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Science X Newsletter Mon, Jan 29

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 29, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

A strategy to realize vertical iontronic energy storage via osmotic effects and electrode redox reactions

Pollen diaries: Polar ice records preserve climate vs. human impact following Little Ice Age

On tropical coasts, hermit crabs are now making their homes in plastic waste

Inner ear of 6-million-year-old ape fossil reveals clues about the evolution of human movement

Researchers are spying for signs of life among exoplanet atmospheres

Scientists find variant in the synaptonemal complex protein SYCE2 increases risk of pregnancy loss

Speaking in a local accent might make social robots seem more trustworthy and competent, say scientists

How obesity dismantles our mitochondria: Study reveals key mechanism behind obesity-related metabolic dysfunction

Dipole-dipole interactions: Observing a new clock systematic shift

Science sleuths are using technology to find fakery and plagiarism in published research

Japan's moon lander comes back to life

First-ever sighting of a live newborn great white may help solve longstanding mystery in shark science

Research reveals quantum entanglement among quarks

Spray coating for grapes shows promise in battle between wildfire smoke and wine

Evidence of a patrilineal descent system for western Eurasian Bell Beaker communities

Nanotechnology news

Researchers slow down light in metasurfaces with record low loss

The speed of light can be intentionally reduced in various media. Various techniques have been developed over the years to slow down light, including electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), photonic crystals, and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS).

Utilizing active microparticles for artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence using neural networks performs calculations digitally with the help of microelectronic chips. Physicists at Leipzig University have now created a type of neural network that works not with electricity but with so-called active colloidal particles. In their publication in Nature Communications, the researchers describe how these microparticles can be used as a physical system for artificial intelligence and the prediction of time series.

Quick and easy preparation of small-sized metal nanoparticles by microchip laser

Pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) is a reliable and versatile technique for producing metal nanoparticles (NPs) in solution. Its advantages, including the absence of reducing agents, operational simplicity, high purity without purification steps, and ambient processing conditions, make it a preferred choice over conventional metal NP preparation approaches like the chemical reduction method.

Physics news

Dipole-dipole interactions: Observing a new clock systematic shift

In a new study published in Science today, JILA and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Fellow Jun Ye and his research team have taken a significant step in understanding the intricate and collective light-atom interactions within atomic clocks, the most precise clocks in the universe.

Research reveals quantum entanglement among quarks

Collisions of high energy particles produce "jets" of quarks, anti-quarks, or gluons. Due to the phenomenon called confinement, scientists cannot directly detect quarks. Instead, the quarks from these collisions fragment into many secondary particles that can be detected.

Quantum material-based spintronic devices operate at ultra-low power

As artificial intelligence technologies such as Chat-GPT are utilized in various industries, the role of high-performance semiconductor devices for processing large amounts of information is becoming increasingly important. Among them, spin memory is attracting attention as a next-generation electronics technology because it is suitable for processing large amounts of information with lower power than silicon semiconductors that are currently mass-produced.

The first observation of a material exhibiting a supersolid phase of matter

Through experimental research, a team of physicists affiliated with multiple institutions in China has observed a material in a supersolid phase of matter for the first time. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes the experiments they conducted to accomplish this feat and its implications. Nature has published a Research Briefing in the same journal issue outlining the work done by the team on this effort.

How does a 'reverse sprinkler' work? Researchers solve decades-old physics puzzle

For decades scientists have been trying to solve Feynman's Sprinkler Problem: How does a sprinkler running in reverse—in which the water flows into the device rather than out of it—work? Through a series of experiments, a team of mathematicians has figured out how flowing fluids exert forces and move structures, thereby revealing the answer to this long-standing mystery.

Room-temperature long-range ferromagnetic order realized in a confined molecular monolayer

How can we manipulate intermolecular exchange interaction to achieve long-range spin ordering? The answer to this question is of great importance in understanding and modulating magnetic behavior at the microscopic scale and in developing new macroscopic magnetic materials and devices.

Researchers control biofilm formation using optical traps

Biofilms—slimy layers formed when bacteria stick together on a surface—allow bacteria to shield themselves from extreme environments and even evade antibiotics. In a new study, researchers have shown that laser light in the form of optical traps can be used to control biofilm formation. The findings could allow scientists to harness these microbial layers for various bioengineering applications.

New study validates method for guided discovery of 3D flat-band materials

Rice University scientists have discovered a first-of-its-kind material, a 3D crystalline metal in which quantum correlations and the geometry of the crystal structure combine to frustrate the movement of electrons and lock them in place.

An efficient numerical program for studying light scattering at the nanoscale

When light encounters a particle, it interacts with the particle instead of just passing through smoothly. The light waves can get scattered in different directions because of the light-matter interactions.

Bessel-beam-based side-view measurement of seven-core fiber internal core distribution

Optical fiber, as the basic carrier of modern high-speed and high-capacity communication, is the key to the interconnection of the world. With the rapid development of the communications industry in recent decades, ordinary single-mode optical fiber can no longer meet the special needs of various industrial applications, so a series of optical fibers with complex internal structures, such as polarization-maintaining fibers, multi-core fibers and photonic crystal fibers, and other specialty optical fibers came into being in the civil and military fields are indispensable.

Earth news

Pollen diaries: Polar ice records preserve climate vs. human impact following Little Ice Age

Pollen can help scientists track changes in vegetation through time, as they respond to moderations of the climate, be that glaciation or deglaciation with transitions into and out of ice ages. Furthermore, it can help elucidate the interplay between climate and the impact early human settlement exploitation of the natural world had on forests.

Link found between cold snaps during Roman Empire era and pandemics

A team of geoscientists, Earth scientists and environmental scientists affiliated with several institutions in Germany, the U.S. and the Netherlands has found a link between cold snaps and pandemics during the Roman Empire.

3.5 billion-year-old hydrothermal vent sediments offers clues to life's origin

Researchers from The University of Western Australia examined 3.5 billion-year-old hydrothermal vent sediments and discovered clues about the origin and early evolution of life.

Team investigates vegetation and rainfall in central Asia in early Eocene, finds lessons for Earth's future

As part of the "VeWA" research consortium, researchers from the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center, along with international colleagues, have investigated the precipitation and flora of Central Asia during the Eocene period.

Researchers explore how fractures nucleate, propagate and stop

Here's a moment that almost everyone has experienced—you drop your phone screen down on a hard surface and hear the telltale crunch. The screen is cracked but you don't know how bad. You pick up the phone and survey the damage.

Climate change behind extreme Amazon drought: study

Climate change was the chief driver of the devastating drought that gripped the Amazon last year, say researchers, as warming threatens one of the world's most important ecosystems for stabilizing the global climate.

Humans are depleting groundwater worldwide, but there are ways to replenish it

If you stand at practically any point on Earth, there is water moving through the ground beneath your feet. Groundwater provides about half of the world's population with drinking water and nearly half of all water used to irrigate crops. It sustains rivers, lakes and wetlands during droughts.

Education and information can increase the acceptance of climate policies

An important question for policymakers worldwide is how to make climate and environmental policies acceptable among the populations. A new study published in Climate Policy sheds light on the preferences in five East African countries. The study shows, among other things, that education and information about how revenues from carbon taxes are used are important factors.

Fixing food could produce trillions in annual benefits: Report

The ways food is produced and consumed across the world is racking up hidden costs in health impacts and environmental damage amounting to some 12 percent of world GDP a year, according to a new report Monday.

Microparticles from road tires are 'high concern' pollutants, research shows

Plastic microparticles released into the environment from common road tires should be treated as a "high concern" pollutant that may exceed chronic safety limits in some heavily contaminated environments, new research has shown.

Over 17,000 hectares destroyed in Colombia forest fires

Forest fires have destroyed more than 17,000 hectares in Colombia since November, authorities said Friday, as the country faces its hottest January in decades.

Firefighters battle 'out of control' blaze in Argentina park

Firefighters in Argentina were battling an "out of control" blaze in a national park in Patagonia on Saturday, struggling to keep it from reaching two nearby towns.

'The sun didn't sting so much before': fires stun Colombia's Andes

The once bright green Andean forest where Maria Yadira Jimenez worked as a tour guide has been reduced to ashes.

Fire in Argentina UNESCO park caused by arson: Official

A fire that destroyed around 600 hectares of a national park in Argentina was the result of arson, an official said Sunday.

Invasive vegetation stoking fierce Bogota fires

Forest fires which have engulfed Bogota in smoke over the past week have been fueled by highly flammable foreign plant species that have invaded Colombia's capital, experts say.

Do we want a wind farm outside our window? What Australians think about the net zero transition

A paradox lies at the heart of Australian public opinion about climate change. While there is clear general support for substantial government action to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, there is also strong concern about the local impacts of new renewable energy infrastructure.

Global science and media organizations to sign pledge prioritizing science-based climate change communications

U.S. and international scientific associations will join with high-profile media outlets to sign a pledge of cooperation aimed at ensuring climate change-related communications are scientifically accurate, accessible, and actionable. The signing will take place Tuesday, January 30, during a special Presidential Session (10:45 a.m. to noon Eastern) at the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in Baltimore, Maryland.

Growing up during a drought: What it taught about 'nudging' sustainability behaviors

The need to understand how to encourage people to adopt more climate-friendly behaviors is pressing, but "nudging" people to adopt behaviors such as recycling, taking public transport, and reducing their consumption of energy and water, is notoriously difficult. For example, the Behavioral Insights Team failed to find an effect of an advice and support campaign on energy consumption and interventions to reduce single-occupancy cars, and more recently found that the most successful arm of a large trial to reduce household water consumption only reduced it by 0.5%.

Astronomy and Space news

Researchers are spying for signs of life among exoplanet atmospheres

The next generation of advanced telescopes could sharpen the hunt for potential extraterrestrial life by closely scrutinizing the atmospheres of nearby exoplanets, new research suggests.

Japan's moon lander comes back to life

Japan's moon lander has come back to life, the space agency said Monday, enabling the craft to proceed with its mission of investigating the lunar surface despite its rocky start.

Cosmic building blocks of life discovered through the electron microscope

A team of researchers has examined the Winchcombe meteorite and demonstrated the existence in it of nitrogen compounds such as amino acids and heterocyclic hydrocarbons—without applying any chemical treatment and by using a new type of detector design.

Russian astronomers discover dozens of new pulsars

A team of Russian astronomers from the Pushchino Radio Astronomy Observatory (PRAO) and elsewhere, reports the detection of 39 new pulsars as part of the Pushchino Multibeams Pulsar Search (PUMPS) project. The finding was detailed in a research paper published January 9 in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Lopsided galaxies shed light on the speed of dark matter

In new research published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, researchers have figured out how to precisely calculate the forces that affect galaxies in tidal cycles. The next stage is to find galaxies sufficiently lopsided in the universe to study the velocity of dark matter relative to the galaxies.

NASA's Webb depicts staggering structure in 19 nearby spiral galaxies

A new treasure trove of Webb images has arrived. Near- and mid-infrared images show off every facet of these face-on spiral galaxies.

Astronomers spot 18 black holes gobbling up nearby stars

Star-shredding black holes are everywhere in the sky if you just know how to look for them. That's one message from a new study by MIT scientists, appearing today in The Astrophysical Journal.

Black hole at the center of a galaxy in the early universe received less mass influx than expected, astronomers find

With the upgraded GRAVITY-instrument at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer of the European Southern Observatory, a team of astronomers led by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics has determined the mass of a black hole in a galaxy only 2 billion years after the Big Bang. With 300 million solar masses, the black hole is actually under-massive compared to the mass of its host galaxy. Researchers suspect what is happening here.

New data, same appearance for M87*

Nearly five years ago, a globe-spanning team of astronomers gave the world its first-ever glimpse of a black hole. Now the team has validated both their original findings and our understanding of black holes with a new image of the supermassive black hole M87*. This supermassive black hole, 6.5 billion times the mass of our sun, resides at the center of the Messier 87 (M87) galaxy in the Virgo galaxy cluster, located 55 million light-years from Earth.

Study predicts best times for Curiosity to sample Mars' methane

Since methane was first detected in Mars' atmosphere 20 years ago, scientists have struggled to uncover its origins and how it is transported around the Red Planet. Measurements from atmospheric samples collected by NASA's Curiosity rover at Gale crater reveal fluctuations in methane levels over days and seasons, but pinpointing the timing and reasons for the variability has proved difficult. These emissions, possibly produced by subsurface microbes, could provide vital evidence of life on Mars. However, sampling strains Curiosity's limited resources, so determining both why fluctuations occur and when to best capture samples is paramount.

NASA helicopter's mission ends after three years on Mars

NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter, which made history by achieving the first powered flight on another world, has officially ended its nearly three-year mission after sustaining rotor damage during its last outing, the space agency said Thursday.

NASA collaborating on European-led gravitational wave observatory in space

The first space-based observatory designed to detect gravitational waves has passed a major review and will proceed to the construction of flight hardware. On Jan. 25, ESA (European Space Agency), announced the formal adoption of LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, to its mission lineup, with launch slated for the mid-2030s. ESA leads the mission, with NASA serving as a collaborative partner.

'Old smokers': Strange new type of star discovered in Milky Way

Nearing the end of their life, they sit quietly for long periods of time, barely noticeable, before suddenly puffing out a cloud of smoke.

Space shuttle Endeavour soaring into place at final museum home

Barring weather delays, the space shuttle Endeavour will undergo its final, historic lift starting Monday night, a maneuver no other retired orbiter has undergone.

Hubble captures interacting galaxies NGC 5410 and UGC 8932

A pair of small, interacting galaxies shine in this new NASA Hubble Space Telescope image. The larger of the two galaxies is named NGC 5410 and was discovered in 1787 by British astronomer William Herschel. It spans 80,000 light-years across and has a bright white bar of stars at its center. It is also a spiral galaxy with a medium-sized nucleus and spread-out arms. NGC 5410 contains many young, blue star clusters, especially along its arms.

NASA's LRO spots Japan's SLIM moon lander

On Jan. 19, 2024, at 10:20 a.m. EST, the JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) landed on the lunar surface. Five days later, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft passed over the landing site and photographed SLIM.

Humans are going back to the moon to stay, but when that will be is becoming less clear

A 2019 Time magazine cover portrayed four astronauts running towards the moon. Pictured alongside the headline "The Next Space Race," one of the astronauts carried an American flag, one carried a Chinese flag and the other two belonged to space companies owned by billionaires: Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin.

NASA wants to put a massive telescope on the moon

As part of the Artemis Program, NASA intends to establish all the necessary infrastructure to create a "sustained program of lunar exploration and development." This includes the Lunar Gateway, an orbiting habitat that will enable regular trips to and from the surface, and the Artemis Base Camp, which will permit astronauts to remain there for up to two months.

Watch a house-sized space habitat (intentionally) burst

We live in an age of renewed space exploration, colloquially known as Space Age 2.0. Unlike the previous one, this new space age is characterized by inter-agency cooperation and collaboration between space agencies and the commercial space industry (aka. NewSpace).

Nancy Grace Roman could find the first stars in the universe

In the beginning, the universe was so hot and so dense that light could not travel far. Photons were emitted, scattered, and absorbed as quickly as the photons in the heart of the brightest stars. But in time the cosmos expanded and cooled to the point that it became transparent, and the birthglow of the Big Bang could traverse space and time for billions of years.

Artemis teams install emergency escape baskets at NASA Kennedy

Teams with NASA's Exploration Ground Systems Program began installing the four emergency egress baskets at Launch Pad 39B in preparation for NASA's Artemis II crewed mission at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Researchers develop high-precision double slit for space spectrometer

ESA plans to launch its FLEX mission in 2025. The aim is to collect data on the Earth's vegetation from space. For the spectrometer on board the satellite, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena have developed and manufactured a double-slit assembly with exceptional accuracy as well as two high-precision mirrors. The double slit will be presented at SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco from January 30 to February 1.

The Jovian vortex hunt is over for now

The Jovian Vortex Hunter project, launched on Zooniverse in June 2022, is out of data as of December 23, 2023.

The improbable origins of life on Earth

We do not yet know how, where, or why life first appeared on our planet. Part of the difficulty is that "life" has no strict, universally agreed-upon definition.

Exploring the galactic habitable zone

Our planet sits in the habitable zone of our sun, the special place where water can be liquid on the surface of a world. But that's not the only thing special about us: we also sit in the galactic habitable zone, the region within the Milky Way where the rate of star formation is just right.

Technology news

A strategy to realize vertical iontronic energy storage via osmotic effects and electrode redox reactions

In recent years, engineers have been trying to identify new technologies to sustainably generate and store energy. One promising solution leverages the energy produced by osmosis when two fluids with a different salt concentration meet, such as when a freshwater body (e.g., a river) flows into a saltwater body (e.g., the sea).

Speaking in a local accent might make social robots seem more trustworthy and competent, say scientists

Social robots can help us with many things: teaching, learning, caring. Because they're designed to interact with humans, they're designed to make us comfortable—and that includes the way they talk. But how should they talk? Some research suggests that people like robots to use a familiar accent or dialect, while other research suggests the opposite.

Robot trained to read braille at twice the speed of humans

Researchers have developed a robotic sensor that incorporates artificial intelligence techniques to read braille at speeds roughly double that of most human readers.

Sound-powered sensors stand to save millions of batteries

Sensors that monitor infrastructure, such as bridges or buildings, or are used in medical devices, such as prostheses for the deaf, require a constant supply of power. The energy for this usually comes from batteries, which are replaced as soon as they are empty. This creates a huge waste problem. An EU study forecasts that in 2025, 78 million batteries will end up in the rubbish every day.

Researchers harness large language models to accelerate materials discovery

Princeton researchers have created an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to predict the behavior of crystalline materials, a key step in advancing technologies such as batteries and semiconductors. Although computer simulations are commonly used in crystal design, the new method relies on a large language model, similar to those that power text generators like ChatGPT.

Benchtop test quickly identifies extremely impact-resistant materials

An intricate, honeycomb-like structure of struts and beams could withstand a supersonic impact better than a solid slab of the same material. What's more, the specific structure matters, with some being more resilient to impacts than others.

Robot shows how dinosaurs flapped feathers to scare prey

Against a backdrop of looming skyscrapers, a robot dinosaur raises its feathery wings, sending its prey fleeing in terror.

Hybrid energy harvesters that harness heat and vibration simultaneously

Harvesting energy sources such as heat, vibration, light, and electromagnetic waves from everyday environments such as industrial sites and automobiles and converting them into electrical energy is known as energy harvesting. Energy harvesting makes it easier to power today's popular IoT sensors and wireless devices that are located in environments where battery replacement is difficult.

Amazon's bid to buy Roomba maker iRobot is called off amid pushback in Europe

Amazon called off its purchase of robot vacuum maker iRobot on Monday, blaming "undue and disproportionate regulatory hurdles" after the European Union signaled its objection to the deal.

Off the roof: The quest to harness energy from facades

Researchers are going beyond conventional solar panels in a bid to generate heat and electricity from the other external surfaces of buildings.

Q&A: Tallest building in US planned for the middle of Tornado Alley. Will it withstand the region's extreme weather?

A 1,907-foot tall building could soon be erected as the tallest skyscraper in the United States. Can you guess where it may be built?

Where are all the women in tech?

While working as a software development project manager in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Bianca Trinkenreich was always one of few women in the room—and she often wondered why. When she came to NAU as a Ph.D. student, she had the opportunity to search for answers.

Deepfakes: How to empower youth to fight the threat of misinformation and disinformation

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024 has issued a stark warning: misinformation and disinformation, primarily driven by deepfakes, are ranked as the most severe global short-term risks the world faces in the next two years.

AI is supposed to make us more efficient, but it could mean we waste more energy

The European Union is negotiating an Artificial Intelligence Act, the world's first comprehensive law that aims to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) based on the risk it poses to individuals, society and the environment.

Tech layoffs for AI, but Wall Street ready for stellar earnings

Tech layoffs have piled up since the start of the year, but analysts say that it could be a new normal for Silicon Valley in a big pivot to artificial intelligence.

Fingerprinting with machine vision

Traditional fingerprint identification methods can struggle with accurately identifying feature points in smaller regions. This is usually where a subset of fingerprints that are of limited size might typically be found in a restricted regions of a larger fingerprint image. Ultimately this usually leads to lower recognition accuracy and weaker evidence gleaned from a crime scene investigation, for instance.

New analysis highlights geothermal heat pumps as key opportunity in switch to clean energy

A new analysis from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that, coupled with building envelope improvements, installing geothermal heat pumps in around 70% of U.S. buildings could save as much as 593 terawatt-hours of electricity generation annually and avoid seven gigatons of carbon-equivalent emissions by 2050.

Vehicle networking environment information sharing based on distributed fountain code

Intelligent Transportation systems (ITS) have shown great potential in smart cities in recent years. Using information processing and communication technology, ITS significantly improves the quality of urban traffic operation and service. Autonomous vehicles (AVs), a key component of ITS, are able to sense their surroundings and operate without the need for human intervention.

New app effectively aids blind and visually impaired commuters in finding bus stops

A team of researchers from Mass Eye and Ear have developed a micro-navigation smartphone app to provide assistance to those who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) in finding their bus stops, and a new study published in Translational Vision Science & Technology found the success rate of the app was substantially higher than that of Google Maps.

Alaska Airlines has begun flying Boeing Max 9 jetliners again and United flies plane on Saturday

Alaska Airlines has begun flying Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners again since they were grounded after a panel blew out of the side of one of the airline's planes.

X to open new Texas office to combat child porn

Social media platform X, formerly Twitter, will open a moderation office in Texas with an emphasis on fighting content linked to child sexual abuse, the company said.

Boeing exec apologizes over MAX 9 problem, promises fixes

A top Boeing executive has apologized for the problems highlighted by the mid-flight blowout of a door plug on an Alaska Airlines flight, as two airlines began returning the troubled 737 MAX 9 planes to service.

Philips stops selling sleep devices in US amid recall woes

Under-fire Dutch medical device maker Philips said Monday it would halt new sales of sleep machines in the United States after a series of recalls that continued to weigh on results.

Wall Street girds for ugly Boeing earnings as CEO faces scrutiny

Boeing's 737 MAX 9 planes have begun to fly again after the January 5 Alaska Airlines scare, but the episode is expected to weigh on the aviation giant's finances for the foreseeable future.

Opinion: Freedom of information laws key to exposing AI wrongdoing. The current system isn't up to the task

There's been much discussion about how artificial intelligence (AI) will affect every part of our society, from school assignments to the music industry.

Renault slams brakes on listing of Ampere EV division

French automaker Renault said Monday that it was halting the initial public offering of its EV unit Ampere, saying market conditions were unfavorable to list the company's shares.

Static strength, crashworthiness analysis of a train cowcatcher at high running speed

The cowcatcher is a unique device located at the front end of rail vehicles. It is generally installed at the bottom frame of the head car and can remove obstacles by colliding with foreign objects on the track ahead of the vehicle. This ensures the safety of the train and the prevention of major safety accidents such as derailment.

Chemistry news

To stick or not to stick? Mixed sand columns illuminate design of better materials

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have been studying the strength and toughness of sand columns made of a mixture of sticky and non-sticky grains. They have uncovered the mechanism behind how the strength changes as grains are mixed in different ratios, and how a mixture can help keep the column more resilient to deformation. Non-sticky grains are also easily replaceable with other materials, enabling the design of stronger, tougher, functional matter.

Molecular simulation AI tool reveals unresolved structure of transporter protein

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled a previously unknown conformational state of a crucial transporter protein, OxlT, which plays a vital role in preventing kidney stone formation. This discovery, achieved through advanced computational methods, offers new insights into protein function and potential therapeutic targets.

Enzyme for biocatalysis uses solvent as a substrate

A large number of applications in the chemical industry rely on the molecules NADH or NADPH as fuel. A team led by Professor Dirk Tischler, head of the Microbial Biotechnology working group at Ruhr University Bochum, used a biocatalyst to study their production in detail.

An enzyme used in laundry detergent can recycle single-use plastics within 24 hours

Scientists at King's College London have developed an innovative solution for recycling single-use bioplastics commonly used in disposable items such as coffee cups and food containers.

The effect of additives on calcium carbonate crystallization

Results of a large-scale innovative Citizen Science experiment called Project M, which involved more than 1,000 scientists, 800 samples and 110 U.K. secondary schools in a huge experiment, were published in the journal CrystEngComm.

Chemical biology: A novel approach to synthesize dibenzothiophene s-oxides

Organic compounds in the field of chemistry range from simple hydrocarbons to complex molecules, with diverse functional groups added to the main carbon backbone. These functional groups impart distinct chemical properties to the compounds and participate in various chemical transformations, making them important precursors for the synthesis of more diverse compounds. Scientists have, therefore, actively engaged in creating molecules that feature novel and highly reactive functional groups.

Video: Can science beat counterfeit detector pens?

Counterfeit detector pens use a starch-iodine reaction to identify fake bills.

Biology news

On tropical coasts, hermit crabs are now making their homes in plastic waste

Terrestrial hermit crabs are soft-bodied crustaceans that live near water in the world's tropical areas. Without any natural protection of their own, these crabs normally find shelter in discarded mollusk shells. But a number of terrestrial hermit crab species are beginning to opt for artificial shells frequently consisting of plastic objects found in beach trash.

Inner ear of 6-million-year-old ape fossil reveals clues about the evolution of human movement

Humans and our closest relatives, living apes, display a remarkable diversity of types of locomotion—from walking upright on two legs to climbing in trees and walking using all four limbs.

First-ever sighting of a live newborn great white may help solve longstanding mystery in shark science

Great whites, the largest predatory sharks in the world with the most fatal attacks on humans, are tough to imagine as newborn babies. That is partially because no one has seen one in the wild, it seems, until now.

Spray coating for grapes shows promise in battle between wildfire smoke and wine

Spray on coatings for grapes in the vineyard have promise in preventing off flavors in wines that result from contact with wildfire smoke, according to new Oregon State University research.

Researchers discover molecular mechanism that influences the symmetrical shape of the style

Humans are attracted to symmetry: in our buildings, our gardens, in our potential partners. For plants, the symmetrical shapes of organs are a matter of survival because the form directly impacts the function.

Scientists investigate the sensory information hummingbird hawk moths rely on to control their proboscis

Just as when we humans reach for objects, the hummingbird hawk moth uses its visual sense to place its long proboscis precisely on a flower to search for nectar, according to a study by Konstanz biologists.

Researchers map genome for cats, dolphins, birds, and dozens of other animals

Researchers mapped genetic blueprints for 51 species including cats, dolphins, kangaroos, penguins, sharks, and turtles, a discovery that deepens our understanding of evolution and the links between humans and animals.

Study reveals mechanisms behind how growing cells maintain their mojo by scaling up biosynthesis

Similar to the way expanding companies increase their work forces, cells must boost their production of internal biomolecules when they grow in size in order to stay healthy. In the 1970s, biologists showed that this scaled-up biosynthesis hinges on faster rates of transcription—the process where genetic blueprints in DNA are copied over to RNA molecules. Yet in the half-century since, the mechanism behind the expedited transcription rates has remained unclear.

Rising sea levels could lead to more methane emitted from wetlands

As sea levels rise due to global warming, ecosystems are being altered. One small silver lining, scientists have believed, is that the tidal wetlands found in estuaries might produce less methane—a potent greenhouse gas—as the increasing influx of seawater makes these habitats less hospitable to methane-producing microbes.

Green leaf volatiles may work as a less toxic pesticide for farmers

Have you ever wondered about that sharp, green note that hits your nose when you mow the lawn or cut flower stems? Those are green leaf volatiles, or GLVs: easily evaporated oils that plants use to communicate with other plants and defend themselves against herbivores or pathogens like bacteria or fungi.

Understanding nutrient cycling between algae and bacteria could lead to increased biofuel production

The interactions between algae and bacteria are essential to the primary productivity of Earth's oceans and surface waters. Bacteria can increase the productivity of algae by producing key factors, such as vitamins, iron-chelating molecules, and growth hormones. In addition, bacteria remineralize organic matter—a process that provides a steady supply of nutrients to algae. However, not much is known about this process.

Biologists discover that rising temperature accelerates aging in mosquitoes, weakening their immune systems

A study published January 10, 2024 in PLOS Pathogens found that mosquitoes age more quickly when temperatures are higher. This aging, in turn, weakens the mosquito immune system and makes them more likely to get infected with disease. Because global temperature is rising due to climate change, the findings, by Vanderbilt biology graduate student Lindsay Martin and Centennial Professor of Biological Sciences Julián Hillyer, could have grave implications for the mosquito population and disease transmission.

Spacing characteristics between vegetation could be a warning sign of degrading dryland ecosystems: Study

Scientists have found that the spatial arrangement of plants in drylands can be a sign of the environment degrading, according to a new study.

Endangered seabird shows surprising individual flexibility to adapt to climate change

How individual animals respond to climate change is key to whether populations will persist or go extinct. Many species are shifting their ranges as the environment warms, but up to now the mechanisms underlying this have been unclear. For Europe's most endangered seabird, the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), new research has revealed that individual behavioral flexibility and not evolutionary selection is driving this species' rapid migratory range shift.

Team develops a non-allergenic wheat protein for growing better cultivated meat

As the world's population increases, cultivated or lab-grown meat—animal muscle and fat cells grown in laboratory conditions—has emerged as a potential way to satisfy future protein needs. And edible, inexpensive plant proteins could be used to grow these cell cultures. Now, researchers in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering report that the non-allergenic wheat protein glutenin successfully grew striated muscle layers and flat fat layers, which could be combined to produce meat-like textures.

New AI model designs proteins to deliver gene therapy

Researchers at the University of Toronto have used an artificial intelligence framework to redesign a crucial protein involved in the delivery of gene therapy.

A rhino got pregnant from embryo transfer, in a success that may help nearly extinct subspecies

Researchers say a rhinoceros was impregnated through embryo transfer in the first successful use of a method that they say might later make it possible to save the nearly extinct northern white rhino subspecies.

Animals see the world in different colors than humans: New camera reveals what this looks like

If you've ever wished you could see the world though the eyes of another animal, we have good news for you. We also wondered about that and, being scientists who specialize in color vision, have created a solution: a camera system and software package that allows you to record videos in animal-view colors.

Small 'fortress' parks aren't the answer for Africa's savannah elephants. They need room to roam

Africa is home to about 410,000 savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana), most of them living in southern Africa. Over 290,000 elephants (70%) are spread across 103 protected areas which vary in size, connectivity and protection.

El Niño: Malawi's harvest of maize—its staple food—may fall by 22.5% this year

Maize is the preferred staple of most of southern Africa. In Malawi it supplies two-thirds of national calorie intake. Nine out of 10 farming households produce maize and devote over 70% of their land to growing it.

Banksias are iconic Australian plants, but their ancestors actually came from North Africa, research suggests

Few plants conjure up the Australian bush better than banksias, whose beautiful flowers are irresistible to honeyeater birds, small marsupials and nature lovers.

Australia's soils are notoriously poor. How scientists are working to improve them

Most things you eat grew in soil or ate plants growing in soil. We don't think much about it, but soil is essential to life.

Discovery of CsS40 transcription factor's role in tea plant physiology and aging

Caffeine, a significant bioactive alkaloid found in tea, cacao, and coffee, plays a crucial role in plant defense and human consumption. Despite its widespread use and biological importance, the transcriptional regulation of its biosynthesis remains largely unexplored.

Breakthrough in base editing enhances genetic engineering, trait evolution in watermelon

Cytosine and adenosine base editors (CBEs and ABEs) are integral to molecular breeding, enable precise modification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in plants, which are crucial for agronomic traits and species evolution. Despite their success in crops like rice, maize, and watermelon, their scope is limited to these two types of base substitutions.

New Rubiaceae species found in Yunnan, China

Leptomischus is a genus of plants in the family Rubiaceae, which is most abundant in the tropics and includes many economically important members used for purposes such as medicine, horticulture, and food production. Leptomischus is a typically Asian genus found only in Myanmar (one species), India (three species), Vietnam (five species), and China (five species). However, it is a poorly known and small genus, with only 10 species currently recognized.

Scientist identify candidate genes associated with albinism in Wels catfish

An international research team from Estonian University of Life Sciences and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences has discovered a set of candidate genes causing albinism in one of the largest freshwater fish, Wels catfish (Silurus glanis). The findings are published in the journal Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Back from the dead: Tropical tree fern repurposes its dead leaves

Plant biologists report that a species of tree fern found only in Panama reanimates its own dead leaf fronds, converting them into root structures that feed the mother plant. The fern, Cyathea rojasiana, reconfigures these "zombie leaves," reversing the flow of water to draw nutrients back into the plant.

Disturbing the seabed could make climate change worse, according to study

A study published this month in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science reveals that disturbing the seabed, through activities such as trawling, could increase the scale and speed of climate change.

Floating algae acts as a raft for juvenile pelagic fish, study finds

Floating macroalgae acts as a raft that provides habitat for a diverse array of juvenile oceanic fish a new Griffith University-led study has found.

Endangered fish can live longer after cataract surgery

Humans aren't the only species to develop cataracts with age. Some animals, including dogs, cats, horses and, it turns out, fish living in captivity, can also get cataracts as they grow older.

Cannabis sativa: Historical significance, genetic insights, and future potential in medicine and horticulture

Cannabis sativa, historically valued for its diverse uses in food, fiber, and medicine, is facing a shift in global perspective. Cannabinoids are the most abundant in Cannabis. Among them, the psychoactive cannabinoid ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) has addictive properties but is efficacious as medicine.

Putting animals to sleep can give veterinarians suicidal thoughts

Helene Seljenes Dalum has carried out research on what causes veterinarians to have suicidal thoughts. In June, she completed her doctorate at IMB, which brought her a little nearer to discovering the reasons behind the statistics.

Investigating effects of invasive trout on native charr in Kamikochi, Nagano

Globally, salmonids have been widely introduced into freshwater areas for aquaculture and recreational angling. brown trout (Salmo trutta), which are native to Europe, and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), which are native to North America, were introduced to Japan, and currently there are concerns that they are having a negative impact on the distribution and habitat of native white-spotted charr (Salvelinus leucomaenis) in Japan.

Team creates first database of field studies on the impacts of invasive plants in Europe

A team of experts has created the first database of field studies on the impacts of invasive plants on native species, communities and ecosystems in Europe.

Researchers identify new species of tuft-tailed rat in Madagascar

In an international effort, researchers have identified a previously unknown tuft-tailed rat (genus Eliurus) taxon in the Montagne d'Ambre forest in northern Madagascar, underscoring the region's extraordinary biodiversity. This discovery, published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, comes against a severe backdrop of habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening the survival of these unique species.

Cognitive archaeology and the psychological assessment of extinct minds

This week, Emiliano Bruner, a paleoneurologist at the Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), has published a wide-ranging review in the Journal of Comparative Neurology that describes the relationship between fossils and cognition following the tenets of cognitive archaeology, namely, by applying psychological models to those behaviors relevant to human evolution.

An AI-powered app that can detect poison ivy

Poison ivy ranks among the most medically problematic plants. Up to 50 million people worldwide suffer annually from rashes caused by contact with the plant, a climbing, woody vine native to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Western Bahamas and several areas in Asia.

Unveiling and decoding the regulatory mechanisms of secondary cell wall formation

Wood quality is primarily determined by the properties of its secondary cell wall (SCW). Gaining insight into the molecular processes governing SCW development is crucial for the genetic enhancement of wood quality. Although it's established that a multilayered gene regulatory network, operating at the transcriptional level, orchestrates SCW development, our grasp of its response to environmental fluctuations, and the resultant diverse SCW structure, is incomplete.

Expert explains why North American bird populations are declining

According to recent data, bird populations in North America have declined by approximately 2.9 billion birds, a loss of more than one in four birds since 1970. Experts say this bird loss will continue to grow unless changes are made in our daily lives.

Zebrafish usp3 loss found to promote hypoxic tolerance

Oxygen is an essential element for survival. Ocean warming, circadian rhythm, eutrophication, high-density aquaculture, power failures and long-distance live animal transportation can all lead to low oxygen levels in water. This reduction in oxygen can affect the health of aquatic animals, potentially leading to consequent ecological damage or economic loss.

Do tree-planting campaigns follow best practices for successful forest restoration?

Global tree-planting campaigns have reached fad-like proportions over the past decade, and it's easy to understand their appeal. Healthy forests help in the fight against climate change by absorbing some of our excess carbon dioxide emissions, and they can provide wildlife habitat and quality-of-life benefits for local human communities too. So why not plant more trees? It seems like an easy win.

'Everyone can be a naturalist' says the man who preserved more than 150,000 acres

Suburban environs can be dull. Lawns and roads don't offer much biodiversity for curious boys. But Charles Bier, a recently retired senior director of conservation science for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, found a way outside.

Sediment runoff from the land is killing NZ's seas. It's time to take action, says researcher

The fishers at Separation Point, between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay in New Zealand's northwest South Island, used to be cautious. Something they called "hard coral" would tear their nets. If you dived down about 30 meters, you could see why: Extensive reefs.

Importance of irrigation water to Lower Rio Grande Valley agriculture highlighted in new report

The economic impact of the complete lack of irrigation water for crop production in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in 2024 would be an estimated $495.8 million in direct revenue loss, according to a recent report by the Center for North American Studies, CNAS.

Medicine and Health news

Scientists find variant in the synaptonemal complex protein SYCE2 increases risk of pregnancy loss

While it is well established that chromosomal abnormalities are a major cause of miscarriages the biology behind pregnancy losses with or without chromosomal errors is not well understood. Over 114 thousand women from Iceland, Denmark, UK, U.S. and Finland who have experienced pregnancy loss participated in a genome-wide association study, testing 50 million sequence variants. A low frequency missense variant in the SYCE2 gene was found to increase the risk of pregnancy loss by 22%.

How obesity dismantles our mitochondria: Study reveals key mechanism behind obesity-related metabolic dysfunction

The number of people with obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, resulting in a worldwide epidemic. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a role in the development and progression of obesity, scientists have come to understand that obesity is also associated with intrinsic metabolic abnormalities.

Students who report using alcohol, cannabis or nicotine at higher risk for mental health disorders, survey shows

High school students who reported using cannabis, alcohol, or nicotine were more likely to have thoughts about suicide, feel depressed or anxious, have unusual experiences, and exhibit inattention or hyperactivity, according to recent survey-based study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the University of Minnesota.

Researchers discover Alzheimer's disease cases acquired from past medical treatments

Five cases of Alzheimer's disease are believed to have arisen as a result of medical treatments decades earlier, reports a team of UCL and UCLH researchers.

Scientists discover cancer treatment two-and-a-half times more effective when tumors have defective mitochondria

Scientists have made an unusual discovery that could help to identify patients who are up to two-and-a-half times more likely to respond to currently available cancer drugs.

Viral protein fragments may unlock mystery behind serious COVID-19 outcomes

There are many lingering mysteries from the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, why does SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the disease, cause severe symptoms in some patients, while many other coronaviruses don't? And what causes strange symptoms to persist even after the infection has been cleared from a person's system?

Combination drug activates calcium channels to trigger deadly influx of calcium ions inside tumor cells

Calcium ions are essential for cells, but can be toxic in higher concentrations. A team of researchers has now designed and prepared a combination drug that kills tumor cells by modulating the calcium influx into the cell. An external calcium source is not necessary because only the calcium ions already present in the tumor tissue are used, according to the study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

New technology makes cancer easier for immune system to find and destroy

A new technology to increase visibility of cancer cells to the immune system using CRISPR has been developed, and could lead to a new way to treat cancer.

Old area in the brain turns out to be more important for vision than expected

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience have discovered that a brain area preserved through evolution, called the superior colliculus, is more crucial for vision than we thought.

Is lung cancer treatment working? This chip can tell from a blood draw

Using a chip to process blood samples, doctors can monitor the amount of cancer cells in a patient's blood to determine how well a treatment is working by the fourth week, according to a new University of Michigan study.

Protein identified as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas

Investigators from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a protein called UCHL1 in highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and neuroblastoma that could potentially be used as a molecular biomarker for diagnosing these cancers and predicting and monitoring responses to therapy.

New study on promising stem cell-based therapy for Crohn's disease

A stem cell therapy for Crohn's disease developed by UC Davis Health researchers has shown promising results in mouse studies.

Study urges people to think twice before going on a diet

A new qualitative study highlights the negative interpersonal and psychological consequences associated with "yo-yo dieting," also known as weight cycling. The work underscores how toxic yo-yo dieting can be and how difficult it can be for people to break the cycle.

Jobs and geography may affect hearing: New study maps hearing loss by state and county across the US

The first study to map the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss in the United States by state and county finds that rates of hearing loss are higher among men, non-Hispanic whites, and residents of rural areas. Bilateral hearing loss is hearing loss in both ears.

Study shows breast cancer rates increasing among younger women

Diagnoses of breast cancer have increased steadily in women under age 50 over the past two decades, with steeper increases in more recent years, according to a study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The surge is driven largely by increases in the number of women diagnosed with estrogen-receptor positive tumors, cancerous growths fueled by estrogen.

Re-energizing mitochondria to treat Alzheimer's disease

Nerve cells in the brain demand an enormous amount of energy to survive and maintain their connections for communicating with other nerve cells. In Alzheimer's disease, the ability to make energy is compromised, and the connections between nerve cells (called synapses) eventually come apart and wither, causing new memories to fade and fail.

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging during convective gene therapy in brain

Real-time magnetic resonance (MR) imaging during gene therapy in the nervous system provides foundational impact on optimizing the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of gene therapy delivery to the nervous system.

How a walk in nature restores attention

New research from University of Utah psychology researchers is helping prove what American authors John Muir and Henry David Thoreau tried to teach more than 150 years ago: Time spent in nature is good for the heart and soul.

Study helps explain why stress in adolescence can lead to predisposition to mental illness in adulthood

Excessive stress during adolescence can cause alterations in the profile of genes expressed in the brain, especially those associated with bioenergy functions. These alterations may affect cell respiration, resulting in behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders in adulthood, according to a study in rats conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo's Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP-USP) in Brazil.

Study finds people with OCD are more likely to die earlier, of any cause

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD for short, are 82% more likely to die earlier—from natural or unnatural causes—than people without the condition, a new study reveals.

Experimental gene therapy allows kids with inherited deafness to hear

Gene therapy has allowed several children born with inherited deafness to hear.

New study reveals the profound impact of forced separation between humans and their pets

Pet owners forced to be separated from their animals in crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence, are suffering from a lack of support services needed to protect them.

Study finds obesity and alcohol are contributing to increases in bowel cancer rates among young adults

Overweight and obesity are contributing to rising death rates from bowel cancer among people aged 25–49 years in the European Union (EU) and the UK, although death rates from this type of cancer are decreasing overall across Europe.

Playing an instrument linked to better brain health in older adults

Engaging in music throughout your life is associated with better brain health in older age, according to a new study published by experts at the University of Exeter.

Study finds organ donations after medical assistance in dying made up 14% of deceased donations in Quebec

To understand the impact of organ donation after medical assistance in dying (MAiD), Quebec researchers analyzed data on all patients referred to Transplant Québec for possible organ donation after MAiD from January 2018 to December 2022. This represented the first five full years when organ donation after MAiD was allowed in the province. The study is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: New review to help diagnose and manage

A new review in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) is aimed at helping clinicians diagnose and manage polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder that affects about 10% of females.

Our sense of taste helps pace our eating. Understanding how may lead to new avenues for weight loss

As a scientist who investigates hunger and weight control, I'm interested in the way our brains let us know we've had enough.

Immunotherapy post-surgery found to improve overall survival for kidney cancer

For the first time in fifty years, results from a phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trial have shown an overall survival benefit from an adjuvant therapy in patients with kidney cancer.

Health care workforce turnover increased after pandemic

There was an increase in health care workforce turnover after the pandemic, according to a study published online Jan. 26 in JAMA Health Forum.

Community health centers serve 1 in 11 Americans. They're a safety net under stress

Elisa Reyes has come to Plaza del Sol Family Health Center for doctor's appointments for more than a decade. Though she moved away a while ago, the 33-year-old keeps returning, even if it means a two-hour roundtrip bus ride.

UK unveils plan to ban disposable e-cigarettes

The UK will introduce legislation to ban disposable e-cigarettes in order to tackle a rise in youth vaping, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced Monday.

Acupuncture tied to improvements in poststroke motor aphasia

Acupuncture may improve language function in patients with poststroke motor aphasia, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in JAMA Network Open.

Coronary artery disease testing after initial heart failure hospitalization aids outcomes

Coronary artery disease (CAD) testing within 90 days of hospitalization for heart failure is associated with a lower risk for heart failure readmission or all-cause mortality, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

New pediatric immunization guidelines take a jab at vaccine hesitancy

It happens every year around this time: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases the new year's immunization schedules, which describe when and how vaccines should be given.

Study identifies molecule that could improve asthma treatments

Researchers are passionate about their fields of study for a variety of reasons. For Satish Madala, his focus on asthma is deeply personal.

WHO urges more countries to get tougher on trans fat

The World Health Organization said Monday that nearly half the world's population was now covered by solid rules limiting trans fat in foods and urged lagging countries to catch up.

The contraceptive pill also affects the brain and the regulation of emotions, say researchers

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are used by more than 150 million women worldwide. Approximately one-third of teenagers in North America and Europe use them, making them the most prescribed drug for teenagers.

Pickle, anyone? Three possible reasons women get cravings during pregnancy

From pickles and french fries to oranges and ice cream, women and other people who are pregnant report craving a range of foods while they're expecting.

Study explores spirituality's role in children's mental health

A Brock University-led international team's recent research suggests that spirituality be added to factors that determine children's mental health. "Establishing spirituality as an intermediary determinant of health among 42,843 children from eight countries" appears in the February issue of Preventive Medicine.

Physical traits of gingivitis identified: Discovery holds hope for combating gum inflammation

Scientists have determined the main causes of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums attributed to bacterial infection which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Improving the diagnosis of disease with the help of AI

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Waterloo has developed a more trustworthy method to diagnose diseases such as COVID-19, pneumonia, and melanoma using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Research identifies predictors of venous thromboembolism after pulmonary resection for lung cancer

A new study presented at The Society of Thoracic Surgeons' 2024 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, examines the ongoing controversy surrounding the choice between multi-arterial grafting (MAG) and single arterial grafting (SAG) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for multivessel coronary revascularization.

New evidence informs risk factors, diagnosis and care of patients with CVT stroke

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association emphasizes the need to increase patients' and physicians' awareness of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) to improve the recognition of this condition and initiate prompt medical treatment.

Neglected tropical diseases persist in the world's poorest places: Four reads about hurdles and progress

It's sobering to reflect that "neglected tropical diseases" are referred to as "neglected" because they persist in the poorest, most marginalized communities even after being wiped out in more developed parts of the world.

Arts, medicine combine to help patients with chronic digestive symptoms

In a study led by a team at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Ohio State's Wexner Center for the Arts, patients suffering from digestive symptoms were prescribed participation in an art program designed to help ease stress associated with their chronic illness. The study, called Project Gather, used the combination of gallery art exhibits and installations, hands-on activities and music to decrease the sense of loneliness among patients living with digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating and pain.

New study indicates that many people will conceal their illnesses, putting others at risk

Have you ever hidden the fact that you were sick with a contagious illness from people around you?

Optometry expert warns red light myopia therapy can injure retina

A University of Houston optometry researcher is warning against the use of low-level red light (LLRL) therapy as a method to control myopia, or nearsightedness, especially in children.

New research finds volume alone does not predict quality outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery

A study of pediatric heart surgery centers across the United States has demonstrated that, when it comes to successful surgery, it's not just the size of the program that matters in determining quality outcomes. The study is published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery journal.

Is diabetes remission really as hard to achieve as a new study suggests?

In 2017, a landmark study was published in The Lancet showing that type 2 diabetes could be reversed by diet alone.

Certain indoor air pollutants can be absorbed through the skin. What you need to know

Even though most of us will spend a majority of our lives indoors, that doesn't mean we aren't still exposed to air pollution. Indoor air contains a wide array of pollutants including chemicals found in many common household items, building materials and cleaning products.

More Americans support government assistance for care of older adults

Prior to the pandemic, the majority of American adults thought that families should be responsible for the daily care of older adults—and that families should cover the cost of this care.

Hydroxyurea significantly reduces infections in children with sickle cell anemia

Clinical research led by Indiana University School of Medicine investigators and their collaborators in Uganda has revealed that hydroxyurea significantly reduces infections in children with sickle cell anemia. Their latest findings enhance strong evidence of hydroxyurea's effectiveness and could ultimately reduce death in children in Africa, the continent most burdened by the disease.

Long COVID: Tech assisted breathing exercises relieve symptoms

Simple breathing exercises done twice daily while using a mobile phone app can help relieve the symptoms of long COVID, new research has found.

RNA sequencing analysis may yield better diagnosis, targeted treatment of pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, representing more than 30% of all pediatric cases. A pilot study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics confirms the feasibility of implementing an RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-Seq) workflow for clinical diagnosis of molecular subtypes in pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).

Research identifies predictors of venous thromboembolism after pulmonary resection for lung cancer

In patients who undergo pulmonary resection for lung cancer, a major potential postoperative complication is venous thromboembolism (VTE)—a condition that develops when a blood clot forms in a vein—which can lead to part of the clot breaking off and lodging in the lung, resulting in a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Researchers report on ctDNA-based detection of residual disease prognostic for resected CRC

For patients with radically resected, stage II to IV colorectal cancer (CRC), circulating tumor (ct)DNA-based detection of molecular residual disease (MRD) in response to adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is prognostic of outcomes, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, held from Jan. 18 to 20 in San Francisco.

Specific plant foods reduce premature aging in childhood cancer survivors

For childhood cancer survivors, specific plant foods are associated with a lower risk for premature aging, according to a study published online Jan. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Motivational interviewing approach does not reduce BMI in children

A motivational interviewing (MI) strategy seems not to be effective for reducing childhood obesity, with youth in the intervention arm gaining more weight, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in Pediatrics.

Addition of durvalumab, bevacizumab to TACE beneficial in liver cancer

For patients with embolization-eligible unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), the addition of durvalumab (D) and bevacizumab (B) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) improves progression-free survival (PFS), according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, held from Jan. 18 to 20 in San Francisco.

High-frequency jet ventilation seems safe for lung ablation

For percutaneous lung ablation, high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) under general anesthesia seems as safe as spontaneous respiration (SR) under moderate sedation, with longer room time for HFJV, according to a study published online Jan. 24 in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

The three heart health tests you may not know you need

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women in the United States. Eating a healthy diet and exercising help keep the heart healthy along with regular checkups with a doctor. While doctors routinely check blood pressure, glucose levels and HDL ("good" cholesterol) and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels, there are three heart screenings that many people are not familiar with and can help prevent serious cardiac events even if there aren't any symptoms.

Should doctors who are public officials have the right to spread medical misinformation to the general public?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration say the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks.

Nearly two-thirds of low-risk pulmonary embolism patients are hospitalized after ED visit: Study

An analysis of more than 1.6 million emergency department (ED) visits for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has found that nearly two-thirds of ED visits still resulted in hospitalization for low-risk patients. This trend remained stable between 2012 and 2020, despite research indicating the safety of outpatient management. The analysis is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Myeloid mutations associated with high-risk adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Scientists previously thought mutations in myeloid genes could only cause myeloid cancers such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML)—hence the name given to these genes. However, a recent study led by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine reveals that myeloid mutations can also cause high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and that ALL patients with these mutations require non-standard treatment.

Cancer in rural Upstate New York: Study reveals obstacles, opportunities for care

People struggling with cancer who live in rural areas outside Rochester confront transportation issues and unique challenges related to farm life, a Wilmot Cancer Institute study shows.

Method that rapidly predicts breast cancer survival rates clinically validated

Digistain, a company with its roots at Imperial, has proven the worth of its breast cancer assessment method in a significant clinical trial.

Q&A: Why we love sweets—understanding the science of sugary foods

Sugar, a simple carbohydrate that provides a quick source of energy for the body, is in many foods and beverages we consume daily—from fruits, vegetables and dairy products, to candy, pastries and other desserts.

Performance in '20-meter shuttle run test' associated with brain health in overweight children

Aerobic fitness is often considered one of the best indicators of childhood health. It is also linked to better academic performance, executive function, and larger brain volume. However, aerobic fitness has been studied quite narrowly, often using methods that do not optimally represent it.

Racial and ethnic differences in hypertension-related telehealth

A new study published in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health found that hypertension management via telehealth increased among Medicaid recipients regardless of race and ethnicity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overcoming the stigma: Study recommends steps to move past barriers of brain health conversation

Approximately four of five primary care clinicians consider themselves on the front lines of brain health. In the U.S., clinicians are the first point of contact for patients worried about memory loss and are most likely the first to detect and evaluate patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Researchers decode the link between smoking and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder, is a significant global health issue, affecting the voluntary motor nervous system in affected individuals. It is further compounded by a lack of effective treatment options. This treatment gap highlights the need to identify risk factors, particularly modifiable ones, that could potentially prevent the onset of ALS.

Review reveals potential uses and pitfalls for generative AI in the medical setting

A narrative review from authors at Stanford University provides important insights for clinicians considering using large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT in their routine practice, including suggestions for usage and potential pitfalls with mitigation strategies. The review is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Measuring eGFR based on cystatin C levels may be a more accurate assessment of kidney function in older adults

A study of more than 82,000 older adults receiving outpatient measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) found that measuring eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C levels (eGFRcr-cys) was more strongly associated with adverse outcomes than measuring eGFR with only creatinine levels (eGFRcr). The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Empathetic care from practitioners associated with better patient satisfaction

A review of 14 studies has found that empathetic care is associated with improved patient satisfaction, a metric linked to important implications for patient outcomes. However, strong conclusions were limited by quality and applicability of evidence. The review is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Time to rethink how we define scientific expertise and authority, argue psychologists

A shift away from the individual expert as a source of scientific knowledge and authority is proposed by researchers in a recent scholarly paper, published in the open-access journal Social Psychological Bulletin.

Asthma rates climb for high school students as cannabis use increases

Asthma is more common among high school students who use cannabis, relative to those who do not and the prevalence of asthma increases with the frequency of its use among the students, according to a new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the City University of New York. The findings are published in the journal Pediatric Pulmonology.

Supporting childbearing women to maintain a healthy weight could reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, study finds

Supporting women of childbearing age to have a healthy weight could reduce the risk of several pregnancy complications, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The international collaborative study is published in BMC Medicine.

Prenatal air pollution exposure linked to severe newborn respiratory distress

Prenatal exposure to air pollution increases the risk of severe respiratory distress in newborn babies, according to new research conducted at the Penn State College of Medicine in collaboration with the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study led by Health Canada. The risk increases with exposure specifically to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which occur in wildfire and cigarette smoke and vehicle emissions, among other sources.

Broadening the range of contraceptive methods offered in the consultation room

New digital contraceptive methods, such as apps or wearables to determine fertile days, are gaining in popularity. University of Amsterdam medical anthropologist Ellen Algera and her colleagues have investigated whether and how these new methods find a place in the consultation room.

Breast cancer test may make bad chemotherapy recommendations for Black patients

A common test used to decide whether breast cancer patients should receive chemotherapy may be making bad recommendations for some Black women, leading them to forgo chemotherapy when it might have helped, according to new research from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Many Americans are counting their carbs—but what counts as a 'low-carb' diet?

Interest in low-carbohydrate (or "low-carb") diets continues to grow. In fact, low-carb diets have doubled in popularity among US consumers over the last decade. Yet, despite the eating pattern's popularity, confusion persists around what exactly qualifies as a low-carb lifestyle.

Subcutaneous nivolumab as effective as IV for renal cell carcinoma, with much faster treatment time: Clinical trial

Subcutaneous injection of the immunotherapy nivolumab (brand name Opdivo) is noninferior to intravenous delivery and dramatically reduces treatment time in patients with renal cell carcinoma, as seen in the results of a large phase 3 clinical trial reported today at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, California.

Researchers leverage AI to develop early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer

For more than three decades, a highly accurate early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer has eluded physicians. Now, scientists in the Georgia Tech Integrated Cancer Research Center (ICRC) have combined machine learning with information on blood metabolites to develop a new test able to detect ovarian cancer with 93% accuracy among samples from the team's study group.

A new guideline for medical extended reality

The American Medical Extended Reality Association (AMXRA), in partnership with the editorial board of the Journal of Medical Extended Reality, has developed a new guideline to help define the emerging field of Medical Extended Reality (MXR). The document is published in the Journal of Medical Extended Reality.

Talk therapy for mothers with postpartum depression may lead to positive changes in infant brain development

Researchers from McMaster University have found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided to mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) by public health nurses may lead to adaptive changes in brain development for their infants.

Breast milk may have potential protective effects against SARS-CoV-2, say researchers

The COVID-19 pandemic was an especially harrowing time for pregnant people and new parents.

Controlling respiratory syncytial virus: Real-life data from Luxembourg

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main reasons leading to hospitalization among young children worldwide and each year, an estimated 101,000 children below the age of 5 years die due to RSV infections. Since the end of 2022, the use of a long-acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) in infants as means of passive immunization against RSV has been allowed in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). However, only a few countries in the EU/EEA started using nirsevimab prior to the RSV season 2023/24.

Genetic alterations in thyroid cancer mediate resistance to BRAF inhibition and anaplastic transformation

A new research perspective titled "Genetic alterations in thyroid cancer mediating both resistance to BRAF inhibition and anaplastic transformation" has been published in Oncotarget.

Psychology research: Women more sensitive to cocaine

Previous studies focused on cocaine use have found that women are more likely than men to develop an addiction, try cocaine at a younger age, use larger amounts of the drug, and suffer from overdose.

Overcoming a 'stiff' reputation: Research highlights foot's variability and movement capability

A research collaboration between Griffith University and The University of Queensland is reshaping our understanding of human biomechanics, specifically through the interplay of foot form and function.

Do you need to see a doctor for that rash?

When should you worry about a rash? Rashes may look alike, but while over-the-counter medications can treat some rashes, others can signal a more serious condition, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says.

Who can give blood and how long does it take? Your questions answered

With the blood supply falling to critically low levels, here are a few answers to common questions about blood donation.

New York joins local governments in erasing billions in medical debt

New York City pledged last week to pay down $2 billion worth of residents' medical debt. In doing so, it has come around to an innovation, started in the Midwest, that's ridding millions of Americans of health care debt.

Researchers: Sport and physical activity alone can't tackle health inequities in Indigenous communities

Organized sport is often positioned as a remedy for the many health issues that Indigenous Peoples face. While there are many benefits to sports participation, overstating those benefits risks obscuring the systemic problems they endure in trying to create their own visions for health.

Alcohol may help flush out arsenic from the body, study finds

A study published in Eco-Environment & Health sheds light on the complex impact of alcohol consumption on arsenic bioavailability and how it accumulates in tissues. It investigates how alcohol changes the gut microbiota and intestinal barriers, influencing how arsenic is absorbed and distributed throughout the body.

Almost 50% of patients under 60 years choose TAVR over surgical aortic valve replacement with worse outcomes

Despite national guidelines recommending surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for patients under age 65 with severe aortic stenosis, many hospitals are still opting for a nonsurgical approach in patients under 60—possibly with poorer survival rates.

Zimbabwe starts cholera vaccination drive

Zimbabwe launched a vaccination campaign against cholera on Monday, to rein in a worsening outbreak of the disease that the government said has killed more than 400 people.

Updated EULAR recommendations for hip and knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 500 million people worldwide. The disease is age-related, and usually starts to affect people in middle age. For elderly people, OA is the most common cause of disability, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and impacts on participation in both social and work contexts.

Expert advice for women with thinning hair

Thinning hair is common as we age. And while the signs might not be as obvious as in men, about 55% of women experience some hair loss by the time they're 70. Treatments to prevent or stop it can help many women who are losing their hair.

How precise diagnosis of lymphoma offers patients best treatment options

Dr. Lisa Rimsza is a pathologist, director of the Mayo Clinic Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory and researcher with the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research specializes in lymphoma, with a focus on developing tests for accurate patient diagnoses and assessing disease aggressiveness.

Five tips to help you get outdoors to work out

It's never a bad time to start an exercise routine or get back to one. And with warmer weather and more daylight on the horizon, there's ample opportunity to get outside for your daily walk, bike ride or team sport.

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly common in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and it is a strong predictor of subsequent cardiovascular events. However, whether treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can decrease this risk remains controversial.

Appeasing the wheezing: Determinants and outcomes of respiratory disease in childhood

Asthma and cystic fibrosis are diseases that affect the lungs of children and adults. Previous research has shown that genetic and environmental factors during pregnancy and early childhood can contribute to the way children and young adults are affected by these lung diseases.

Liver fibrosis scores as predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Liver fibrosis scores (LFSs) are novel tools for predicting cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. A study appearing in Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications aimed at examining the prognostic value of LFSs in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Risk predictive model developed for patients with multivessel coronary artery lesions

The severity and prognosis of coronary artery disease are closely associated with treatment strategy choice. To achieve timely, accurate, early selection of a suitable treatment plan and assess patients' prognosis, researchers developed an effective predictive model for early identification of high-risk patients according to lesion severity. The work is published in the journal Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications.

What is a heart attack? Cardiologists explain the condition following death of NBA coach Dejan Milojević

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević died recently after a heart attack. Although most heart attacks happen in older people, younger people can experience them as well. The coach was just 46 years old.

Study finds reduced inpatient and severe respiratory disease visits during COVID-19 in Wuhan, China

In Wuhan, China, a stringent lockdown was implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, transitioning to a normalized prevention and control strategy. Considering the shared transmission route through the respiratory tract, mask-wearing, social distancing, and personal hygiene have been linked to reduced transmission of respiratory pathogens other than SARS-CoV-2. However, there has been less investigation into the broader spectrum of respiratory diseases, particularly in less developed countries.

Likelihood of more ambulance callouts in Australia as heat wave conditions continue

As Australia swelters through a long, hot summer, the effects of heat waves and the likelihood of ambulance callouts is at the heart of new Griffith University research.

Q&A: How exercise can boost cancer treatment and recovery

A team of UBC researchers wants to help people living with cancer incorporate exercise as an important part of their treatment and recovery.

Shedding light on driving in the dark

Driving at night might present more hazards than daytime driving. Nighttime blurriness is common, and bright headlights often lead to glares, halos around headlights and starbursts, which makes vision extremely challenging. A Baylor College of Medicine ophthalmologist explains the risks of nighttime driving.

Other Sciences news

Science sleuths are using technology to find fakery and plagiarism in published research

Allegations of research fakery at a leading cancer center have turned a spotlight on scientific integrity and the amateur sleuths uncovering image manipulation in published research.

Evidence of a patrilineal descent system for western Eurasian Bell Beaker communities

Poignant prehistoric burials containing the remains of an adult and child laid in a grave as though embracing in death have long fascinated archaeologists.

A manifold fitting approach for high-dimensional data reduction beyond Euclidean space

Statisticians from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have introduced a new technique that accurately describes high-dimensional data using lower-dimensional smooth structures. This innovation marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of complex nonlinear dimension reduction.

Best of Last Week—syphilis already in the new world, a hypersonic heat shield, smallest knot ever created

It was a good week for the study of human history as a team of anthropologists affiliated with several institutions in the U.S., working with a colleague from the National Register of Peruvian Archaeologists, says that early hunter–gatherer cultures should be renamed to "gatherer–hunters," citing evidence that foraged plant material made up far more of the early Peruvian diet than meat. And another team of anthropologists, this one a small international group, found evidence that syphilis-like diseases were already widespread in America before the arrival of Columbus—a finding contrary to stories of Europeans bringing such diseases to the new world, resulting in epidemics.

Huge tsunami with 20 meter waves may have wiped out Stone Age communities in Northumberland

An enormous tsunami with gigantic waves reaching 20 meters submerged large parts of northern Europe and may have wiped out populations of people in Stone Age Britain, a new University of York study has discovered.

Excavated dolmen in Sweden one of the oldest in Scandinavia

Last summer, archaeologists from Gothenburg University and Kiel University excavated a dolmen, a stone burial chamber, in Tiarp near Falköping in Sweden. The archaeologists judge that the grave has remained untouched since the Stone Age. First analysis results now confirm that the grave in Tiarp is one of the oldest stone burial chambers in Sweden.

Study reveals economic impact of Florida's red tide on tourism

A new study from the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management has found that the loss to tourism-related businesses due to the 2018 Florida red tide bloom is estimated at approximately $2.7 billion.

Egypt pyramid renovation sparks debate

A video showing renovation work at Egypt's Menkaure pyramid at Giza has triggered social media criticism, with one expert decrying its "absurdity".

The Doomsday Clock is still at 90 seconds to midnight. But what does that mean?

Once every year, a select group of nuclear, climate and technology experts assemble to determine where to place the hands of the Doomsday Clock.

Disinformation is often blamed for swaying elections. The research says something else

Many countries face general elections this year. Political campaigning will include misleading and even false information. Just days ago, it was reported that a robocall impersonating US president Joe Biden had told recipients not to vote in the presidential primary.

Who we care about is limited, but research shows how humans can expand their 'moral circle'

A cost-of-living crisis, the ongoing impact of COVID, climate change, and numerous global conflicts and refugee crises. When it feels like so many people are doing it tough, how do we decide where to direct our compassion?

How leaders respond when confronted with mortality

Recent research has found that when confronted with the idea of death during the COVID-19 pandemic, some leaders chose to take shortcuts for personal gain, while others stepped up with a selfless and caring attitude.

What would Carl Jung tell you to do with your spreadsheet of life goals? Throw it away and embrace the feminine

Current debates about gender have become polarized. These divisive arguments tend to focus on narrowly defining "man" or "woman," rather than considering archetypal underpinnings of the feminine and masculine. For psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung and post-Jungian thinkers, these concepts are crucial to understanding gender and wider cultural dynamics.

More than half of charity campaigns for international causes focus on Africa. Why that's harmful

The images used by charities and NGOs can become deeply ingrained in the memories of supporters, donors, development partners and the "beneficiaries" themselves. These stories color what is generally known about global poverty and the developing world.

Images shape cities, but who decides which ones survive? It's a matter of visual justice

In the early hours, poster installers head out with buckets of wheat paste and gig advertisements, refreshing the thousands of square meters of street poster sites in Melbourne. Graffiti writers and artists also take to the walls with their pieces. Municipal surface cleaners soon follow with chemicals and pressure washers.

Study explores outcomes when politicians talk to businesses

New research by two University of Oregon business professors shows that politicians share valuable information with companies that can be passed on to investors, affecting industries and markets.

From Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha: Sociology professor asks 'Is it time to stop talking about generations?'

"Millennials don't really want to work. They're far too focused on avocado toast and chai lattes!" Just one of the many clichés expressed by workers over the age of 50. And those being criticized? Well, they often reply with a bored "OK, Boomer" followed by an eye roll and some ironic remark about the excessively performance-driven worldview of those born between the mid-1950s and the mid-1960s.

Stricter parental monitoring of social media isn't always better, says study

Parents are often under the impression that the best way to protect their preteens and teens online is to restrict their use: limiting the amount of time they can spend, implementing rules about which apps they're allowed to use, etc. But this kind of restrictive monitoring, though popular, may not be the most effective strategy.

When Chinese citizens are surveyed anonymously, support for party and government plummets

Chinese citizens who rarely voice open criticism of their government reveal stronger negative views when they can answer questions anonymously, according to a new study published in The China Quarterly.

Students are missing more school, and school nurses may be well-positioned to help

School nurses are more than just health care heroes. They also play a key role in identifying students who are at risk for chronic absenteeism—a growing problem that diminishes academic success and can hurt students' health and lead to a variety of negative long-term life outcomes.

Transforming food systems could create trillions of dollars of economic benefits every year

Transforming food systems around the world would lead to socio-economic benefits summing up to US $5–10 trillion a year, shows a new global policy report produced by leading economists and scientists of the Food System Economics Commission (FSEC).

Praise for Australian 'social supermarket' model

A new model of "social supermarket" providing affordable food and social supports for people experiencing financial stress in South Australia should be expanded, experts say.

UK teens experienced spike in online harm during COVID-19 pandemic, report claims

A new pair of reports co-led by a UCL researcher highlights the scale of online harm faced by young people in the UK while also demonstrating the impact of educational workshops in equipping young people with tools to navigate the digital world.

Digital 'history machines' are never politically neutral, researcher says

The idea of creating a "universal library" that contains the entirety of all the human knowledge and heritage has inspired the imaginations of the brightest minds of scholars and humanists since ancient times.


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