.
	Korean researchers develop new modular construction technology The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) researchers have developed a new modular construction method capable of building structures by assembling modular components within a short time, particularly in cases of emergencies or disasters.
	If you've got solar, can you run air conditioning without worrying about cost? Not quite You're inside on a scorching 40°C day, running your air conditioner on full for extended hours. Normally, you might worry about cost—or even the impact on the grid or the environment. But you've got solar on your roof, so you should be producing plenty of power to offset your aircon.
	Apple loses latest bid to avert patent dispute that has halted online U.S. sales of 2 watch models Apple on Thursday stopped online sales of two popular models of its internet-connected watch in the U.S. after losing its latest attempt to untangle a patent dispute that's blocking it from using some of the technology on the device.
	AI could improve your life by removing bottlenecks between what you want and what you get Artificial intelligence is poised to upend much of society, removing human limitations inherent in many systems. One such limitation is information and logistical bottlenecks in decision-making.
	Wireless tracking system could help improve the extended reality experience A new technology developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego has the potential to make the extended reality (XR) experience smoother and more seamless. The technology consists of an asset localization system that uses wireless signals to track physical objects with centimeter-level accuracy in real-time, and then generates a virtual representation of these objects. Applications of this technology range from enhancing virtual gaming experiences to improving workplace safety.
	Real-time multimodal tactile detection system applicable to robots and wearable devices A tactile perception system capable of providing human-like multimodal tactile information to objects like robots and wearable devices that require tactile data in real-time has been developed.
	Scrutiny of OpenAI and Microsoft relationship could affect how AI industry grows and innovates The boardroom of OpenAI, the business that developed ChatGPT, has seen some turbulent times recently. But while the drama around the sacking and reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman has subsided, the company now faces investigation by the UK competitor authority—a regulator that's been increasingly training its spotlight on big tech in recent years.
	Examining effects of mobile phone use on attention, reaction time, and working memory of office workers Many of us carry a mobile phone much of the time. The term is increasingly something of a misnomer. While these portable devices may well have their origins in allowing us to make phone calls wherever we happen to be, they are, to all intents and purposes, multitasking personal computers.
	Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is stepping down at the end of the year Activision Blizzard Chief Executive Bobby Kotick will leave his post at the end of December, bringing his 32-year tenure at the gaming giant to a close.
	Sirius XM sued by NY over 'frustrating' cancellation process Sirius XM Radio Inc. was sued by New York state for making it difficult for customers to cancel subscriptions to the broadcaster's online radio services, in violation of state and federal consumer protection laws.
	E3: why the world's biggest video game event just closed for good—and what's next for the industry The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), an annual trade event for the video game industry, has been permanently cancelled by its organizers, who cited the COVID pandemic and changes in company marketing techniques as the reason for the closure.
	US airlines say they're ready for record holiday travel US airlines are gearing up for record traffic this holiday season, having beefed up staffing in the hopes of avoiding a repeat of last Christmas's operational meltdown.
	China halts export of some rare earth processing technologies China said on Thursday that it would halt the export of a range of rare earth metal processing technologies, potentially hindering other countries in a crucial sector dominated by Beijing.
	Exploring waste-to-energy solutions in the Maldives archipelago A study published in the journal of Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, addresses the crucial waste management challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with a specific focus on the Maldives.
	NASA, Joby pave the way for air taxis in busy airports Researchers are one step closer to integrating air taxis and other electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles into the country's busiest airports, thanks to a new air traffic simulation developed by NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley and Joby Aviation.
	Energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing techniques for diamond: A review With the rapid development of semiconductor technologies, diamond emerges as a leading contender in reshaping the modern industry with its remarkable properties. However, the machining of diamond material is very difficult.

Chemistry news

	'Goldilocks system' boosts efficiency of nickel-catalyzed reactions In the search for cheaper, greener alternatives to routinely used precious metal catalysts like palladium, nickel has become an increasingly popular choice in the last two decades for organic chemists assembling fragments of molecules for a variety of chemical applications, especially transformations called cross-coupling reactions.
	Thianthrenium chemistry allows reactivity switch of a nucleophilic amino acid into a versatile intermediate Chemical diversification of proteins is an important concept in the study of biological processes and the complex structures of the proteins themselves. Researchers from the Max Planck Society have now published their fascinating findings concerning an amino acid in Nature Chemistry.
	An integrated approach to discovering stable and low cost electrocatalysts A group of researchers has investigated whether data mining could accelerate the identification of low-cost metal oxide electrocatalysts, speeding up the world's transition away from fossil fuels.
	Researchers modify traditional poison used by Asian fishermen for potential neurological drugs Picrotoxinin, a plant-derived toxin that Asian fishermen traditionally have used to paralyze and catch fish, has long been seen as a possible starting point for new human therapeutics and other neuroactive products.
	Research team designs a novel catalyst system for CO₂ conversion Research groups around the world are developing technologies to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into raw materials for industrial applications. Most experiments under industrially relevant conditions have been carried out with heterogeneous electrocatalysts, i.e., catalysts that are in a different chemical phase to the reacting substances. However, homogeneous catalysts, which are in the same phase as the reactants, are generally considered to be more efficient and selective. To date, there haven't been any set-ups where homogeneous catalysts could be tested under industrial conditions.
	New research reveals critical steps in Lassa virus ribonucleoparticle assembly and recruitment Lassa virus (LASV) is the pathogen that causes Lassa hemorrhagic fever, a disease endemic to West Africa, which causes approximately 5,000 deaths each year. At the CSSB Centre for Structural Systems Biology, the Uetrecht (CSSB, LIV, Uni Siegen), Kosinski (CSSB, EMBL) and Rosenthal (BNITM, CSSB) groups worked together to reveal the crucial role played by RNA in critical steps of the Lassa virus life cycle.

Biology news

	New study reveals five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia A new study led by scientists at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History identifies five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia.
	Back to the future: Scientists develop the first method to measure cellular changes in the body over time While physicists continue to argue about whether time is indeed an illusion, as Albert Einstein claimed, biologists have no doubt about its significance for understanding life as a dynamic system.
	The future of canine stem cell therapy: Unprecedented, painless, and feeder-free Dog owners may need to learn to appreciate their best friend's urine. Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have devised an efficient, non-invasive, and pain-free method to reprogram canine stem cells from urine samples, bringing furry companions one step closer to veterinary regenerative treatment. Their findings have been published in Stem Cell Reports .
	Researchers discover key to epithelial cell growth Australian researchers have discovered a new way that epithelial cells, which form layers in organs like the skin and stomach, attach to one another, and how they perceive growth signals at these attachments, helping them form tissues of the right size and shape.
	First in situ documentation of a fossilized megalodon tooth in the deep sea A small team of oceanographers affiliated with several institutions in the U.S., working with a zoologist from the SNSB-Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, in Germany, has documented the first in situ discovery of a fossilized megalodon tooth in the deep sea. In their paper, published in the journal Historical Biology, the group describes how they discovered the ancient shark took and what the study of it revealed about its condition.
	Novel AI-based approach for more accurate RNA 3D structure prediction A research team from the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has successfully harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-learning techniques to model atomic-level RNA 3D structures from primary RNA sequences. Called DRfold, this novel AI-based method improves the accuracy of RNA models by more than 70%, compared to traditional approaches.
	Examining the relationship between the rate of wound healing, the circadian rhythm and cilium length Nearly every organism on Earth follows a natural circadian rhythm that is coded by your cell's clock genes, which do exactly as you suspect from the name: regulate your body's rhythm on a 24-hour basis.
	Researchers discover how cysteine activates a key regulator of cell growth in yeast Amino acids are the building blocks of life. We obtain them from the food we eat, and the body uses them to make proteins, which in turn are used for growth, development, and a multitude of other functions. However, before the body can build with these blocks, it must first be able to sense their presence.
	Amber analyses show that insects already had a variety of defense strategies in the Cretaceous Analyses of amber show that insect larvae were already using a wide variety of tactics to protect themselves from predators 100 million years ago.
	Researchers solve mystery behind DnaA protein's role in DNA replication initiation In a breakthrough discovery, published in Nature Communications, scientists from Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with researchers at Newcastle University and The Francis Crick Institute have unraveled the intricate mechanism behind how DnaA, the master initiator of DNA replication in bacteria, specifically opens replication origins, the gateways to DNA duplication. This fundamental understanding sheds light on the crucial process that underpins the growth and reproduction of nearly all bacterial cells.
	Cellular study reveals a lipid-mediated, inter-organelle biogenesis network Researchers from Telethon Kids Institute and The University of Western Australia have developed a new technique to see inside cells with unprecedented detail, revealing a complicated web of interactions that provides new insights into how cells stay healthy.
	How environmental microbes boost fruit fly reproduction For many of us, when we think of microbiomes, our first thoughts are probably about the beneficial microorganisms that live in our guts. But now, researchers from Japan and the US have discovered how the microbes living in fruit flies can enhance their reproduction.
	Blind spiders living in completely dark caves are able to sense light, scientists show A team of environmental scientists at Hubei University, in China, working with a colleague from the University of Iceland, has found that blind spiders living deep within caves in China are still able to sense light and respond to it. In their study, reported in the journal Science Advances, the group tested two groups of spiders that live in southwestern China's cave systems.
	Changing African landscape may have influenced early human communication The shift from dense forests to open plains in Africa may have caused our ancient ancestors to change their vocal calls, research involving Durham University anthropologists has found.
	Location, location, location: Research reveals the hidden power of intracellular neighborhoods New findings published in Molecular Cell provide details about the hidden organization of the cytoplasm—the soup of liquid, organelles, proteins, and other molecules inside a cell. The research shows it makes a big difference where in that cellular broth, messenger RNA (mRNA) gets translated into proteins.
	Researchers surprised at levels of toxicity in standard plastic products The plastic with which we surround ourselves contains a range of chemical additives that can leach out into water systems in the natural environment. This can happen both before and during the plastic degradation process. Even if it takes a long time for products to break down into microplastic particles, the chemicals start to leach from the plastic as soon as it enters the water.
	Inside the matrix: Nanoscale patterns revealed within model research organism Species throughout the animal kingdom feature vital interfaces between the outermost layers of their bodies and the environment. Intricate microscopic structures—featured on the outer skin layers of humans, as one example—are known to assemble in matrix patterns.
	GPCR structure: Research reveals molecular origins of function for a key drug target Through an international collaboration, scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have leveraged data science, pharmacology and structural information to conduct an atomic-level investigation into how each amino acid in the receptor that binds adrenaline contributes to receptor activity in the presence of this natural ligand.
	Wildflowers increasingly doing without insect pollinators Scientists at the CNRS and the University of Montpellier have discovered that flowering plants growing in farmland are increasingly doing without insect pollinators. As reproduction becomes more difficult for them in an environment depleted of pollinating insects, the plants are evolving towards self-fertilization. These findings are published in a paper in the journal New Phytologist.
	Dogs, antennas and honey for Japan's big bear problem Thousands of bears are being shot in Japan each year as they become more and more of a problem. Junpei Tanaka and his dog Rela, straining at her leash in the woods, have a kinder, smarter way.
	How technology and economics can help save endangered species A lot has changed in the world since the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted 50 years ago in December 1973. Two researchers at The Ohio State University were among a group of experts invited by the journal Science to discuss how the ESA has evolved and what its future might hold.
	Measuring the invisible: The tough job of calculating the carbon stocks and fluxes of a forest "Green lungs" is the term often used to describe rainforests due to their ability to use photosynthesis to capture CO2, the planet's primary greenhouse gas. That makes them a key component of global climate regulation, and their preservation represents a major issue for decision-makers and citizens alike.
	Researchers study temperature sensitivity of soil microbial respiration under climate change Under field conditions, soil respiration consists of heterotrophic respiration by soil microbes and autotrophic respiration by plants. Temperature sensitivity (Q10) is a common method to describe proportional changes in soil heterotrophic respiration in response to warming. However, it remains unclear how the available substrate and the soil microbial community regulate the Q10 of soil microbial respiration under natural warming conditions.
	Nigeria's plantain wine: A traditional drink with huge economic potential Agadagidi, a wine made from plantain, is a popular drink at festive occasions in Nigeria. But it's not always of a high quality.
	How a Victorian trip to Palestine spurred modern ornithology—and left it with imperial baggage Palestine's natural splendor offered a landscape ripe for scientific "discovery," description and expropriation by European imperial powers in the 19th century. And in the 1860s, an English vicar named Henry Baker Tristram claimed its birds.
	Could dinosaurs be the reason humans can't live for 200 years? All human beings age. It is part of our biology and limits our lifespan to slightly over 120 years.
	Viewpoint: Europe has a wolf problem, and a late Norwegian philosopher had the solution Europe's "wolf problem" is fast becoming a source of social and political tension. Relative conservation success across the continent has led to calls for action from worried politicians and farming and hunting groups. And the European Commission has now proposed a change in their international status, from "strictly protected" to "protected", which could allow people to hunt wolves.
	Vaccinating livestock against common diseases is a form of direct climate action, say researchers Animal diseases have a devastating impact on livestock production. In 2022, for example, 131 million domestic poultry died or was culled as a result of avian influenza (also called "bird flu").
	Extreme heat represents a new threat to trees and plants in the Pacific Northwest From June 25 to July 2, 2021, the Pacific Northwest experienced a record-breaking heat wave that sent the normally temperate region into Death Valley-like extremes that took a heavy toll on trees as well as people.
	The evolutionary timeline of diminished boric acid and urea transportation in aquaporin 10 Aquaporin (Aqp) 10 water channels in humans allow the free passage of water, glycerol, urea, and boric acid across cells. However, Aqp10.2b in pufferfish allows only the passage of water and glycerol and not urea and boric acid.
	Computer vision and neural networks to help detect crop diseases A research team from Skoltech and Saint-Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation have presented a paper in which they pioneered an alternative method for detecting decayed and moldy apples at the post-harvest stage, when fruits are stored and then delivered to the customer. A computer vision system will determine different defects at the early stage, when they can be invisible to the human eye. The paper is published in the journal Entropy.
	Investigating how microbial interactions shape Cheddar cheese's flavor profile The combinations of microorganisms responsible for shaping the taste of Cheddar cheese—including fruity, creamy, buttery, and nutty flavors—are investigated in a Nature Communications paper.
	Viruses as important factors driving the diel dynamics of marine bacterioplankton The diel cycle is one of the most common periodic patterns in marine ecosystems. Previously, the diel rhythm changes of marine bacterioplankton have often been attributed to factors like bacterial light-dependent physiological mechanisms or their interactions with photosynthetic organisms.
	Scientists describe 153 new species in 2023 Researchers at the California Academy of Sciences described 153 new animal, plant, and fungi species in 2023, enriching our understanding of Earth's biodiversity and strengthening our ability to regenerate the natural world. The new species include 66 spiders, 20 sea slugs, 18 plants, 13 sea stars, 12 geckos, 10 beetles, five fishes, four worms, two wasps, one sea snail, one scorpion, and one legless skink. More than a dozen Academy scientists—along with several international collaborators—described the new-to-science species.
	Heartbreak in Zimbabwe park: elephants' desperate hunt for water Storm clouds are finally gathering over Zimbabwe's biggest animal reserve, but it has come too late for more than 110 elephants that have died in a searing, extended drought.
	Unveiling the role of autophagy in metabolism and growth for tomato fruit development Autophagy, a eukaryotic mechanism for breaking down cellular components, is a vital process in lytic organelles such as vacuoles in yeast and plants, and lysosomes in animals. Research has predominantly focused on the model plant Arabidopsis, revealing the conservation of autophagy-related genes across various plant species.
	Study integrates key genetic factors to enhance melon quality and aroma Fruit development, particularly ripening, is a crucial and energy-intensive stage in plant life, vital for both human consumption and plant breeding. It involves biochemical and physiological transformations, such as cell wall softening and pigment accumulation. Melon (Cucumis melo L.), with both climacteric and non-climacteric varieties, is gaining attention as a model for studying fruit ripening processes, aided by genetic resources like Recombinant Inbred Lines and sequenced genomes.
	Enhancing cultivated strawberry diversity and disease resistance Cultivated strawberries are now the basis of a multi-billion-dollar global industry. To meet the challenges posed by increasing demand, climate change, and water and land scarcity, new germplasm needs to be collected to improve cultivars. However, managing clonally propagated germplasm collections such as strawberry is costly, while limited genotypic and phenotypic characterization hinders effective germplasm utilization.
	Unlocking the genetic secrets of drought resilience in Persian walnuts The walnut (Juglans regia L.), which was domesticated in ancient Persia, is a globally cultivated nut crop. With global water scarcity, walnut production is facing significant challenges due to abiotic stresses, especially drought. Photosynthesis is a key physiological mechanism involved in adaption to abiotic stresses and regulation of plant development.
	CRISPR/Cas9's role in fine-tuning miRNA expression in tetraploid potatoes MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in plant gene regulation, with their biogenesis involving complex processes. Fine-tuning miRNAs is a powerful biotechnology strategy that can improve plant performance in the field, such as adjusting crop tolerance to abiotic or biotic stress.
	Unlocking the genetic secrets of grape seedlessness Seedlessness in table grapes is a key breeding target, mainly results from stenospermocarpy, linked to the Thompson Seedless grape variety. Advances in genetic research have identified the VviAGL11 gene, one of the MADS-box transcription factor family, as crucial in this process.
	Peach breeding research: Interspecific hybridization with almond shows minimal 'genomic shock' Interspecific hybridization is a key process in plant evolution and breeding that can lead to phenotypic changes and the formation of new species. The merging of different genomes in a hybrid often triggers a so-called "genomic shock." These alterations include variation in gene expression and genome structure, particularly the activation of transposable elements (TEs).
	Why do dogs chew so much? And should we let them? Puppies and mature dogs chew. A lot—and not just while they are eating.
	In mighty Atlantic Ocean, ecosystem wonders and threats lie below the surface Scientists from numerous countries are joining forces to tackle risks to life in the world's second-largest ocean.

Medicine and Health news

	Study reveals new insights on tissue-dependent roles of JAK signaling in inflammation Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have gained a deeper understanding of the nuanced roles of JAK inhibitors, or modulators, in inflammation across various cell types and tissues. Their findings suggest a more precise approach is required to potentially expand JAK inhibitor use to a wider range of allergy and inflammatory disorders.
	Eye specialists warn of possible eye injuries due to corks rocketing from pressurized bottles A small team of eye specialists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, University College Dublin School of Medicine and Texas A&M College of Medicine is warning of possible eye injuries as many bottles of champagne are opened over the holiday season. In their project, reported in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) the group studied available literature describing eye injuries that can result from corks moving at high speeds.
	Statins found to reduce risk of blood clots associated with menopausal hormone therapy Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, have provided substantial evidence supporting the potential role of statins in mitigating venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk associated with hormone therapy in postmenopausal women, possibly reshaping the risk-benefit considerations for this population.
	New type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of flu virus Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized class of antibodies—immune system proteins that protect against disease—that appear capable of neutralizing multiple forms of flu virus. These findings, which could contribute to development of more broadly protective flu vaccines, were published by Holly Simmons of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and colleagues in the open access journal PLOS Biology.
	Researchers map how measles virus spreads in human brain Mayo Clinic researchers mapped how the measles virus mutated and spread in the brain of a person who succumbed to a rare, lethal brain disease. New cases of this disease, which is a complication of the measles virus, may occur as measles reemerges among the unvaccinated, say researchers.
	Research shows that sniffing women's tears reduces aggressive behavior in men New research, published in PLOS Biology, shows that tears from women contain chemicals that block aggression in men. The study led by Shani Agron at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, finds that sniffing tears leads to reduced brain activity related to aggression, which results in less aggressive behavior.
	Localized genetic mutations may serve as biomarker for wide range of cancers A team of Northwestern Medicine investigators have successfully localized novel molecular mechanisms behind a genetic mutation found in a wide range of cancers, which could serve as a biomarker for improving patient stratification and treatment, according to findings published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	Could ADHD be diagnosed genetically? Despite it being very common, ADHD is often missed until a child reaches age seven or older. By that time, they have likely been struggling socially and in school. Could early genetic testing be part of the solution?
	Biomedical STI prevention evidence may be inadequate for cisgender women Pivotal studies of some biomedical HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention interventions have excluded cisgender women or demonstrated low efficacy among them, limiting their prevention options relative to other populations who experience high HIV and STI incidence.
	New tool unifies single-cell data for the global research community A new methodology that allows for the categorization and organization of single-cell data has been launched. It can be used to create a harmonized dataset for the study of human health and disease.
	Where you live matters: A first-of-its-kind study illustrates how racism is interrelated with poor health A team of health equity researchers from several institutions has leveraged a complex web of data to test a hypothesis: That structural racism is associated with resources and structures at the neighborhood level that are closely associated with poor health. What they found in an analysis of highly localized, community-level data illustrates how racism is deeply interrelated with poor health outcomes.
	Research reveals maternal education levels during pregnancy are linked with epigenetic markers in the child A study from the University of Oulu, Finland, has uncovered compelling evidence linking maternal education levels at the time of pregnancy to children's epigenetic markers (DNA methylation) at key developmental stages: birth, childhood, and adolescence.
	Researchers clarify role of SMYD3 enzyme in prostate cancer progression Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men other than skin cancer, and more than 288,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease's fatality rate has decreased by more than half since the 1990s, but there is still room for progress—especially in treating or preventing advanced, metastatic disease, which is much more likely to be fatal.
	Structures of Parkinson's disease-linked proteins offer a framework for understanding how they work together Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have revealed the complex structure of two Parkinson's disease-related proteins, both of which are implicated in late-onset cases. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a protein kinase that modifies other proteins in a process called phosphorylation; Rab29, a member of the Rab GTPase family that regulates cellular trafficking, modulates the activity of LRRK2.
	Study associates higher acetaminophen use during pregnancy with language delays in early childhood Is acetaminophen safe to use during pregnancy? The debate rages.
	Sleep deprivation makes us less happy and more anxious, says review of more than 50 years of research Sleep loss does more than just make us tired. It can undermine our emotional functioning, decrease positive moods and put us at higher risk for anxiety symptoms, according to a study that synthesized more than 50 years of research on sleep deprivation and mood.
	Custom made by Tulane students, mobility chairs help special needs toddlers get moving At 19 months old, Elijah Jack, born with no femur bone in one leg and a short femur in the other, is unable to walk on his own like most toddlers his age. Another 19-month-old, Freya Baudoin, born prematurely at 28 weeks and delayed in her mobility, has finally taken her first step.
	Study finds waist circumference predicts infertility in child-bearing-aged women Waist circumference (WC) is a positive predictor of female infertility, independent of body mass index (BMI), according to a study published online Dec. 20 in PLOS ONE.
	Burnout, lack of fulfillment linked to intention to leave among physicians Burnout, lack of professional fulfillment, and other well-being-linked factors are associated with intention to leave (ITL) among physicians, according to a study published online Dec. 15 in JAMA Network Open.
	Blood pressure, cholesterol before age 55 years impact risk for heart disease Genetically-predicted systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increase the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), independent of age, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in PLOS ONE.
	Ozempic overdose? Poison control experts explain why thousands OD'd in 2023 Some of those taking Ozempic or Wegovy are learning that too much of a good thing is never good.
	Rift over when to use N95s puts health workers at risk again Three years after more than 3,600 health workers died of COVID-19, occupational safety experts warn that those on the front lines may once again be at risk if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention takes its committee's advice on infection control guidelines in health care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and jails.
	Chatbot tech has potential to transform brain injury rehab Using chatbot technology on the recovery journey after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) offers huge potential to keep at-home rehabilitation on track, especially between clinical therapy visits.
	Professor advises against adopting the term 'preaddiction' Labels aren't everything. From something as trivial as a relationship status to something as important as a medical diagnosis, an identification is not the end all to what makes a person.
	Researchers identify a potential target for reversing poor metabolic traits During oxidative stress, excess production of reactive oxygen species causes cell and tissue damage.
	New study shows that wood heaters are responsible for dozens of avoidable deaths in the ACT each year Smoke from wood heaters causes between 11 and 63 deaths per year in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), according to a new study from researchers at The Australian National University (ANU), the HEAL National Research Network and the Center for Safe Air. The research is published in the Medical Journal of Australia.
	Research finds amino acid D-alanine could be key to healthy sleep and blood sugar Only recently was it discovered that amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, exist in two different forms: L- and D-forms. While all natural proteins consist exclusively of L-amino acids, the function of D-amino acids remained poorly understood, despite being present in the food we eat every day.
	Scientists now able to predict response to radium-223 treatment in prostate cancer bone metastases Researchers have found a way to predict which patients are likely to respond to radium-223, a standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to the bones.
	Why IBD is so hard to treat—and how scientists are making progress Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a life altering chronic illness that is rising dramatically globally. It is stubbornly difficult to treat, and many people find the treatments we have just don't work for them.
	Overeating at Christmas can cause weight gain—but that doesn't necessarily mean it's permanent The holidays are a time of indulgence, with most celebrations centered on having festive food and drinks. It's no wonder then that most people expect to gain some weight over Christmas.
	The pandemic limited children's ability to socialize: Here's how to encourage your child's friendships As many parents and teachers know, friendships can be the most important thing in the world to children and young people. And this is for good reason. Friendships are integral to children's healthy development and learning.
	Study shows sex could be a better predictor of sports performance than gender identity Sex may be a more useful explanatory variable than gender identity for predicting the performance of athletes in mass-participation races, a new paper has found.
	Advanced viral diagnostics tool closer to widespread use Most of today's clinical diagnostic tools are designed to detect the presence of a specific and known pathogen. These targeted assays—like the PCR and antigen tests that have become widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic—meet a critical need for diagnostics. Yet targeted diagnostic tests are reactive by design and typically are not available until after an outbreak has begun.
	Improving brain-interfacing electrode arrays with shape-shifting approach Whether subconscious breathing or intentional operations like walking, reaching and grabbing, every action of the human body comes from a signal transmitted through the nervous system of a powerful biological supercomputer called "the brain." However, like any computer, the brain can malfunction and send the wrong signals or none at all, causing various neurological disorders.
	Capsule camera of the future can image intestines in 3D and detect disease Thanks to new technology, a tiny capsule camera can examine your intestines while you get on with your work or walk your dog. Compared with the alternatives, patients experience virtually no discomfort at all.
	Fatigue? Unexplained weight gain and dry skin? Could it be Hashimoto's disease? Maybe you feel worn out. Perhaps you're also having trouble losing weight. Generally, you just don't feel 100%.
	For many who are suffering with prolonged grief, the holidays can be a time to reflect and find meaning in loss The holiday season is meant to be filled with joy, connection and celebration of rituals. Many people, however, are starkly reminded of their grief this time of year and of whom—or what—they have lost.
	A neuroscientist explains how to listen to your hunger during the holidays The holiday season is upon us, and with it, opportunities to indulge in festive treats. The proverbial saying "you eat with your eyes first" seems particularly relevant at this time of year.
	Do kids grow out of ADHD as they get older? Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more often diagnosed in children. That might make you wonder if people grow out it as they reach adulthood.
	City living can pose developmental risks It is expected that by 2030, more than 60% of the world's population will live in urban areas. New research highlights the wide range of urban exposures during early childhood, from air and noise pollution to overcrowding and limited green space, that can influence growth and development.
	Generation X hardest hit as drug deaths rise yet again in England and Wales It's another tragic record. A new report has confirmed yet another rise in drug related deaths in England and Wales. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that 4,907 "drug poisoning" deaths were recorded in 2022 (84.4 deaths per 1,000,000 of the population), the highest on record.
	Menopause: Why psychological therapy is now being recommended for hot flushes There are at least 40 symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause. These symptoms can have a serious affect on a woman's day-to-day life and well-being, which is why having access to timely and effective treatment is so important.
	HIV drugs might help prevent multiple sclerosis, large new study suggests Over the last decade, several case studies have reported that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who started antiretroviral therapy for HIV (to keep the virus in check) subsequently found that their MS symptoms had either disappeared completely or the disease progression had slowed considerably.
	California banned sales of flavored e-cigarettes in 2022, but a new study finds online stores are still selling them Californians—including minors—are still able to buy flavored electronic cigarettes online, even after the state's much-publicized ban went into effect. That's the key finding of my team's new study, published in JAMA Network Open.
	COVID-19 variant JN.1 is on the rise. Here's what you need to know A new COVID-19 variant is now estimated to make up about 20% of COVID-19 cases in the United States.
	Tips for maintaining good oral health when it's easy to be tempted by sweet treats and drinks Whether it's a cup of punch at a New Year's party or a slice of cake at another holiday gathering, sweet treats can be tempting—but they can also have a significant impact on your oral health, according to Tufts experts.
	How exercise benefits people with Down's syndrome Exercise is known to have many benefits when it comes to cognitive function—such as improving memory and concentration skills. Research shows this is true for people in many different age groups, and even in those with conditions which affect their cognitive ability (such as Alzheimer's disease).
	Trauma survivor support reduces return trips to hospital If hospitals consistently and comprehensively support trauma survivors with mental health needs, including after they're discharged, the survivors are less likely to find themselves back in the hospital in crisis, a new study has found.
	Candles, trees, pets: All holiday hazards for kids with asthma Kids are home for the holidays, but the wonders of the season can pose problems for children with asthma.
	No improvement noted in Black-white kidney transplant rate ratios For patients with kidney failure, there appears to be no substantial improvement over time in the observed or adjusted Black-white mean living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) rate ratios (RRs), according to a study published online on Dec. 15 in JAMA Network Open.
	FDA approves first test to spot folks at high risk of opioid use disorder A newly approved test can determine whether a person has a genetically driven risk of becoming addicted to opioids.
	Injected Xolair therapy could prevent food allergies in kids A new treatment appears to reduce food allergies in children and teens, according to interim clinical trial results.
	Allogeneic HCT after primary induction failure beneficial in leukemia For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), immediate allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) after primary induction failure (PIF) offers long-term survival benefit, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in the Blood Cancer Journal.
	Risk for vitiligo increased for transplant recipients Transplant recipients, especially those receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), have an increased risk for vitiligo, according to a brief report published online Dec. 13 in JAMA Dermatology.
	Changing the conversation around love languages and positive relationships Even if you don't know your love language, you've probably heard of the concept. The theory's pervasiveness in pop culture has only increased in the 30-odd years since Baptist pastor Gary Chapman published his book "The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts."
	Study reveals indoor metabolites as key indicators in asthma and allergic rhinitis Millions of children worldwide suffer from asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR), two chronic respiratory conditions that significantly impact their quality of life. While environmental factors are known to play a role, pinpointing the exact culprits has been challenging, particularly due to the vast diversity of the indoor microbiome.
	Artery calcification more common in night owls, shows study Artery calcification is almost twice as common in night owls compared to early birds, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Circadian rhythm appears to be particularly important for the heart and blood vessels during the early stages of the disease.
	Q&A: Behind the approvals—decades of research lead to a new generation of targeted cancer therapies Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the drug capivasertib, in combination with a current cancer treatment called fulvestrant for patients with the most common type of breast cancer, the HR-positive/HER2-negative subtype. Known as an AKT inhibitor, the new drug works by targeting the AKT kinase, which is responsible for the growth and proliferation of certain tumors. The drug has been approved for use in breast cancer patients whose tumor has returned or become worse after treatment with chemotherapy or hormone-based therapies.
	Midlife blood test may predict cognitive decline, Alzheimer's in later life Researchers from the University of Michigan have connected two blood biomarkers to changes in cognitive function in women in midlife, opening a potentially powerful path to noninvasive, earlier detection and interventions for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
	Predicting lymphoma patients' treatment outcomes Cedars-Sinai Cancer investigators have discovered a new way to predict whether a cancer of the immune system will recur in patients treated with a bone marrow transplant. Their study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, is the first to use a novel technique called spatial profiling to predict patient outcomes, and could lead to more precisely targeted treatment.
	How do painful fibroids grow? Insights into how uterine tumors grow could give hope to millions of women who deal with painful fibroids. Nearly 8 in 10 women develop fibroids, noncancerous tumors that develop in the uterus during child-bearing years. They can be extremely painful, cause extensive bleeding and lead to infertility.
	Study links aerobic fitness to fewer hospital admissions People who maintain or increase their aerobic fitness are at less risk of being hospitalized in the future, particularly if they were hospitalized previously. These are the findings of a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg.
	Report says Parkinson's disease diagnoses must include a message of hope As Parkinson's disease diagnoses continue to rise in the U.S., limited patient access to movement disorder specialists means the job of delivering the often-devastating, life-changing news falls on primary care physicians or community neurologists who may not have the necessary expertise for this sensitive task.
	Research offers new insights into how breakdown of omega-6 fatty acids influences metabolism What role do omega-6 fatty acids play in cardiovascular disease and diabetes? Scientists from Mannheim, together with researchers from Heidelberg, Frankfurt, and Hangzhou in China, have investigated the breakdown of omega-6 fatty acids and gained new insights into how their oxidation products influence the metabolism.
	Study explores impact of circadian rhythm on driving fatigue in morning people after lunch A new study in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics has revealed the impact of circadian rhythm on driving fatigue in morning people, "larks," as opposed to "night owls," with a particular focus on the post-prandial lunchtime dip.
	Using mathematics to enhance kidney exchange programs Danny Blom researched advanced models and their impact on the practice of kidney exchange.
	Enjoying light exercise in rhythm can promote the effects of exercise on the brain's prefrontal cortex function Listening to rhythmic music, particularly music with a pronounced groove, elicits a heightened sense of excitement, prompting individuals to move their bodies in sync with the rhythm instinctively. This natural inclination to move in harmony with music is called groove.
	One in four e-scooter users admit riding under the influence E-scooter users may be taking extra risks such as riding while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, new research has found.
	Investigating the impact of auditory beat stimulation on cognition New research conducted by the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas investigates the impact of binaural beat (BB) on language skills. BB is a sound that occurs when two slightly mismatched pure tones are heard. There is a growing interest in using BB as a non-invasive neuromodulation to enhance cognitive performance.
	Palliative care is underused for patients with malignant urinary obstruction, say researchers Less than half of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO)—a serious complication of advanced cancer, with a poor prognosis—receive palliative care (PC) for their condition, reports a paper in the January issue of Urology Practice.
	Study reveals spatial neglect occurs after brain injury as well as stroke A study conducted by Kessler Foundation has reported a notable incidence of spatial neglect among individuals undergoing rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury (TBI). The article, "Spatial neglect not only occurs after stroke, but also after traumatic brain injury," is published in the Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. The authors are Peii Chen, Ph.D., of Kessler Foundation and Kimberly Hreha, EdD, OTR/L, of Duke University.
	Q&A: Is it COVID, flu, or allergies? How to protect yourself and loved ones this season Flu season is here once again. And many questions have formed over the last couple of years about how you can stay safe from both the influenza (flu) and COVID-19 viruses, as well as how to tell if your symptoms may be caused by seasonal allergies or a different virus instead.
	Sweden's women conscripts get free feminine hygiene products At the military barracks in Sweden's southern town of Karlskrona, as in those across the country, every bathroom is equipped with dispensers for tampons and sanitary pads supplied to women conscripts for free.
	Colorado reports first measles case in four years in Denver airport traveler Colorado has its first confirmed case of measles in four years, and unvaccinated people who visited Denver International Airport or the Aurora campus of Children's Hospital Colorado may need to look out for symptoms.
	Access to dental care has benefits beyond Canadians' mouths Oral diseases, particularly dental decay and periodontal (gum) diseases, are largely preventable, yet are some of the most common non-communicable diseases around the world. Pain due to untreated dental decay impacts eating and sleep quality, among other essential functions. Indeed, the agonizing nature of dental pain earned it the title of "the hell of all diseases" more than 200 years ago.
	Is it okay if my child eats a lot of fruit but no vegetables? Does it seem like most vegetables you serve your children end up left on the plate, or worse, strewn across the floor? But mention dessert, and your fruit skewers are polished off in an instant.
	New tools for tackling social inequality in health and well-being Currently, the most deprived fifth of people in England experience 11.9 fewer years of healthy life than the least deprived fifth: a total gap between the groups of 135 million years.
	Grassroots groups help Medicaid recipients regain lost coverage Eight months after states started dropping millions of low-income families from Medicaid rolls, grassroots groups say they are leading the push to re-enroll people denied coverage for bureaucratic reasons.
	Holidays can be tough on kids with ADHD, anxiety: Some tips for parents Kids with emotional problems or ADHD can find the holidays a very challenging time, as all the routines that provide a sense of order are jumbled in a whirl of activities.
	Is a gluten-free diet right for you? Chances are you know at least one person who's given up eating gluten. Maybe you've even given it up yourself. But who can really benefit from a gluten-free diet?
	Urology treatment studies show increased reporting of harmful effects In recent years, clinical trial reports in major urology journals have been more likely to include data on harmful effects of treatments, reports a study in the January issue of The Journal of Urology.
	Exercise prescription: Pioneering the 'third pole' for clinical health management Professor Chen Shiyi's team at Huashan Hospital of Fudan University has commented on the concept, policy, development and prospect of exercise prescription in the context of "Health for All."
	I have COVID. How likely am I to get long COVID? EG.5 or the Eris COVID variant is dominant in parts of Australia. Eris, along with other circulating strains, are descendants of omicron.

Other Sciences news

	Scientists reveal foodcrust archaeology through molecule excavation A lipid and proteomic study of ancient carbonized material (foodcrust) on pottery from the Taihu Lake region of eastern China has revealed the presence of rice, seafood consumption, various pottery functions, as well as the southward spread and planting of millet during the 4th millennium BCE.
	Early Neolithic high mountain settlers were already carrying out complex livestock and farming activities, finds study An archaeological find in the Huescan Pyrenees allowed researchers to identify for the first time livestock management strategies and feeding practices that demonstrate how the first high mountain societies at the start of the Neolithic period were already carrying out complex livestock and farming activities, instead of being limited to the transhumance of sheep and goats.
	Following a star: Study explores the remarkable ways traditional cultures use their environment to navigate A study has shed new light on remarkable feats of navigation from cultures across the world: from sailors in the Marshall Islands using wave patterns to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean to indigenous communities in Alaska using stars to find their way across the Yukon.
	People love to vote in a new democracy—and then they rapidly lose interest Poland's recent election has been hailed as a great triumph of democracy in a global environment of democratic backsliding. It brought to power a coalition of pro-democratic forces led by Donald Tusk, the former president of the European Council.
	Men and women who hold sexist views are less responsive as parents, research finds Do your attitudes about women and men influence how you parent your children?
	Researcher: If e-scooter riders are breaking the law, it's mostly because they don't know what it says Paris has become the first European capital to outlaw rental e-scooters. Deputy mayor David Belliard has said the ban, which came into effect on September 1, 2023, is about opting for peace on the city's streets: "We're choosing to simplify and declutter the public space."
	Digitized images illuminate US colonial period in the Philippines A scientific explorer for the United States Department of Agriculture, Gerow D. Brill (Cornell University Class of 1888) traveled to the Philippines in 1899 and photographed placid scenes of rice fields, coconut groves, sugar mills, duck farms, and thatch-roofed villages. But his idyllic images also illuminate the tumultuous U.S. annexation of the archipelago in the aftermath of the Philippine-American War, according to Claire Cororaton, a Ph.D. student in history at Cornell.
	New report outlines gaps in preparing young people to respond to tech-facilitated sexual harm Schools and teachers play a critical role in equipping students with the skills to understand, respond to, and prevent sexual violence in safe and healthy ways. As the lines between the digital and physical world continue to blur, young people are reporting that these harms are increasingly being perpetrated online through actions like the sending of unwanted sexually explicit messages, cyber flashing, cyberstalking, or sharing intimate images without consent.
	What are the origins of Santa Claus? We're all familiar with the jolly, white-haired and bearded overweight man who sneaks down chimneys on Christmas Eve delivering presents to children. But where did this come from?
	Teaching prisoners to start businesses can help them return to society When people are released from prison back into society, they can find themselves in an unknown world for which they are ill-equipped. They need stability and security to get their lives back on track—yet they often have nowhere to go. They also tend to lack basic literacy and numeracy, which makes it unlikely they will find work.
	Experts urge global action on child sex offenses The global nature of child sexual exploitation and abuse demands it be treated as an international public health emergency, a landmark report suggests.
	Researchers: India's new manual for water supply will replicate past failures Water utilities in India supply residents with water for an average of only four hours per day. Within cities, some neighborhoods receive water almost all the time, while some receive less than half an hour per week.
	There's a call for a new 'behavior curriculum' in Australian schools. Is that a good idea? Earlier this month, a Senate inquiry recommended Australian students get specific lessons in how to behave.

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