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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 19, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Novel snake-like robot 3D prints its own body to grow longer

Scientists compute with light inside hair-thin optical fiber

Research into the nature of memory reveals how cells that store information are stabilized over time

Generative AI helps to explain human memory and imagination

A window into plant evolution: The unusual genetic journey of lycophytes

A nature-based solution to restore and adapt western US dry forests to climate change

Evolution of the human immune system in the post-omicron era

The secret life of CD4+ T cells: From helpers to melanoma fighters

Mars Express finds evidence of large water deposit at the Medusae Fossae Formation

Scientists discover first therapeutic target for preserving heart function in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Researchers create instruction manual to detect rare cells that could unlock secrets to allergies

One in three children who contract bacterial meningitis live with permanent disability: Study

DeepMind's AI system AlphaGeometry able to solve complex geometry problems at a high level

A means for tuning friction on a flat surface without the use of math

Clutch-stack-driven molecular gears in crystals could propel material innovation

Nanotechnology news

	Black phosphorus propels spintronics with exceptional anisotropic spin transport With modern electronic devices approaching the limits of Moore's law and the ongoing challenge of power dissipation in integrated circuit design, there is a need to explore alternative technologies beyond traditional electronics. Spintronics represents one such approach that could solve these issues and offer the potential for realizing lower-power devices.
	New study reports first known use of positron emission particle tracking in a living animal subject Researchers from the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences have published a new study exploring the use of positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) in a living subject for the first time.
	Scientists unlock secrets of aromatic molecules' interaction with gold A research team led by Prof. Yang Liangbao from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has observed the interactions between aromatic molecules and Au surfaces on a single Au nanodimer by Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS).
	Quantum physicist uses graphene ribbons to build nanoscale power plants When Mickael Perrin started out on his scientific career 12 years ago, he had no way of knowing he was conducting research in an area that would be attracting wide public interest only a few years later: Quantum electronics. "At the time, physicists were just starting to talk about the potential of quantum technologies and quantum computers," he recalls.

Physics news

	Scientists compute with light inside hair-thin optical fiber Scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, have found a powerful new way to program optical circuits that are critical to the delivery of future technologies such as unhackable communications networks and ultrafast quantum computers.
	A means for tuning friction on a flat surface without the use of math A team of microsystems engineers at Université de Lyon, École Centrale de Lyon has developed a method to create a desired amount of friction between two flat surfaces without resorting to math. Their project is reported in the journal Science. Viacheslav Slesarenko and Lars Pastewka, both with the University of Freiburg, have published a Perspective piece in the same journal issue, outlining the work done by the team in France.
	New carbon-based tunable metasurface absorber paves the way for advanced terahertz technology Working in the terahertz (THz) range offers unique opportunities in various applications, including biomedical imaging, telecommunications, and advanced sensing systems. However, because of the unique properties of electromagnetic waves in the 0.1 to 10 THz range, it has proven difficult to develop high-performance components that showcase the true potential of THz technology. Even the design of basic and essential elements like filters and absorbers remains a substantial challenge.
	Investigating the role of 'random walks' in particle diffusion Several recent experiments identify unusual patterns in particle diffusion, hinting at some underlying complexity in the process which physicists have yet to discover. Through new analysis published in The European Physical Journal B, Adrian Pacheco-Pozo and Igor Sokolov at Humboldt University of Berlin show how this behavior emerges through strong correlations between the positions of diffusing particles traveling along similar trajectories.
	Study shows how adding impurities to thermoelectric materials impacts their mechanical properties According to scientists, waste heat, which enters the environment and remains unused, accounts for more than 70% of global energy consumption losses. With the help of thermoelectric materials—special semiconductors—the dissipated heat can be converted into electricity. Thermoelectric materials can also be used to design cooling devices, which reduce energy consumption in domestic and industrial applications.
	Could quantum physics be the key that unlocks the secrets of human behavior? Human behavior is an enigma that fascinates many scientists. And there has been much discussion over the role of probability in explaining how our minds work.

Earth news

	Climate change and atmospheric dynamics unveil future weather extremes From late June to mid-July of 2021, the Pacific Northwest was scorched under an unprecedented heat dome, shattering temperature records and igniting a wave of concern over climate extremes. As cities like Portland and Seattle, known for their mild summers, grappled with triple-digit heat, scientists delved into the whys and hows of this meteorological anomaly.
	Study says ice age could help predict oceans' response to global warming A team of scientists led by a Tulane University oceanographer has found that deposits deep under the ocean floor reveal a way to measure the ocean oxygen level and its connections with carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere during the last ice age, which ended more than 11,000 years ago.
	Modeling study finds alpine glaciers will lose at least a third of their volume by 2050 Even if global warming were to stop completely, the volume of ice in the European Alps would fall by 34% by 2050. If the trend observed over the last 20 years continues at the same rate, however, almost half the volume of ice will be lost as has been demonstrated by scientists from the University of Lausanne (UNIL, Switzerland) in a new international study.
	New research sheds light on how non-spherical atmospheric particles behave The atmosphere contains many tiny solid particles. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS) and the University of Göttingen, in collaboration with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, now studied how such non-spherical particles settle in the air.
	Why are floods in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal so devastating? Urban planning expert explains The devastation caused by the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa demonstrates again that the country is not moving fast enough to adopt appropriate urban planning. It should be integrating risk assessment and management in the design and development of cities. This is becoming more urgent as the frequency of floods increases.
	Study shows moss could have starring role in pollution monitoring A unique experiment that began in Aberdeen during the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how the humble moss could be used by citizen scientists to monitor air pollution levels in urban environments worldwide.
	Expected CO₂ levels in 2024 threaten 1.5°C warming limit Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere this year will exceed key trajectories for limiting warming to 1.5°C, Britain's Met Office predicted Friday, with researchers reaffirming that that only "drastic" emissions cuts can keep the target in sight.
	Jinglinxi, China: Ditches and ponds could be used in upland catchments to balance drainage and intercept pollutants Globally, non-point source pollution is an important source of water quality deterioration in rivers and lakes. A ditch-pond system, consisting of ditches and ponds, is considered to be similar to free-surface wetlands, linking pollution sources to the receiving water bodies.
	New risk modeling can help Aotearoa's pāua industry adapt to climate change The pāua industry is facing a range of challenges, as business and finance grapple with how to support the ecological role of this taonga species in our marine environment and protect one of our most valuable export commodities.
	Q&A: Veganuary—the environmental benefits of a low and no meat diet Dr. Mike Clark, Director of the Food Program at the Oxford Smith School, discusses the environmental impacts of eating meat, the key research questions we still need to answer, and what individuals can do today.

Astronomy and Space news

	Mars Express finds evidence of large water deposit at the Medusae Fossae Formation Windswept piles of dust, or layers of ice? ESA's Mars Express has revisited one of Mars's most mysterious features to clarify its composition. Its findings suggest layers of water ice stretching several kilometers below ground—the most water ever found in this part of the planet.
	Q&A: Small solar sails could be the next 'giant leap' for interplanetary space exploration Nearly 70 years after the launch of the first satellite, we still have more questions than answers about space. But a team of Berkeley researchers is on a mission to change this with a proposal to build a fleet of low-cost, autonomous spacecraft, each weighing only 10 grams and propelled by nothing more than the pressure of solar radiation. These miniaturized solar sails could potentially visit thousands of near-Earth asteroids and comets, capturing high-resolution images and collecting samples.
	Laser instrument on NASA's LRO successfully pings Indian moon lander For the first time at the moon, a laser beam was transmitted and reflected between an orbiting NASA spacecraft and an Oreo-sized device on ISRO's (Indian Space Research Organization) Vikram lander on the lunar surface. The successful experiment opens the door to a new style of precisely locating targets on the moon's surface.
	Japan space agency says its lunar spacecraft is on the moon but is still 'checking its status' Japan's space agency said early Saturday that its spacecraft is on the moon, but is still "checking its status." More details will be given at a news conference, officials said.
	US spaceship lost over S. Pacific following failed Moon mission A crippled American spaceship has been lost over a remote region of the South Pacific, probably burning up in the atmosphere in a fiery end to its failed mission to land on the Moon.
	Japan's first moon lander is aiming for a very small target As Japan's space agency prepares for its first moon landing early Saturday, it's aiming to hit a very small target.
	Monitoring microorganisms on the International Space Station Crew members on the International Space Station have a lot of company—millions of bacteria and other microbes. The human body contains 10 times more microbes than human cells, and bacteria and fungi grow in and on just about everything around us on Earth.
	NASA continues Artemis moon rocket engine tests with first hot fire of 2024 NASA continued a critical test series for future flights of NASA's SLS (Space Launch System) rocket in support of the Artemis campaign on Jan. 17 with a full-duration hot fire of the RS-25 engine on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
	Scientists propose a biocatalytic reactor for detoxifying water on Mars Mars is the next frontier of human space exploration, with NASA, China, and SpaceX all planning to send crewed missions there in the coming decades. In each case, the plans consist of establishing habitats on the surface that will enable return missions, cutting-edge research, and maybe even permanent settlements someday. While the idea of putting boots on Martian soil is exciting, a slew of challenges need to be addressed well in advance. Not the least of which is the need to locate sources of water, which consist largely of subsurface deposits of water ice.
	Image: Hubble views a galactic supernova site This image features a relatively small galaxy known as UGC 5189A, which is located about 150 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. This galaxy was observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to study a supernova explosion in 2010 known as SN 2010jl. This particular supernova is notable because it was an exceptionally luminous supernova event. In fact, over a period of three years, SN 2010jl released at least 2.5 billion times more visible energy than our sun emitted over the same timeframe across all wavelengths.

Technology news

	Novel snake-like robot 3D prints its own body to grow longer A trio of soft robotics researchers at Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, in Italy, working with a colleague from the University of Montpellier, in France, has developed a unique type of robot that 3D prints its own body as a means to grow longer. In their paper published in the journal Science Robotics, the group describes how they created their robot and the possible uses for it.
	DeepMind's AI system AlphaGeometry able to solve complex geometry problems at a high level A team of AI researchers at Google's DeepMind, working with a colleague from New York University, has developed an AI system called AlphaGeometry that has demonstrated an ability to solve complex geometry problems at a high level.
	Enhancing resilience of urban public transport systems through greater network interconnectedness Cities are fortifying the resilience of their urban infrastructure networks to tackle potential unforeseen disruptions, particularly due to extreme weather resulting from climate change. Recently, researchers from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) used the Hong Kong public transport system as a case study to reveal the crucial role of interconnections between different transportation modes in bolstering system resilience against adverse disruptions.
	Beyond algorithms: Sandra Rodriguez hacks AI tools for art Canadian artist and academic Sandra Rodriguez, by hacking artificial intelligence, hopes to demystify the novel technology topping the news of late, while showcasing its power and potential to brighten but also disrupt our lives.
	A wearable robot that makes climbing mountains easier As people age, they gradually lose muscle strength in their arms and legs, making it difficult for them to participate in leisure activities such as hiking and traveling, and they often need to rely on assistive devices such as canes and wheelchairs for mobility. However, these devices do not improve muscle strength, so wearable robots that can compensate for the lack of muscle strength are attracting attention as an innovative technology to improve the health and quality of life of the elderly.
	How AI threatens free speech, and what must be done about it Headlines about the threats of artificial intelligence (AI) tend to be full of killer robots, or fears that when they're not on killing sprees, these same robots will be hoovering up human jobs. But a serious danger which gets surprisingly little media attention is the impact these new technologies are likely to have on freedom of expression. And, in particular, how they're able to undermine some of the most foundational legal tenets that protect free speech.
	Scientists fabricate high-temperature-resistant separators for lithium-ion batteries Scientists have fabricated high-temperature-resistant polyethylene terephthalate (PET) separators for lithium-ion batteries. The study, by researchers from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, was published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
	Reducing aircraft noise: One decibel at a time In mid-December 2023, a demonstration in Ireland revealed the strength of public concerns about noise caused by commercial airplanes. Protesters gathered outside the county offices where the Dublin Airport Authority was discussing a planned expansion.
	Experts help cities navigate the rise of autonomous vehicles University of Oregon experts are bringing much-needed help to U.S. cities grappling with the testing or rollout of autonomous vehicles on their roads.
	AI-driven method to automate the discovery of brand related features in product design When it comes to product design, brand consistency is one key to success across product lines, managing brands' essence and positively relating to profit. Companies who rely on the release of a next generation model each year are challenged to design a product that stands out from what's already on shelves but still embodies the brand.
	Decoupled style structure in Fourier domain method improves raw to sRGB mapping A team of researchers led by Professor Xie Chengjun and Associate Professor Zhang Jie at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), unveiled Fourier-ISP, a novel deep-learning based framework for RAW-to-sRGB image conversion.
	Researchers demonstrate scalability of graph neural networks on world's most powerful computing systems Solving today's most complex scientific challenges often means tracing links between hundreds, thousands or even millions of variables. The larger the scientific dataset, the more complex these connections become.
	Oxygen vacancies boost performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries, study finds According to research published in Small, a team led by Prof. Hu Linhua from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) found that the electrochemical properties of NH4V4O10 can be successfully enhanced by introducing oxygen vacancies.
	Researchers develop 70kW-level high power density vanadium flow battery stack Recently, a research team led by Prof. Li Xianfeng from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) developed a 70 kW-level high-power density vanadium flow battery stack. Compared with the current 30kW-level stack, this stack has a volume power density of 130kW/m3, and the cost is reduced by 40%.
	Tens of thousands sign up for French electric car leasing scheme The French government has been flooded with applications from low-income households to lease a subsidized electric car from 100 euros ($109) a month, Environment Minister Christophe Bechu said on Friday.
	Ford cuts production of F-150 Lightning pickup on weaker-than-expected electric vehicle sales growth Ford is cutting production of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup after weaker-than-expected electric vehicle sales growth.
	In Davos, AI excitement persists but fears over managing risks Walking around in Davos where the global elites gathered for the World Economic Forum this week, there were two inescapable words on the windows: artificial intelligence.
	Apple ready to open iPhone tap-to-pay to rivals—in the EU Apple is prepared to open the iPhone's ability to tap-to-pay to rivals—in the EU—after coming under fire for keeping users in its own ecosystem, the European Commission and the company said on Friday.
	Framework for transportation agencies to improve ramp control strategies New research published in the Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems titled "Data-driven transfer learning framework for estimating on-ramp and off-ramp traffic flows" introduces a data-driven framework using transfer learning to estimate freeway ramp flows accurately from mainline loop detector data.

Chemistry news

	Clutch-stack-driven molecular gears in crystals could propel material innovation Gears are an essential component of everyday machines. The ability to shift gears, like in a car, allows for control of the degree or direction of motion generated, making machines more versatile.
	New technique provides insight into how proteins involved in cellular processes communicate via extracellular vesicles One way that cells communicate with one another is through the secretion and uptake of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs convey a multitude of cargoes, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Their uptake affects the function of recipient cells by influencing signaling processes and gene expression.
	New superconducting material discovered in transition-metal dichalcogenides materials With the support of electrical transport and magnetic measurement systems of Steady High Magnetic Field Facility (SHMFF), a research team from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), discovered a new superconducting material called (InSe2)xNbSe2, which possesses a unique lattice structure. The superconducting transition temperature of this material reaches 11.6 K, making it the transition metal sulfide superconductor with the highest transition temperature under ambient pressure.
	Creating a new, sustainable plastic using physics For the past three years, Ph.D. candidate Sophie van Lange has been dedicated to one clear goal: producing plastic that is both hard and sustainable. The plastics we use today are either recyclable or strong and hard—not both. Van Lange stepped away from traditional chemical approaches to produce plastic and developed a completely new method to create durable and reusable plastic in a completely new way. The trick? Physical forces.
	AI-driven platform discovers PHD inhibitor for anemia treatment A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry reports the discovery of a novel PHD inhibitor for the treatment of anemia.
	Using generative AI to identify potent and selective MYT1 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer Recent research has identified MYT1 as a promising new therapeutic target for breast and gynecological cancer and discovered a series of novel, potent, and highly selective inhibitors specifically targeting MYT1.
	Novel strategy for ultrahigh density copper single atom enzymes developed for tumor therapies A research group led by Prof. Wang Hui and Prof. Zhang Xin from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences introduced a new strategy to prepare ultrahigh density copper single-atom enzymes for tumor self-cascade catalytic therapy.

Biology news

	A window into plant evolution: The unusual genetic journey of lycophytes An international team of researchers has uncovered a remarkable genetic phenomenon in lycophytes, which are similar to ferns and among the oldest land plants. Their study, recently published in the journal PNAS, reveals that these plants have maintained a consistent genetic structure for over 350 million years, a significant deviation from the norm in plant genetics.
	A nature-based solution to restore and adapt western US dry forests to climate change Nature effectively "managed" forests through millennia of major climate changes and episodes of natural disturbances (e.g., wildfires, droughts, bark-beetle outbreaks), so why would nature not now be best able to restore and adapt forests to climate change?
	Researchers discover rare phages that attack dormant bacteria In nature, most bacteria live on the bare minimum. If they experience nutrient deficiency or stress, they shut down their metabolism in a controlled manner and go into a resting state. In this stand-by mode, certain metabolic processes still take place that enable the microbes to perceive their environment and react to stimuli, but growth and division are suspended.
	Exploding kamikaze bacteria: How a few 'soldier' cells confer virulence to a population by sacrificing themselves You suddenly feel sick—pathogenic bacteria have managed to colonize and spread in your body. The weapons they use for their invasion are harmful toxins that target the host's defense mechanisms and vital cell functions. Before these deadly toxins can attack host cells, bacteria must first export them from their production site—the cytoplasm—using dedicated secretion systems.
	Embracing idiosyncrasies over optimization: The path to innovation in biotechnological design Scientists working on biological design should focus on the idiosyncrasies of biological systems over optimization, according to new research.
	Energy supply in human cells is subject to quality control, researchers discover Researchers at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) have discovered a new quality control mechanism that regulates energy production in human cells. This process takes place in mitochondria, the power plants of the cell.
	Vines strangle forests in warm temperatures, threaten planet's cooling 'carbon sink' As Earth records its hottest year ever, a global research collaboration has found warmer temperatures are a key driver in woody vines taking over the world's forests—threatening their vital role in helping cool the atmosphere by storing carbon.
	Constructing a deep generative approach for functional RNA design A collaborative research effort by Professor Hirohide Saito in the Department of Life Science Frontiers, CiRA, Kyoto University, and Professor Michiaki Hamada of Waseda University has developed the world's first deep generative model for RNA design. Their paper is published in the journal Nature Methods.
	Bacterial immune system boosts antibiotic effectiveness against cholera, study reveals Bacteria have an immune system that protects them against viruses known as bacteriophages. A research team from the Universities of Tübingen and Würzburg has now shown how this immune system enhances the effect of specific antibiotics against the cholera pathogen Vibrio cholerae.
	Molecular switch found to play central role in bacterial dysentery Bacteria of the genus Shigella, closely related to the well-known Escherichia coli, are the second most common cause of fatal bacterial diarrheal diseases, with over 200,000 victims worldwide every year. There are repeated outbreaks of strains that are resistant to common antibiotics.
	New approach to single-cell RNA structure sequencing unveils biomarkers for human development and disease Researchers from A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) have found an innovative approach to sequencing single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) to study the roles of RNA structure in individual cells. As RNA shapes in individual cells can vary and drive different functions, studying the collective RNA shapes in many cells may overlook the individual variability in both RNA structure and function.
	Global food production at risk as rising temperatures threaten farmers' physical ability to work, new study finds The future of global food production is under threat as temperature rises will impact farmers' physical capacity to work, a new study has revealed.
	Machine learning models teach each other to identify molecular properties Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new method to improve the effectiveness of machine learning models. By pairing two machine learning models, one to gather data and one to analyze it, researchers can circumvent limitations of the technology without sacrificing accuracy.
	Israeli company gets green light to make world's first cultivated beef steaks An Israeli company has received a preliminary green light from health officials to sell the world's first steaks made from cultivated beef cells, not the entire animal, officials said. The move follows approval of lab-grown chicken in the U.S. last year.
	How winter storms stress San Luis Obispo County elephant seals in the midst of birthing season The late December morning rain left droplets on Christine Heinrichs' glasses as she stood among a throng of tourists and watched dozens of elephant seals tussle and sleep on a beach just south of the Piedras Blancas Light Station.
	Sustainable practices could save Mexico's blue agave, tequila and bats Many associate tequila with lime wedges, salt and parties. But the popular drink also has a negative impact on biodiversity, both on the blue agave from which it is made and, perhaps more unexpectedly, on bats. Both are threatened by one-sided cultivation.
	Cash-strapped conservationists in South Africa are struggling to collect biodiversity data. How to change that South Africa's government conservation organizations have experienced substantial budget cuts. Even after steps to cut costs, South African National Parks reported a big shortfall (R223 million or about US$11.92 million) for 2021/22. So did the provincial body KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife (R89 million; about US$4.77 million).
	Study finds chemodiversity of soil-dissolved organic matter altered by microplastics Soil is the largest reservoir of microplastic (MP), with the corresponding content being 4 to 23 times that in oceans. Plastics are widely used in production and daily life due to their low cost, good ductility and durability. However, approximately 80% of plastics ultimately accumulate in soil, rivers, and marine environments.
	Colony spawning and enhanced brood protection in invasive bluegill found to facilitate their spread Bluegill, recognized as aggressive invaders causing significant harm to native species, have been introduced to aquatic systems worldwide, including Japan. Their unique colony spawning involves males constructing nests in close proximity to one another, with each male guarding its own nest. However, these behaviors remain understudied in invaded habitats.
	Humans can get their pets sick: Reverse zoonoses more common than once thought For as long as humans have been domesticating animals, there have been zoonoses, also known as infectious diseases that jump from animals to humans. Recent public health stories about COVID-19, avian flu and swine flu have thrust zoonoses back into the spotlight, sparking conversations about how animals like pets, rodents, birds or livestock might make humans sick.
	Novel methodology projects growth of native trees, enhancing return on investment in forest restoration Interest in forest restoration has increased in recent years, both on the part of companies and financial markets and in academia and government. This is particularly the case in Brazil, whose government has pledged since the 2015 Paris Agreement to restore 12 million hectares of native forest. However, tree planting is costly, while data on species growth and other aspects of reforestation is scant.
	Salt, microbes, acid and heat in food preservation In an era of grocery stores and home refrigerators, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that, for most of history, people have been bound by the seasonality of food. This reality has long presented humanity with a conundrum: how to keep eating after the harvest is over?
	Dutch farmers struggle through extreme weather The sub-zero temperatures have a detrimental effect on crops that were prevented from being harvested due to the extreme precipitation in recent months. Potatoes still in the fields in January are to be considered lost. Wijnand Sukkel of Wageningen University & Research says, "Farmers deal with increasingly extreme weather. WUR seeks solutions in lighter farming machinery and breeding varieties that are more resilient against extreme weather."

Medicine and Health news

	Research into the nature of memory reveals how cells that store information are stabilized over time Think of a time when you had two different but similar experiences in a short period. Maybe you attended two holiday parties in the same week or gave two presentations at work. Shortly afterward, you may find yourself confusing the two, but as time goes on that confusion recedes and you are better able to differentiate between these different experiences.
	Generative AI helps to explain human memory and imagination Recent advances in generative AI help to explain how memories enable us to learn about the world, relive old experiences and construct totally new experiences for imagination and planning, according to a new study by UCL researchers.
	Evolution of the human immune system in the post-omicron era It has been four years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 has yet to be eradicated and new variants are continuously emerging. Despite the extensive immunization programs, breakthrough infections (infection after vaccination) by new variants are common.
	The secret life of CD4+ T cells: From helpers to melanoma fighters A study led by the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) has found that CD4+ T cells, traditionally called 'helper T cells' for their role in aiding the activation of other immune cells, are remarkably effective in controlling melanoma.
	Scientists discover first therapeutic target for preserving heart function in patients with pulmonary hypertension A research team has discovered a possible therapeutic target for pulmonary hypertension. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, identifies the first therapeutic target that can be modulated to preserve cardiac function in pulmonary hypertension, providing hope in the fight against this rare but fatal disease for which there is currently no cure.
	Researchers create instruction manual to detect rare cells that could unlock secrets to allergies Researchers with McMaster University have created an instruction manual that will help scientists across the globe find hard to detect B cells.
	One in three children who contract bacterial meningitis live with permanent disability: Study One in three children who suffer from bacterial meningitis live with permanent neurological disabilities due to the infection. This is according to a new epidemiological study led by Karolinska Institutet and published in JAMA Network Open.
	New 3D spatial approach reveals interactive view of glioblastoma and therapeutic targets A multidisciplinary team of investigators has developed a first-of-its-kind interactive 3D spatial approach that reveals new therapeutic targets and provides users with a comprehensive three-dimensional view of glioblastoma tumors, detailed in a recent study published in Cell.
	How 'late-rising' T cells combat a stubborn virus Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a pathogen that likes to lurk. Most adults already carry CMV, and they show no symptoms at all. The trouble comes when the virus infects a pregnant person for the first time and passes through the placenta. Babies born with congenital CMV can develop deafness and life-long health problems.
	Clarifying the cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome Patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) face a rare and heterogeneous disorder of the peripheral nervous system that is often triggered by preceding infections and causes severe muscle weakness. In Europe and the U.S., around one to two cases per 100,000 people occur every year.
	Analyzing tissue-agnostic therapies for the treatment of primary brain tumors Researchers from Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, have published a study in Trends in Cancer that analyzes the use of tissue-agnostic therapeutics in patients with primary brain tumors (PBTs). The article describes the current and potential impact of tissue-agnostic therapies on the management of PBTs.
	New medicine can create a new life for diabetes patients—without needles There are approximately 425 million people worldwide with diabetes. Approximately 75 million of these inject themselves with insulin daily. Now, they may soon have a new alternative to syringes or insulin pumps. Scientists have found a new way to supply the body with smart insulin.
	3D bioprinting sheds light on why blood vessel curvature may foster brain cancer metastasis Recent research suggests that the winding paths of blood vessels might trigger the development of metastatic cancers, a topic gaining considerable attention in academia. A collaborative team utilized 3D bioprinting technology to reproduce intricate brain blood vessel structures in the laboratory.
	Who is most efficient in health care? Study finds, surprisingly, it's the VA Private-sector hospitals, clinics, and insurers are bloated, bureaucratic nightmares compared to efficiently run Veterans Health Administration facilities that put care over profits, a new study reveals.
	When are opioid prescription limits effective in reducing prescription duration? Many states have passed new laws that place restrictions on the duration of first-time opioid prescriptions to help address the opioid epidemic.
	Vascular changes persist after multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, research finds Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) may be associated with an increased risk for future cardiovascular complications due to significant persistent vascular alterations, according to a research letter published online Jan. 16 in JAMA Pediatrics.
	Study shows risk for cancer increases for relatives of patients with leukemia Relatives of patients with myelodysplastic neoplasia (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have an increased risk for cancer, according to a study published in the February issue of Cancer Epidemiology.
	New Jersey bill would legalize 'magic mushrooms' for medical, recreational use New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it the third state to legalize "magic mushrooms."
	Sniffing out relief for loss of smell and taste following COVID-19 infection John T. reads this column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and writes about his experience with COVID-19: "I had minimal symptoms with the exception of my loss of taste and smell. I am a little concerned as it is approaching eight weeks since I have been negative for COVID and I have never recovered from my loss of taste and smell. Will this just pass in time or should I be concerned? Any ideas, suggestions would be much appreciated. I have an appointment with an ENT doctor in mid-February regarding this."
	A California panel is holding up studies on psychedelics: Some researchers want it gone At the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, scientists are eager to explore whether a psychedelic chemical found in a toad could help people whose depression has not eased with typical treatments. Patients regularly call or send emails about joining clinical trials to test that and other compounds, but the research center is turning them away.
	Walk like a penguin: Tips on keeping your balance in winter When winter storms hit, good balance can prevent falls and injuries—ranging from broken arms, legs or hips to back injuries and concussions.
	New links revealed between late-onset Alzheimer's disease and the immune system Researchers have revealed new links between Alzheimer's disease and the blood-brain barrier, finding connections between variants of a gene called EphA1 and the disease.
	Molecular jackhammers drill pathway to killing cancer cells   Just as jackhammers can penetrate concrete, molecular jackhammers (MJH) are nanoscopic machines capable of creating blows so strong that they can crack or rupture the cell membrane, decompensating and killing the cell. The MJHs are turned on by near-infrared (NIR) light that stimulates synchronized delocalized vibrations throughout the cell—a mechanical action that can be exploited to rapidly kill cancer cells.
	Body image issues are rising in men: Research suggests techniques to improve it Body image issues are sometimes thought to mainly affect women. But some surveys estimate around 28% of men aged 18 and over regularly struggle with their body image.
	Evaluating research on causal factors of human aging and identifying gaps in knowledge Factors causing aging, rather than being a consequence of getting older, are a topic of major debate among scientists. Now, new research begins to consider how we determine what's behind the wheel of human aging.
	E-scooter injuries rack up big medical bills Electric scooters might seem a fun way to zip about, but they're also a pricey hazard to riders' health, a new study argues.
	Emotional problems in young people were rising rapidly even before the pandemic, says researchers It wasn't just the virus that spread during the pandemic—anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns saw a worrying rise as well. But new research from my colleagues and I confirms there had already been a substantial increase in emotional problems among young people even before COVID-19.
	Glycemic control and predicting diabetes complications in older adults Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level plays an important role in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment, serving as an important indicator of an individual's glucose control. The Endocrine Society has outlined specific HbA1c target ranges for older adults (above 65 years of age), based on their individual health status as being either in good, intermediate, or poor health.
	Understanding the impact of a dementia board game Specialist dementia researchers from the University of Liverpool have seen positive initial findings when analyzing the outcomes of a board game that shines a light on dementia inequalities. Their paper, "Co-producing a boardgame to learn and engage about dementia inequalities: First impacts on knowledge in the general population," was published in Health Expectations.
	All that sitting at work is shortening your life Your office chair could be a killer.
	Tardive dyskinesia impact scale captures relevant info about condition The Tardive Dyskinesia Impact Scale (TDIS) patient-reported outcome measure captures information about the impact of TD, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in the Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes.
	Higher use of any prescription medications seen years before IBD diagnosis Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) universally show increased prescription medication use years before diagnosis, according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
	Charcuterie meat recall expands as salmonella cases double Cases of salmonella linked to recalled charcuterie meats have doubled in just over two weeks, triggering an expansion of the recall, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday.
	New calculation offers simple and reliable early prediction of diabetes Diabetes often remains undetected until it has already damaged organs or nerves. This is partly due to the fact that diagnosis at an early stage is time-consuming and difficult.
	CT-based radiomics deep learning to predict lymph node metastasis in tumors Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed an imaging model to predict preoperative lymph node metastasis in nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors by combining radiomics (data analysis based on radiological images) and deep learning; this model has been developed as a new method for noninvasively determining preoperative lymph node metastasis. This new model enables more accurate diagnosis and selection of treatment strategies.
	How social media affects your teen's mental health: A parent's guide Mental health issues among teens have been rising for more than a decade, and some experts wonder how much social media use is to blame. If you're a parent questioning if—and how—you should monitor the way your teenager uses social media, you're not alone.
	Treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes by eliminating protein aggregation in brain, pancreas Purdue University researchers have taken the first steps to treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Type 2 diabetes by creating multiple patent-pending compounds shown to inhibit protein aggregation associated with those diseases.
	Video: What does it mean to have an enlarged prostate? An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition often associated with the natural aging process in men. Dr. Scott Cheney, a Mayo Clinic urologist, says it's a condition where the prostate enlarges over time and restricts the flow of urine.
	AI helping bring vital stroke care 'virtually to the patient's bedside' Justin Fraser, M.D., and his University of Kentucky colleagues have a phrase they frequently use to convey the urgency of their care: "Time is brain."
	Infantile spasms: Speeding referrals for all infants Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS), often called infantile spasms, is the most common form of epilepsy seen during infancy. Prompt diagnosis and referral to a neurologist are essential.
	Research highlights the importance of involving both parents in breastfeeding The most important support person for women to succeed in their ambition to breastfeed is the new mother's partner. The partner also needs to be included through more support from health care professionals.
	Study: Rectal examination has no advantage over PSA blood test for prostate cancer screening A study by the Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna of MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital has taken a closer look at the effectiveness of common examination methods for the early detection of prostate cancer. It was found that rectal examination has no advantages over the PSA blood test for detecting prostate cancer.
	Targeting annexin-A1 can halt cancer cell growth, study finds A new study published in Oncogene highlights the effectiveness of MDX-124, the first therapeutic drug to target annexin-A1, a protein that is overexpressed in several cancer types and promotes tumor progression.
	Stigma a barrier to women accessing drug and alcohol treatment, says study Women using drugs and alcohol can feel stigmatized and shamed when seeking support from professional services, a new study has found.
	Alcohol intervention for college drinkers leads to safer drinking behaviors among their close social network Following a brief intervention delivered to certain heavy drinkers, alcohol use and risky social ties decreased among those students' close social connections who were also heavy drinkers, according to a novel study of first-year college students' alcohol consumption and social networks.
	Incisionless device could revolutionize treatment for diabetes, liver disease and severe obesity A completely incisionless device that replicates metabolic surgery without making any cuts could surpass current technologies for managing metabolic conditions, providing unmatched treatment for millions of people who reject invasive surgery or do not respond to drugs.
	COVID-19 vaccine uptake more likely in pregnancy if receiving other vaccines: Study Pregnant patients are more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccination if they receive other routine vaccines during pregnancy, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Infection.
	Multiple myeloma cured after hepatitis treatment reveals that this cancer can be caused by viruses A few years ago, a patient was cured of multiple myeloma after being treated for hepatitis C, astounding researchers from the group led by Joaquín Martínez, from the H12O-CNIO Hematological Tumours Clinical Research Unit, a collaboration between the Hospital 12 de Octubre (H12O) and the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO). Multiple myeloma is one of the most common cancers of the blood.
	Graves' disease: When the thyroid is overactive Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that triggers the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones than the body needs. It's the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.
	Long COVID advocates ask Congress to improve federal response Long COVID patients and experts have called on lawmakers to expand clinical trials and better educate doctors on what researchers currently know about the potentially debilitating chronic condition.
	Indiana Senate committee passes medical psilocybin research bill An Indiana Senate bill seeking funding for research into medical applications of psilocybin was passed unanimously by the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services on Wednesday.
	Dizziness during pregnancy: When is it a concern? Pregnancy often causes discomfort, whether it be morning sickness, backaches or swollen feet. But sometimes, health experts warn, a seemingly minor symptom could be a flag for something more.
	UK research captures harrowing testimonies from care staff on the impact of the pandemic As the public inquiry into the UK's response to COVID-19 continues, new research led by Northumbria University academics shines a light on the impact of moving patients from hospitals to care homes in England during the pandemic.
	'The number of people avoiding vaccination is a concern': Public health expert discusses measles Dr. Sophie Martucci is an expert in Public Health from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick. As part of her agents of infectious disease module and science communication model, she covers the MMR Vaccine and the unnecessary controversy around the vaccination.
	Public release of AI to estimate biological sex from fundus images The Japanese Ophthalmological Society and the National Institute of Informatics have developed and public-released an AI model to estimate an individual's sex from fundus images, using data collected by the Japan Ocular Imaging Registry (JOIR), a national ophthalmological database established with support from the Japanese Agency for Medical and Health Sciences (AMED).

Other Sciences news

	China's medieval Tang dynasty had a surprising level of social mobility, new study finds In studying social mobility in today's industrialized nations, researchers typically rely on data from the World Economic Forum or, in the United States, the General Social Survey. But examining the same phenomena from past centuries is a more daunting task because relevant statistics are harder to come by.
	Survey offers insights on childlessness and childcare in the UK A comprehensive new survey reveals the changing face of UK families amid recent economic, social, and political turmoil.
	The math of rightwing populism: Easy answers + confidence = reassuring certainty Rightwing populists appear to be enjoying a surge across the western world. For those who don't support these parties, their appeal can be baffling and unsettling. They appear to play on people's fears and offer somewhat trivial answers to difficult issues.
	Pandemic music struck a darker chord, study finds A new study examining the music people listened to during the pandemic has revealed a taste for more downbeat and darker music—in direct contrast to music recommended to raise the spirits.
	The importance of higher purpose, culture in banking In a recent article published in the Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, Anjan Thakor, the John E. Simon Professor of Finance at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, explains how having a strong culture and a sense of higher purpose influences banking performance and discusses a framework to diagnose an organization's current culture and identify its preferred corporate culture.
	Moderate performance goals let workers adapt to turbulent marketplaces, research suggests When companies set challenging performance goals for their employees, the strategy may work well when their marketplace is stable or when the company wants fast results, but perhaps not as well when workers need to adapt to turbulent times.
	How does materialism in social media trigger stress and unhappiness? Clothes, cars, travel, followers: People with a materialistic mindset always want more and, above all, more than others. Social media provides them with ideal opportunities to compare themselves with others, which makes them susceptible to passive and addictive user behavior. This stresses them out and, ultimately, leads to low life satisfaction.
	Study combines storytelling and movement to improve language and motor skills in early years Combined storytelling and movement lessons delivered by teachers can improve language and gross-motor skills in young children, according to a new study by psychology and sport science experts at Nottingham Trent University and Coventry University.
	Study analyzes differences among lone, pair and group terror attackers Analysis of more than 140 individuals convicted of extremist offenses in England and Wales has revealed how terrorists who act alone, in pairs, or in a group differ in background, social influence and activity.
	Alarming extent of gambling-related messages during live ice hockey, basketball coverage A new study has exposed for the first time the vast proliferation of gambling marketing during live TV screenings and social media promotion of National Hockey League (NHL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) games in Canada.
	Art philanthropy in US is localized, depends on prestige of art organization, research finds Wealthy individuals and entities have been known to fund the arts since ancient times.
	How do human capital and pro-market institutions shape ambitious entrepreneurship in good and crisis times? Scholars and policymakers have highlighted the positive impact of human capital on entrepreneurial activity. Vast attention has also been directed to the beneficial role of pro-market institutions for entrepreneurship.
	How firms frame training programs for gig workers can boost promotion and uptake of the programs General skills training programs for those hired under flexible arrangements can strengthen the relationship between firm and worker, thus benefiting both groups. But for that to happen, the programs need to have strong buy-in from both managers and workers.
	Research demonstrates the importance of diverse social ties to entrepreneurship, even in divided societies We've known for a decade that political affiliation increasingly affects Americans' everyday lives, including where they live, whom they befriend, and whom they welcome as in-laws.
	Why family businesses get more from women leaders Family businesses account for more than 70 percent of global GDP, and survey data shows that they are much friendlier to female leadership: up to 55 percent have at least one woman on their board and 70 percent are considering a woman for their next CEO.
	Hiring globally mobile, highly specialized workers after their firm's failure can be a strategic move Research published in the Global Strategy Journal identifies globally mobile workers with highly specialized skills as a strategic hiring strategy, due to the workers' legitimacy and mobility after being laid off by a failure of their former employer.

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