Science X Newsletter Mon, Jan 15

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 15, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Astronomers discover new Be/X-ray binary system

A new approach to realize highly efficient, high-dimensional quantum memories

Model outlines how ionic blockades influence energy recovery in forward bias bipolar membranes

From disorder to design: Exploring electrical tuning of branched flow in liquid crystal films

Discovery changes understanding of water's history on the moon

New fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power sensors, communications

Differences in cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's patients suggests possibility of variants

US air pollution rates on the decline, but pockets of inequities remain: Study

New research reveals major difference in genomes of American and Chinese chestnut

Discoveries gleaned from ancient human DNA

Saturday Citations: The Dark Energy Survey; the origins of colorblindness; the evolution of heads

Water molecule discovery contradicts textbook models

Accelerating how new drugs are made with machine learning

Research sheds new light on moon rock formation solving major puzzle in lunar geology

Study shows western honey bee synthesizes food for its intestinal bacteria

Nanotechnology news

A single dose of urea-powered nanorobots reduces bladder tumors by 90% in mouse study Bladder cancer has one of the highest incidence rates in the world and ranks as the fourth most common tumor in men. Despite its relatively low mortality rate, nearly half of bladder tumors resurface within 5 years, requiring ongoing patient monitoring. Frequent hospital visits and the need for repeat treatments contribute to making this type of cancer one of the most expensive to cure.

Armor for steel: New method could enable advances in energy, electronics and aerospace Researchers have demonstrated that stainless steel and other metal alloys coated with hexagonal boron nitride, or hBN, exhibit non-stick or low-friction qualities along with improved long-term protection against harsh corrosion and high-temperature oxidation in air. The work has been published in Advanced Materials Interfaces.

Physics news

	A new approach to realize highly efficient, high-dimensional quantum memories Many physicists and engineers have been trying to develop highly efficient quantum technologies that can perform similar functions to conventional electronics leveraging quantum mechanical effects. This includes high-dimensional quantum memories, storage devices with a greater information capacity and noise resilience than two-dimensional quantum memories.
	From disorder to design: Exploring electrical tuning of branched flow in liquid crystal films A new study in Nature Communications investigates the electrical tuning of branched light flow in nematic liquid crystal (NLC) films, revealing controlled patterns and statistical characteristics with potential applications in optics and photonics.
	Solid-state qubits: Forget about being clean, embrace mess New findings debunk previous wisdom that solid-state qubits need to be super dilute in an ultra-clean material to achieve long lifetimes. Instead, cram lots of rare-earth ions into a crystal, and some will form pairs that act as highly coherent qubits, shows paper in Nature Physics.
	Researchers present simplified, improved scheme for precision measurement using lasers Within atomic and laser physics communities, scientist John "Jan" Hall has become a key figure in the history of laser frequency stabilization and precision measurement using lasers. Hall's work revolved around understanding and manipulating stable lasers in ways that were revolutionary for their time. His work laid a technical foundation for measuring a tiny fractional distance change brought by a passing gravitational wave. His work in laser arrays awarded him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2005.
	The tale of two clocks: Advancing the precision of timekeeping Historically, JILA (a joint institute established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST] and the University of Colorado Boulder) has been a world leader in precision timekeeping using optical atomic clocks. These clocks harness the intrinsic properties of atoms to measure time with unparalleled precision and accuracy, representing a significant leap in our quest to quantify the most elusive of dimensions: time.
	Unlocking the magnetic superpowers of topological magnons In the ever-evolving landscape of condensed matter physics, a recent breakthrough has emerged from the collaborative efforts of researchers at the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-1), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland, and the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS).
	Physicists identify overlooked uncertainty in real-world experiments The equations that describe physical systems often assume that measurable features of the system—temperature or chemical potential, for example—can be known exactly. But the real world is messier than that, and uncertainty is unavoidable. Temperatures fluctuate, instruments malfunction, the environment interferes, and systems evolve over time.
	The dynamics of bright-dark exciton transition in a semiconductor material A research team has uncovered the dynamics of bright-dark exciton transition in anatase TiO2. Their findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	Developing a flat soliton microcomb source Optical chip-related technology is the inevitable path to retain the validity of Moore's Law, which has become the consensus of academia and industry; it can effectively solve the speed and power consumption problems of electronic chips. This tech is expected to subvert the future of intelligent computing and ultra-high-speed optical communication.

Earth news

	US air pollution rates on the decline, but pockets of inequities remain: Study Over the last decades, air pollution emissions have decreased substantially; however, the magnitude of the change varies by demographics, according to a new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The results indicate there are racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in air pollution emissions reductions, particularly in the industry and energy generation sectors. The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.
	Climate change threatens global forest carbon sequestration, study finds Climate change is reshaping forests differently across the United States, according to a new analysis of U.S. Forest Service data. With rising temperatures, escalating droughts, wildfires, and disease outbreaks taking a toll on trees, researchers warn that forests across the American West are bearing the brunt of the consequences.
	Rocking our world: Understanding human-induced earthquakes It is common knowledge that humans have a big effect on the world and their natural environment. However, what may be less well-known is that humans can also induce earthquakes. Industrial activities such as geothermal energy production, fracking for oil and natural gas, and wastewater disposal can all lead to increased seismic activity that commonly takes the form of earthquakes. In extreme cases, these earthquakes can lead to casualties and have considerable negative social, ecological, and economic consequences for the regions affected.
	Evidence of one of the largest explosive eruptions ever recorded in the Aegean Sea The Greek archipelago of Santorini consists of the remains of a powerful volcano. Members of the international IODP expedition "Hellenic Arc Volcanic Field" have now found evidence of one of the largest eruptions ever recorded in the southern Aegean Arc.
	Climate change is shrinking snowpack in many places, study shows. And it will get worse River basins around the world that were once regularly snowbound are increasingly seeing their snowpack shrink and climate change is to blame, a new study found.
	Global warming pushes ocean temperatures off the charts: study In 2023, the world's oceans took up an enormous amount of excess heat, enough to "boil away billions of Olympic-sized swimming pools," according to an annual report published Thursday.
	Indonesia's Mount Marapi erupts again, leading to evacuations but no reported casualties Indonesia's Mount Marapi erupted again on Sunday, spewing smoke and ash high into the air, but no casualties were reported.
	Volcano lava flows into Icelandic village, engulfing homes Lava flowing from a volcano that erupted on Sunday near the Icelandic fishing port of Grindavik has engulfed at least three homes just hours after villagers were evacuated to safety, authorities said.
	Waste-eating worms could help reduce damaging greenhouse emissions from dumping food waste into landfill Fertile Earth Worm Farm is the largest commercial composting operation in South Florida, diverting tons of food scraps from landfills and transforming it into dark, crumbly garden soil.
	EU debates 2040 milestone towards carbon-neutral future The EU plans to be carbon neutral by 2050, but to get there it needs to pass two decadal milestones—each implying massive adaptation by industry and consumers.
	Economics propelling population shifts in spite of climate-driven risks: Study People are willing to live in locations where there is a greater risk of climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters if there is an increase to their overall economic well-being, according to a study by Douglas Wrenn.
	Laundry is a top source of microplastic pollution—here's how to clean your clothes more sustainably Microplastics are turning up everywhere, from remote mountain tops to deep ocean trenches. They also are in many animals, including humans.
	Four factors that drove 2023's extreme heat and climate disasters Between the record-breaking global heat and extreme downpours, it's hard to ignore that something unusual is going on with the weather in 2023.
	Iceland faces daunting period after lava from volcano destroys homes in fishing town, president says Iceland's president said the country is battling "tremendous forces of nature" after molten lava from a volcano in the island's southwest consumed several houses in the evacuated town of Grindavik.
	'Intense' US blizzard blows Iowa caucus campaigning off course Plunging temperatures, whipping wind and buckets of snow derailed the final stretch of caucus campaigning in the US state of Iowa Friday as Republican presidential hopefuls delivered their last pitches to voters.
	One dead as storm hits French Indian Ocean island Hundreds of thousands of people on France's Indian Ocean island of Reunion hunkered down in their homes under a strict lockdown on Monday as a devastating storm that has already left one dead started to rip along its north.
	Wine, liquor bottles can now be redeemed at California recycling centers It may be Dry January for some, but a newly expanded recycling program could make it rain for Californians with empty wine and liquor bottles.
	Progress in high-resolution vegetation mapping: China's leap toward advanced environmental monitoring For a study published in the Journal of Remote Sensing, a team of scientists led by Xihan Mu from Beijing Normal University has made a leap forward in environmental monitoring and ecological research. They have created seamless maps of Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) over China at 30-meter resolution and semimonthly intervals, covering the years 2010-2020.

Astronomy and Space news

	Astronomers discover new Be/X-ray binary system Astronomers from the Open University in Milton Keynes, UK and elsewhere report the detection of a new Be/X-ray binary. The newfound system, designated 4XMM J182531.5–144036, exhibits persistent X-ray emission. The finding was detailed in a paper published January 4 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	Discovery changes understanding of water's history on the moon New research from a Western University postdoctoral fellow shows the early lunar crust, which makes up the surface of the moon, was considerably enriched in water more than 4 billion years ago, counter to previously held understanding. The discovery is outlined in a study published today (Jan. 15) in the journal Nature Astronomy.
	Research sheds new light on moon rock formation solving major puzzle in lunar geology New research has cracked a vital process in the creation of a unique rock type from the moon. The discovery explains its signature composition and very presence on the lunar surface at all, unraveling a mystery that has long eluded scientists.
	Doomed US lunar lander's space odyssey continues... for now Is it the little spaceship that could?
	Doomed US lunar lander now headed for Earth: company A private US lunar lander that has been leaking fuel throughout its journey is now headed for Earth and will likely burn up in the atmosphere, the company said Saturday.
	Water may have flowed intermittently in Martian valleys for hundreds of millions of years Using impact craters as a dating tool, Planetary Science Institute Research Scientist Alexander Morgan has determined maximum timescales for the formation of Martian valley networks shaped by running water.
	Discovery of second ultra-large structure in distant space further challenges our understanding of the universe The discovery of a second ultra-large structure in the remote universe has further challenged some of the basic assumptions about cosmology.
	Why is the universe ripping itself apart? A new study shows dark energy may be more complicated than we thought What is the universe made of? This question has driven astronomers for hundreds of years.
	SpaceX inspires NASA to prep for small mishaps in moonshot plan When the first U.S.-made moon lander launched in more than 50 years experienced a critical failure shortly after reaching space on Jan. 8, the news was initially a shock. But NASA was prepared.
	Shuttle Endeavour's giant orange fuel tank hoisted up at California Science Center, but winds delay final placement An external fuel tank manufactured to propel explorers and equipment into space was tilted toward the heavens via a different mechanism Friday morning but fell one step short of mission accomplished.
	US company's lunar lander will burn up in Earth's atmosphere after failed moonshot A U.S. company's lunar lander will soon burn up in Earth's atmosphere after a failed moonshot.
	What delays to the Artemis II and III missions mean for Canada On Jan. 9, NASA announced it would be shifting the launch of Artemis II to September 2025. Artemis III—the first mission to land humans on the surface of the moon since 1972—was moved to September 2026.
	Image: Hubble captures a monster merger This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features Arp 122, a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies—NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral—that are in the midst of a collision. This dramatic cosmic encounter is located at the very safe distance of roughly 570 million light-years from Earth. Peeking in at the lower-left corner is the elliptical galaxy NGC 6041, a central member of the galaxy cluster that Arp 122 resides in, but otherwise not participating in this monster merger.
	The implications of 'Oumuamua on the panspermia theory On October 19, 2017, astronomers with the Pan-STARRS survey detected an interstellar object (ISO) passing through our solar system for the first time. The object, known as 1I/2017 U1 'Oumuamua, stimulated significant scientific debate and is still controversial today. One thing that all could agree on was that the detection of this object indicated that ISOs regularly enter our solar system. What's more, subsequent research has revealed that, on occasion, some of these objects come to Earth as meteorites and impact the surface.
	Gravitational waves could show us the first minute of the universe Astronomers routinely explore the universe using different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum from the familiar visible light to radio waves and infrared to gamma rays. There is a problem with studying the universe through the electromagnetic spectrum, we can only see light from a time when the universe was only 380,000 years old. An alternate approach is to use gravitational waves which are thought to have been present in the early universe and may allow us to probe back even further.
	Big planets don't necessarily mean big moons Does the size of an exomoon help determine if life could form on an exoplanet it's orbiting? This is something a February 2022 study published in Nature Communications hoped to address as a team of researchers investigated the potential for large exomoons to form around large exoplanets (Earth-sized and larger) like how our moon was formed around the Earth.

Technology news

	Model outlines how ionic blockades influence energy recovery in forward bias bipolar membranes Bipolar membranes (BPMs) are a class of ion-exchange membranes typically comprising a cation- and an anion-exchange layer. While these membranes have recently been integrated in various electrochemical devices for a wide range of application, the processes underlying their operation are not yet fully understood.
	New fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power sensors, communications A Northwestern University-led team of researchers has developed a new fuel cell that harvests energy from microbes living in dirt.
	Green tech pumps water from air at CES Tech aimed at battling climate change and even pumping fresh water out of thin air attracted crowds as the annual CES gadget extravaganza showed its green side.
	Researchers turn up the heat on flexible temperature sensor development using microwaves Engineers from UK universities have developed a new method of measuring temperature through the interaction of a soft and flexible "smart skin" sensor with electromagnetic waves.
	Zeroing in on the origins of bias in large language models When artificial intelligence models pore over hundreds of gigabytes of training data to learn the nuances of language, they also imbibe the biases woven into the texts.
	EU's competition czar warns tech giants on new rulebook The European Union's competition czar Margrethe Vestager on Friday said US tech giants will have to strictly abide by the bloc's new rules on how they do business when they come into force in two months.
	At CES, gadgets to make everyday life easier Technology is often designed to lighten the load from the everyday—and brushing your teeth or using the toilet are no exception.
	Wearable tech aiming to level up life: CES highlights Turning on the TV with a wink, skiing on a city street—the once unimaginable was possible this week at CES, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, thanks to wearable tech innovations.
	Robot baristas and AI chefs caused a stir at CES 2024 as casino union workers fear for their jobs The barista tipped the jug of smooth, foamy milk over the latte, pouring slowly at first, then lifting and tilting the jug like a choreographed dance to paint the petals of a tulip.
	Adecco chief says AI will create new jobs Artificial intelligence raises serious concerns for jobs but it will also create new positions, the head of Adecco, the world's biggest temporary staffing agency, told AFP.
	Pioneering AI artist says the technology is ultimately 'limiting' An artist who shook up the cultural world with a haunting female portrait created by artificial intelligence has decided she's had enough of the new technology for now.
	Report finds Americans throw three-quarters of their recyclables into the trash It is no secret that recycling in America is broken: The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the U.S. has a combined recycling rate of only 32% for materials including glass, plastic, cardboard and paper. That figure reflects collections from industrial, commercial and residential trash.
	Microsoft overtakes Apple as most valuable stock in the world Microsoft Corp. overtook Apple Inc. to become the world's most valuable publicly traded company for the first time in more than two years, as worries over smartphone demand have weighed on the iPhone-maker's stock in recent weeks.
	Study shows AI could help power plants capture carbon using 36% less energy from the grid Using artificial intelligence (AI), scientists from the University of Surrey adjusted a system based on a real coal-fired power station. The model could capture 16.7% more carbon dioxide (CO2) while using 36.3% less energy from the U.K.'s national grid. The research is published in the journal Reaction & Chemistry Engineering.
	An international body will need to oversee AI regulation, but we need to think carefully about what it looks like Artificial intelligence (AI) will have serious societal impact globally. So it is more urgent than ever that state leaders cooperate to regulate the technology.
	'Gold' hydrogen: Natural deposits are turning up all over the world—but how useful is it? Hydrogen will play a role in weaning us off fossil fuels. It can be used to power trains, planes and HGVs, as well as being a low-carbon alternative to coke in steelmaking and a way to warm our homes.
	Not all carbon-capture projects pay off—Research maps the pros and cons of each to find clear winners and losers Capturing carbon dioxide from the air or industries and recycling it can sound like a win-win climate solution. The greenhouse gas stays out of the atmosphere where it can warm the planet, and it avoids the use of more fossil fuels.
	Review of moisture swing sorbents for carbon dioxide capture from ambient air Progress has been made recently in carbon capture technology that might allow us to efficiently absorb carbon dioxide directly from the air and perhaps halt the rise of atmospheric concentrations of the greenhouse gas. The development of moisture swing sorbents as a technology in this area is discussed in an article published in the International Journal of Global Warming.
	Data brokers know everything about you—what the FTC case against ad tech giant Kochava reveals Kochava, the self-proclaimed industry leader in mobile app data analytics, is locked in a legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission in a case that could lead to big changes in the global data marketplace and in Congress' approach to artificial intelligence and data privacy.
	Researchers develop thin film as resistance-switching material for next-generation memristive devices Memristive devices are capable of retaining their internal resistance, thus offering superior performance compared to conventional devices that use integrated circuits. Several materials have been explored for the manufacture of these devices. In recent years, transition metal oxides have gradually become widely popular for this purpose.
	Tech firm Baidu denies report that its Ernie AI chatbot is linked to Chinese military research Technology company Baidu on Monday refuted a newspaper report that said its artificial intelligence chatbot Ernie was linked to Chinese military research.
	NASA, Lockheed Martin reveal X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft NASA and Lockheed Martin formally debuted the agency's X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft Friday. Using this one-of-a-kind experimental airplane, NASA aims to gather data that could revolutionize air travel, paving the way for a new generation of commercial aircraft that can travel faster than the speed of sound.
	With Apple lawsuit looming, antitrust expert says tech giant might not fare well under the DOJ's microscope The Justice Department could be nearing the launch of a massive lawsuit against Apple this year that would aim to target the tech giant's alleged anticompetitive business practices, according to the New York Times.
	Q&A: 'Killer robots' are coming, and UN is worried Long the stuff of science fiction, autonomous weapons systems, known as "killer robots," are poised to become a reality, thanks to the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
	IMF chief says AI holds risks, 'tremendous opportunity' for global economy Artificial intelligence poses risks to job security around the world but also offers a "tremendous opportunity" to boost flagging productivity levels and fuel global growth, the IMF chief told AFP.
	Shares dive in French IT group Atos after CEO change Shares in French IT consultancy Atos plunged on Monday after the group announced it was appointing a new chief executive to handle its debt crisis.
	Canada should not fall behind on implementing safety measures for children online, says researcher Recent legislation about age verification for adult content sites has sparked an interesting scenario in the Canadian parliament. On Dec. 13, Bill S-210, An Act to restrict young persons' online access to sexually explicit material, passed the second reading in the House of Commons with a vote of 189 to 133.
	Boeing to increase quality inspections on 737-Max following Alaska Airlines blow out Boeing told employees Monday that it plans to increase quality inspections of its 737 Max 9 aircraft, following the failure of an emergency exit door panel on an Alaska Airlines flight last week.
	More CEOs fear their companies won't survive 10 years as AI and climate challenges grow, survey says More executives are feeling better about the global economy, but a growing number don't think their companies will survive the coming decade without a major overhaul because of pressure from climate change and technology like artificial intelligence, according to a new survey of CEOs by one of the world's largest consulting firms, PwC.

Chemistry news

	Water molecule discovery contradicts textbook models Textbook models will need to be re-drawn after a team of researchers found that water molecules at the surface of salt water are organized differently than previously thought.
	Accelerating how new drugs are made with machine learning Researchers have developed a platform that combines automated experiments with AI to predict how chemicals will react with one another, which could accelerate the design process for new drugs.
	Food-grade encapsulated photocatalyst materials for clean, green hydrogen generation Environmental pollution and affordable clean energy are the two major sustainable development goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. All countries set their goals for decarbonization by the year 2050 and increasing the use of green hydrogen to reduce the load of electricity consumption per year.
	Automated laboratory system uses robotic equipment directed by AI to reengineer enzymes A trio of biochemists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has developed a system that automates the process of reengineering enzymes using robotic equipment and an AI model. In their paper published in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering, Jacob Rapp, Bennett Bremer and Philip Romero describe their system.
	German scientists develop new mutasynthesis approach for derivatization of antibiotics A new method for the derivatization of antibiotics has been developed by Professor Dr. Yvonne Mast, head of the Department of Bioresources for Bioeconomy and Health Research, and her working group at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures.
	The power of pause: Controlled deposition for effective and long-lasting organic devices Organic optoelectronic devices, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), use molecules with specific structures arranged on thin films. Additionally, the arrangement of these molecules on any surface is crucial for various processes that occur within these devices.
	Stability of rings of atoms in glass materials can help predict performance of glass products Glass is being used in a wider range of high-performance applications, including those for consumers and industry, military and aerospace electronics, coatings and optics. Because of the extreme precision demanded for use in products such as mobile phones and jet aircraft, glass substrates must not change their shape during the manufacturing process.
	Researchers develop eco-friendly material from mushrooms, coffee grounds and natural pineapple fibers Researchers have developed a novel eco-friendly material, dubbed "mycelium-based composites (MBCs)." Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are renowned for their unique properties, making them an increasingly popular choice in various industries, particularly for applications where sustainability and environmental impact are key considerations.
	How living materials from algae can best capture carbon Scientists from TU Delft have found how confined microalgal cells grow optimally in photosynthetic engineered living materials. With the use of light energy, the microalgae convert CO2 from the air into sugars, energy and oxygen for their survival. Such algae-based living materials could be used in a range of applications, from functional objects for CO2 capture, to oxygen sources for biological tissues.
	New technique for studying membrane-associated intrinsically disordered proteins Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are widely found in the proteomes of eukaryotes and play key roles in life processes such as transcription of genetic information and signaling. Apart from being usually highly repetitive, hydrophilic and electrically charged as well as encoding simple sequences of genes, IDPs also distinguish themselves in their natural abundance and structural aspects, which become the basis of the "disorder–function paradigm" of proteins.
	Advanced hour-hectometer hyperspectral remote sensing for fine-scale atmospheric emissions A groundbreaking study by researchers from a number of institutions in China introduces a novel hyperspectral remote sensing technique capable of hour-hectometer level horizontal distribution of trace gases, offering an advanced tool to accurately identify emission sources.
	Going beyond plastic: Tara gum as a green polymer Synthetic, non-biodegradable plastics are major sources of environmental pollution and have prompted rising interest in sustainable, biodegradable alternatives derived from natural polymers. "Tara gum," derived from the seeds of the tara tree (Caesalpinia spinosa), stands out as a promising solution.

Biology news

	New research reveals major difference in genomes of American and Chinese chestnut The chromosomes of American and Chinese chestnut are not so similar after all, at least in one key region of the genome—the nucleolus organizing region (NOR).
	Discoveries gleaned from ancient human DNA Four research articles published in Nature follow the genetic traces and geographical origins of human diseases far back in time. The analyses provide detailed pictures of prehistoric human diversity and migration, while proposing an explanation for a rise in the genetic risk for multiple sclerosis (MS).
	Study shows western honey bee synthesizes food for its intestinal bacteria Bacteria have adapted to all terrestrial environments. Some have evolved to survive in the gut of animals, where they play an important role for their host; they provide energy by degrading indigestible food, they train and regulate the immune system, they protect against invasion by pathogenic bacteria, and they synthesize neuroactive molecules that regulate the behavior and cognition of their host.
	Study quantifies how aquifer depletion threatens crop yields Three decades of data have informed a new Nebraska-led study that shows how the depletion of groundwater—the same that many farmers rely on for irrigation—can threaten food production amid drought and drier climes.
	Are bugs bugging humans or the other way around? Study reveals a few surprises Insects and spiders often receive little attention from people, except when we're swatting them away. However, as arthropods—creatures distinguished by a hard exoskeleton and jointed legs— they play an essential role in sustaining the ecosystems humans rely on. Remarkably, arthropods make up approximately 84% of all known animal species.
	Fossil holdfasts show kelp far predate animals we see in kelp forests today The unique underwater kelp forests that line the Pacific Coast support a varied ecosystem that was thought to have evolved along with the kelp over the past 14 million years.
	Key moment in the evolution of life on Earth captured in fossils Curtin-led research has for the first time precisely dated some of the oldest fossils of complex multicellular life in the world, helping to track a pivotal moment in the history of Earth when the seas began teeming with new lifeforms—after 4 billion years of containing only single-celled microbes.
	Engineers uncover new mechanism for gene transfer If you still remember that "Dear King Phillip Came Over For Good Spaghetti," you'll likely also recall the corresponding taxonomic ranks of biology: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. The domains include prokaryotes, single-celled organisms such as bacteria and archaea, and eukaryotes, which include fungi, plants and animals.
	Tracking molecules at turbo speed Microbiologists and biophysicists from the University of Bonn have developed a method that makes the high-throughput process for observing molecules five times faster, enabling insights to be gained into hitherto unknown cellular functions.
	Feeding mode of ancient vertebrate tested for first time A feeding method of the extinct jawless heterostracans, among the oldest of vertebrates, has been examined and dismissed by scientists at the University of Bristol, using fresh techniques.
	Study proposes new approach for monitoring genetic diversity in Europe to help species adapt to climate change Genetic diversity is crucial if species are to adapt to climate change. An international study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution that includes researchers from the University of Helsinki shows that current efforts to monitor genetic diversity in Europe are incomplete and insufficient.
	Island plant life found to become more similar when humans move in New research by the University of Southampton shows that human settlement increases the similarity of flora growing across island groups—impacting ecosystems and the wildlife that relies upon them.
	Comparative genome study of humans and great apes provides insight into development of gut microbiome An important question in modern life science and medical research is how the microorganisms living in and on a body influence the life processes and thus health and disease of the host organism. Scientists assume that there are connections between the entirety of the body's microbial colonization, the so-called microbiome, and the development of diseases.
	The largest great ape to ever live went extinct because of climate change, study finds An ancient species of great ape was likely driven to extinction hundreds of thousands of years ago when climate change put their favorite fruits out of reach during dry seasons, scientists reported Wednesday.
	Conservation group petitions for Alaska king salmon to be listed as an endangered species A Washington-based conservation group filed a petition with federal regulators Wednesday, requesting that they list Alaska king salmon as an endangered species.
	Colorado's new wolves are alive and well, but state officials face transparency concerns about releases The 10 wolves set loose in Colorado in December 2023 as part of a historic state-led reintroduction are doing well, but the humans charged with orchestrating the multi-year effort addressed concerns this week about a lack of transparency about the releases.
	Animal sounds in most nature documentaries are made by humans. How they do it and why it matters Wildlife documentaries like the BBC's recent series, Planet Earth III, are renowned for offering breathtaking images of animals in their natural habitats. You'd be forgiven for thinking these shows offer an unmediated portrayal of these animals—an objective window into their lives as they hunt, rest and rear their young. But this isn't quite the case.
	Sharks killed at alarming rates despite regulations: study Global shark populations are plummeting despite worldwide efforts to curb mass killings for their fins, researchers said in a new report showing that more needs to be done to protect one of the ocean's apex species.
	Discarded Christmas trees, a gift to Stockholm's fish On a freezing January morning, dozens of discarded Christmas trees collected after the holidays are tossed into Stockholm's glacial waters, recycled to provide a welcoming habitat for marine life.
	This is not a climate-change abstraction: Forests are still disappearing at a fast pace Our forests are disappearing. According to a recent report from the World Wildlife Fund, 6.6 million hectares of forest were lost in 2022. It's a mind-boggling statistic, especially since it represents 21% more forest cover than should have been lost that year to keep pace to end deforestation by 2030—a pledge from the 2021 United Nations climate conference (COP26 ) in Glasgow, Scotland. At last year's COP28 in Dubai, world leaders renewed their pledge to reverse deforestation.
	Research reveals fission-independent compartmentalization of mitochondria during budding yeast division A recent paper published in the Journal of Cell Biology by the Barral group (IBC) reveals that mitochondria establish diffusion barriers independently of physical separation. Constitutive inner membrane barriers and inducible outer membrane barriers restrict material exchange between compartments.
	TikTok says orange cats are 'dumb' and tortoiseshell cats have 'an attitude'—but how true is that? If you've watched cat videos on social media lately, you may have encountered the idea a cat's coat color tells us something about their personality.
	60% of Africa's food is based on wheat, rice and maize—the continent's crop treasure trove is being neglected African countries have become reliant on a few food items. Just 20 plant species now provide 90% of our food, with three—wheat, maize, and rice—accounting for 60% of all calories consumed on the continent and globally. This deprives the continent of diverse food sources at the very time when research has found massive food and nutrition insecurity in Africa.
	Exploring the integration of crops and livestock in different historical contexts from ancient times to the present Crop–livestock integration, the practice of combining crop planting and livestock breeding, is recognized as a fundamental approach to fostering a circular and green economy in agriculture.
	Obtaining hydrogen from vine shoots for biofuel production A research team from the universities of Jaén and São Paulo in Brazil has confirmed that hydrogen can be obtained from vine shoots through a process that does not require fossil fuels and does not emit pollutants. With their work, they manage to give new value to this waste from the wine industry, while creating environmentally friendly energy.
	Copepods—tiny creatures that can help reduce the need for soya imports In the sea, fish feed on species lower in the food chain. Can these same species form the basis of a new feed industry supplying the fish farming sector?
	Researchers develop an assessment system for fish health The welfare of fish drives Dr. Beate Hoppe and her team every day. The animal keepers, scientists and veterinarians at the Leibniz Institute for Ageing Research (FLI) in Jena have spent six years meticulously collecting and evaluating data and have now published their findings in the Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.
	Study: No evidence sowing date influences optimum plant density of sweet corn grown in the midwestern US Sweet corn (Zea mays L.var. rugosa or saccharata) is sown across a wide range of dates to provide a steady supply of marketable ears for fresh market and processing. Because the product is perishable, marketable ears must be harvested in a timely manner. A steady supply of marketable ears is important for both the fresh market to maximize sales period and the processing market because processing facilities have a finite capacity to handle incoming perishable ears.
	Xylem functionality is not a direct indicator of apple preharvest fruit drop: Study Harvesting apple (Malus × domestica) fruit at optimal horticultural maturity is critical to meeting consumer preferences and to maintain quality throughout storage. Management during harvest is complicated by uneven ripening, overlapping maturity of cultivars, and lack of labor availability.

Medicine and Health news

	Differences in cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's patients suggests possibility of variants A large team of neuroscientists and neurodegenerative disease specialists affiliated with multiple entities across the Netherlands, working with colleagues from the U.S., Belgium, the U.K. and Sweden, has found five categories of fluid surrounding the brain in Alzheimer's patients. Their study is published in the journal Nature Aging.
	Studies examine different responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants Two studies led by a researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center show the effects of different SARS-CoV-2 variants on lung tissue, revealing what may cause some COVID-19 infections to be more severe than others. Both studies, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, provide new perspectives that could advance treatments for COVID-19, which has been linked to millions of deaths worldwide since January 2020.
	Study reveals impact of early life adversity on a child's brain development Researchers have found evidence suggesting that children exposed to elevated levels of early life adversity (ELA) exhibit an accelerated pattern of brain development during the preschool years. When exposed to ELA, such as a mother's mental and physical health challenges during pregnancy, the child's brain undergoes accelerated development in order to adapt to the adverse circumstances.
	New mechanism with potential to boost checkpoint-blocking cancer immunotherapies identified Researchers at the University of Aberdeen working on a partnership study that looks at how the immune system could help improve cancer treatment have found a potential new way to aid and develop better cancer therapies.
	Google is working to develop an AI-based diagnostic dialogue tool as part of a medical interview system A team of AI researchers at Google Research and Google DeepMind has developed the rudiments of an AI-based diagnostic dialogue system to conduct medical interviews. The group has published a paper describing their research on the arXiv preprint server.
	Novel regulator of immune evasion in cancer identified Northwestern Medicine investigators have identified a previously unknown regulator of tumor immune evasion, which may help improve the efficacy of current and future anti-tumor immunotherapies, according to recent findings published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
	Tapering of inhaled steroids feasible for asthma controlled with benralizumab For patients with severe eosinophilic asthma controlled on bevacizumab, tapering of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is feasible and is not associated with worse asthma control, according to a study published online on Dec. 7 in The Lancet.
	All pain is not the same when it comes to MS Pain can present itself in many forms for people battling multiple sclerosis, and one type can interfere with exercising, new research shows.
	Acoramidis beneficial in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy Acoramidis yields a significantly better four-step primary hierarchical outcome, including aspects of mortality and morbidity, than placebo for patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, according to a study published in the Jan. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	Overuse of antifungal skin meds could be driving drug-resistant disease U.S. doctors are prescribing antifungal creams to patients with skin complaints at rates so high they could be contributing to the rise of drug-resistant infections, new research shows.
	Affordable care act sees record number of Americans signing up With only days left before open enrollment closes, the Biden administration has announced that 20 million Americans have already signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
	CDC brief finds 5.7 percent of adults lacked reliable transportation in 2022 In 2022, 5.7 percent of adults reported lacking reliable transportation for daily living, according to a January data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
	Shigella: An antibiotic-resistant bacteria is rising among Philly's homeless population Shigella, an increasingly hard to treat bacterial infection, is on the rise in Philadelphia, especially among people who are experiencing homelessness or use opioids.
	Vigilant monitoring is needed to manage cardiac risks in patients using antipsychotics, doctors say The use of the antipsychotic drugs quetiapine and haloperidol is associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by drug-induced QT prolongation, reports a new study in Heart Rhythm.
	Guidelines developed for management of alcohol-associated liver disease In a clinical guideline issued by the American College of Gastroenterology and published in the January issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, recommendations are presented for the management of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD).
	What is 'parent training' for families of children with ADHD? Problems with focus and impulse control can be common developmental stages through which children and adolescents naturally progress. But they can also be symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a chronic condition.
	From straight to curly, thick to thin: Here's how hormones and chemotherapy can change your hair Head hair comes in many colors, shapes and sizes, and hairstyles are often an expression of personal style or cultural identity.
	Could an already approved drug cut down on opioid use after surgery? Researchers in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) have found that an FDA-approved drug may help to decrease pain after surgery. In the pilot study published in Pain Management, spinal surgery patients who received N-acetylcysteine (NAC) during surgery in addition to standard pain control treatments reported lower pain scores and requested fewer opioids after surgery than patients given a placebo.
	Decrease in head and neck cancer incidence seen during pandemic During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) decreased, according to a study published online Jan. 11 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
	Be sure to get enough of the 'sunshine vitamin' this winter In the middle of winter when sunshine can be hard to come by, it's tough to get enough vitamin D, but one expert has some advice.
	Substance use disorders on the rise for survivors of specific cancers The prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) seems to be elevated among survivors of certain types of cancer, according to a study published online Jan. 11 in JAMA Oncology.
	Malnutrition often seen in patients treated for inflammatory bowel disease Some patients seen in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinic screen positive for malnutrition, according to a research letter published online Nov. 20 in Gastro Hep Advances.
	Nurse creates app to help peers manage anxiety While being a nurse can be fulfilling, it can also be challenging and taxing, especially when it comes to mental health and anxiety.
	There's a new pill for postpartum depression, but many at-risk women face hurdles The first pill for postpartum depression approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now available, but experts worry that minority and low-income women, who are disproportionately affected by the condition, won't have easy access to the new medication.
	Safely keeping children warm when the power goes out at home during the winter When the power goes out, it can throw off all of your family's normal routines. If the power failure is in winter, the danger of extreme cold can add to the problem. Younger children—especially infants—are at risk for hypothermia. But alternative sources of heat can be hazardous. So how do parents keep their kids warm—and safe?
	Mammography AI can cost patients extra: Is it worth it? As I checked in at a Manhattan radiology clinic for my annual mammogram in November, the front desk staffer reviewing my paperwork asked an unexpected question: Would I like to spend $40 for an artificial intelligence analysis of my mammogram? It's not covered by insurance, she added.
	Georgia expanding innovative refugee mental health program Although they experience significantly higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress and anxiety than their U.S.-born neighbors, refugees have largely not been able to see mental health providers. Transportation, cost, and language barriers all stood in the way of care.
	Erectile dysfunction medications may increase risk of death when combined with common chest pain medication Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i)—an erectile dysfunction drug sold under the names Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, and others—are a common medical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, a new Swedish study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that patients are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality over time when PDE5is and nitrate medication are both prescribed.
	First all-UK study of 67 million people reveals consequences of missed COVID-19 vaccines The first research study of the entire UK population highlights gaps in COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Between a third and a half of the populations of the four UK nations had not had the recommended number of COVID vaccinations and boosters by summer 2022.
	Loss of cells in pancreas in the elderly may cause age-related diabetes Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have studied pancreatic islet cell loss (ICL) in people with no previous pancreatic problems. They identified key trends in the types of cells lost due to islet cell loss in different age groups and sexes, finding that ICL in the elderly population was largely due to insulin-producing beta cell loss. This may be the cause of age-related diabetes and help inform new preventative treatments.
	3D in vitro human atherosclerosis model for high-throughput drug screening A new 3D, three-layer nanomatrix vascular sheet that possesses multiple features of atherosclerosis has been applied for developing a high-throughput functional assay of drug candidates to treat this disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers report in the journal Biomaterials in a paper titled "Atherosclerotic three-layer nanomatrix vascular sheets for high-throughput therapeutic evaluation."
	A surgeon general report once cleared the air about smoking. Is it time for one on vaping? Sixty years ago, the U.S. surgeon general released a report that settled a longstanding public debate about the dangers of cigarettes and led to huge changes in smoking in America.
	Maturation instead of cell death: Defective signaling pathways disrupt immune cell development In the case of an autoimmune disease, the immune system not only attacks pathogens, but also the body's own cells. Researchers at the University of Freiburg—Medical Center have now been able to show that defective signaling pathways in the body play a decisive role in the development of immune cells, a discovery that opens up new therapeutic approaches for autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS).
	FDA review supports reclassifying marijuana as less risky drug Scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conclude in newly released documents that marijuana has less potential for abuse than other drugs with the same restrictions and it should be reclassified as a less dangerous drug.
	Bypassing doctors and getting health care from online services? Most older adults aren't buying it Online-only health care services have become a trendy way for people to receive low-cost medical attention.
	Flu activity slows down, but season far from over: CDC Following weeks of increases in flu activity, the latest U.S. government data shows "a single-week decrease" for the first time in months.
	Identifying the barriers to communication in children with autism Approximately 30% of individuals with autism do not develop speech that is sufficient for meeting the communication demands of everyday life. People with autism and little to no functional speech rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to engage in social, vocational and educational opportunities.
	Is too much screen time bad for our eyes? In the modern world, it's clear that screens dominate our lives. But is excessive screen time having an impact on our eyesight?
	Q&A: Identifying the barriers to earlier autism and ADHD diagnosis Diagnostic delay is a major concern for children and young people with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—and also for their loved ones.
	New poll finds few older adults use direct-to-consumer health services Only a small percentage of older Americans have jumped on the rising trend of getting health care services and prescriptions directly from an online-only company, rather than seeing their usual health care providers in person or via telehealth, a new poll finds.
	Study finds increased body and abdominal fat cause insulin resistance in teenagers, raising type 2 diabetes risk High fat mass in adolescence causes insulin resistance, which can lead to a vicious cycle of worsening insulin resistance and obesity by young adulthood, a new study shows. However, having a high muscle mass partially protects against insulin resistance.
	Study shows long COVID increases costs of primary care consultations each year Long COVID is estimated to have cost the UK at least an extra £23 million in GP and other primary care consultations each year, according to a new study.
	Chemists discover three new recreational drugs that have not previously been reported in Australia Three new recreational drugs that have never been reported in Australia before have been identified by chemists at Australia's only fixed-site drug checking service, CanTEST, located in Canberra.
	Sharp pain in your feet? Researchers test promising therapy for cancer patients' neuropathy A wearable, app-controlled wireless device that stimulates nerves in the legs and feet may help individuals with cancer who suffer from burning and shooting pain and cramping in their lower limbs brought on by chemotherapy, a new study showed.
	Activity of pazopanib in EWSR1-NFATC2 translocation-associated bone sarcoma A new case report was published in Oncoscience on September 20, 2023, titled, "Activity of pazopanib in EWSR1-NFATC2 translocation-associated bone sarcoma."
	Gabapentinoids associated with severe exacerbation of COPD A population-based cohort study of more than 10,000 persons using gabapentinoids found that their use was associated with an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. This study supports the warnings from regulatory agencies and highlights the importance of considering this potential risk when prescribing gabapentin and pregabalin to patients with COPD. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
	Diet quality is associated with metabolites indicative of cardiovascular health in childhood A healthier diet is associated with serum metabolite concentrations indicative of better cardiovascular health already in school-aged children, a recent study from the University of Eastern Finland shows. Published in the European Journal of Nutrition, the findings are from the ongoing Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children study (PANIC).
	Trazadone and CBT no more effective than placebo for improving insomnia among long-term dialysis patients, finds study A clinical trial of more than 120 persons undergoing hemodialysis found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or trazodone were no more effective than placebo for improving mild to moderate chronic insomnia. These findings are important given the prevalence of insomnia among long-term dialysis patients. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
	Future benefits of water fluoridation not guaranteed, study shows Existing drinking water fluoridation programs in England still provide marginal savings for the NHS, but there is no guarantee new schemes would continue to do so, a new study called LOTUS led by University of Manchester researchers finds.
	Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may help some breast cancer patients skip regional nodal irradiation For patients whose breast cancer converted from lymph node-positive to lymph node-negative disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, skipping adjuvant regional nodal irradiation (RNI) did not increase the risk of disease recurrence or death five years after surgery, according to results from the NRG Oncology/NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304 clinical trial presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held December 5–9, 2023.
	82% of asthma hospitalizations not getting recommended two-day follow-up Asthma patients who ended up in hospital only had a GP appointment within recommended 48-hour period in 18% of cases between 2017-19, new research shows.
	Is it safe for kids to use adult skincare products? Over the holidays, Drunk Elephant skincare was a wish list mainstay, sending confused parents to beauty stores to puzzle over why their middle schoolers needed so many expensive products.
	Research fuels advances in bile duct cancer care Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, forms in the thin tubes that carry bile from your liver to your gallbladder and small intestine. Though relatively rare, cholangiocarcinoma is often diagnosed in later stages, making it more difficult to treat, and cases in the U.S. are increasing.
	Understanding the psychological legacy of past obesity Researchers from the University of Liverpool, in collaboration with researchers in the UK, Ireland, and North America, have led a study to better understand the potential long-term consequences of previous obesity. In a recently published paper, the University of Liverpool team found that obesity may be psychologically scarring and is also linked to increased risk of mortality independently of current weight.
	Concealing sexual identity may have impeded mpox care for some men Openly gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men were more likely than those who conceal their sexual orientation to seek care for mpox last year during a global outbreak of the disease that disproportionately affected their community, researchers from Cornell and the University of Toronto found.
	Impacts during everyday physical activity can slow bone loss A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, found that the bone mineral density at the femoral neck decreased, but the structural properties were maintained or even slightly improved during a year-long multicomponent exercise training intervention in 70- to 85-year-old men and women who had previously been physically inactive.
	Cycling to work linked with better mental health People who cycle to work are less likely to be prescribed drugs to treat anxiety or depression than those who commute using different modes of transport, new research shows.
	Survey finds link between drug/cannabis use during pregnancy and certain childhood cancers While the risks of drug use, smoking and drinking during pregnancy are widely accepted, a new survey of parents has identified clear associations between certain types of childhood cancers and gestational substance use, notably cannabis.
	Quaker Oats widens recall of granola bars, cereals linked to salmonella risk The Quaker Oats Co has widened a recall of granola bars and cereals that was first announced in December, adding more products that may potentially be contaminated with salmonella.
	Delicate labor-industry deal in flux as Newsom revisits $25 minimum health wage Gov. Gavin Newsom is revisiting California's phase-in of a nation-leading $25 minimum wage for health workers in the face of a projected $38 billion deficit, less than three months after he approved the measure. But renegotiating wages could threaten a delicate compromise between unions and the health industry.
	Optofluidic hematology analyzer enables home monitoring of health status The deviations in blood cell concentration beyond reasonable ranges may indicate the presence of certain diseases within the body. For example, infections, inflammatory, malignant blood diseases, and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) can cause abnormalities in the concentration of leukocytes. Therefore, the detection of blood cell concentration contributes to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic management of certain diseases.
	Four street drugs that could pose the biggest threat to UK public health in 2024 As with fashion and music, illicit drugs go through peaks and troughs of popularity. There are popular staples, such as cannabis, and more disruptive and transient substances, such as mephedrone. As with clothing fashion, the drugs that most people are able to buy are determined by the choices of designers, manufacturers, and logistical operations, rather than consumers.
	Researchers propose revised scoring system for recognizing outstanding NHS clinicians A team of researchers has developed a new scoring system for a nationwide scheme, overseen by the Advisory Committee on Clinical Impact Awards (ACCIA), to recognize and reward senior doctors and dentists in England and Wales.
	Next UK government must have health equity at its heart, argues professor With an election looming, the next government must have health equity at its heart to avoid more devastating and avoidable loss of lives, argues Professor Sir Michael Marmot in The BMJ today.
	UTI: This common infection can be serious A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common, but it can be serious.
	WHO sends Zambia first batch of cholera vaccines as cases rise Zambia said Monday it had received a first batch of more than a million oral doses of cholera vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO) to fight a dangerous outbreak.
	WHO seeks $1.5 bn for urgent health aid in 2024 The UN health agency on Monday said it needed $1.5 billion in 2024 for life-saving aid to tens of millions of people trapped in health emergencies, including in Ukraine and Gaza.
	New online study explores link between healthy brains and bodies So little is understood about the dialogue between the body and the brain. It might seem obvious that our physical state can affect our ability to think, but there are many fundamental questions neuroscientists would still like to answer—with your help.
	Cycling deaths on the decline in Australia, but not in all age groups New research shows there is a stark contrast between fatality rates in younger and older cyclists in Australia.
	Video: Expert discusses increasing levels of respiratory infections The new year is bringing a significant rise in respiratory virus activity across the U.S. Many are experiencing coughs, fever and congestion—some of the telltale signs of COVID-19 and influenza. Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases expert, explains why this surge is happening, what still may be to come, and how to protect you and your family.

Other Sciences news

	Saturday Citations: The Dark Energy Survey; the origins of colorblindness; the evolution of heads The Dark Energy Survey took an entire decade to produce a value for the cosmological constant—and it's smaller than you might think! There were other stories as well, including one about primeval black holes, and because I am inescapably drawn by the relentless gravity of black hole news, it's included below, along with two other stories related in one way or another to heads.
	The fate of novel ideas: Scholar investigates factors that thwart potential innovations from gaining acceptance Innovation may be what drives progress in the arts, business, sciences and technology, but the novel ideas that drive innovation often face headwinds that hinder or even prevent their adoption.
	Best of Last Week—protein responsible for cancer, fingerprints not unique, how dietary restrictions slow aging It was a good week for biology as a team of biochemists at the University of California, Riverside, tamed a chaotic protein believed to be responsible for fueling 75% of all cancers. Called MYC, the protein is responsible for making the majority of cancer cases worse, the researchers found. Also, an international trio of economists, demographics experts and an ecosystems specialist found evidence that families will change dramatically over the coming years. They found most people will have fewer relatives such as cousins, nieces and nephews, but more grandparents and great-grandparents. And a large international team of genomics researchers sequenced the first genome of myxini—the only vertebrate lineage that still had no reference genome.
	Regardless of age and politics, people who endorse lies are aware they could be made up, say researchers Northeastern researchers say that when confronted with "fake news," Republicans and younger people are more likely to say they believe the false headlines than Democrats and older people.
	Social workers can help children more effectively by assessing the needs of the whole family, says study What do children need most? The answer often depends on a person's relationship with the child.
	Redundancies have unintended consequences for all employees, even those who keep their jobs Tech giants including X (then known as Twitter) and Facebook owner Meta announced thousands of job cuts globally in 2022 and 2023, as did other firms like entertainment company Disney, consultancy firm KPMG and phone company Vodafone. And let's not forget those making redundancies as a result of company collapses such as UK retailer Wilko. In the UK alone, the number of planned redundancies by companies increased by 54% over the last year, from 153,635 to 237,017.
	How to strengthen community resilience in a world plagued by crises Rural communities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, a new federal report has found, because they often have fewer resources to handle environmental or social disruptions.
	Urban Kenyans mistrust police even more than rural residents do—study sets out why it matters Across the African continent—from Nigeria and Ghana to South Africa—widespread protests have taken place to demand police reform in the wake of police misconduct and brutality. A continent-wide survey done in 2022 shows very low trust in the police and a prevailing perception of the police as the most corrupt among key institutions.
	Efforts to bring trade standards to Paraguay's Ciudad del Este just make it harder for residents to survive Paraguay's Ciudad del Este is a busy South American contraband hub where scrappy Paraguayan vendors and Brazilian traders mix with businessmen from places as far away as Lebanon and South Korea. This hive of activity moves billions of dollars' worth of consumer goods—everything from smartphones to whiskey.
	South Africa's legal team in the genocide case against Israel has won praise. Who are they? South African justice minister Ronald Lamola led a top legal team to argue the country's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 11 January.
	Study identifies factors associated with child maltreatment in the home New research has identified a complex interplay of child, parental, and contextual factors associated with the maltreatment of children by their families.
	Gen Z and millennials have an unlikely love affair with their local libraries A phone fixation may seem at odds with an attraction to books. But the latter may offer a much-needed reprieve from the former.
	Can central banks fight climate change? Researcher explains role in promoting sustainable financial practices When you think of ways to reduce carbon emissions and cool a scorching planet, involving the U.S. Federal Reserve Board may not immediately spring to mind.
	Green growth in Europe: Decoding the EU's journey to sustainability (1990-2019) In a recent study published in the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, researchers evaluated the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in the EU-27 from 1990 to 2019. The study focuses on analyzing trends towards environmental sustainability in these countries.
	World's five richest men doubled their fortunes since 2020: Oxfam The world's wealthiest five men have more than doubled their fortune since 2020, the charity Oxfam said on Monday, calling on nations to resist the ultra-rich's influence over tax policy.
	Researchers: Canadian schools need to address digital sexual violence in their curricula and policies Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) is on the rise among Canadian youth. In an international study that included Canada, over half of the young women and girls surveyed reported being sexually threatened and/or sexually harassed online. This kind of sexual violence can include online sexual harassment, extortion, receiving unsolicited explicit images and non-consensual distribution of intimate images.
	The science of color: How color blindness creates unseen barriers in science Dr. Mark Lindsay was 5 years old when he first learned that tree trunks were brown.
	Sociologist explores perceptions of street safety in urban and rural communities Crime is often perceived as an urban phenomenon whereas rural life is viewed as more bucolic, but Timothy Bryan is testing these ideas.
	More 'safe spaces' for young people could help reduce violence in Scotland, report says A new report led by researchers at the University of Glasgow highlights concerns around how Scotland is adapting to emerging trends around violence and young people.

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