Science X Newsletter Thu, Jan 25

Dear ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 25, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Rare decay of the Higgs boson may point to physics beyond the Standard Model

The logic underlying recurrent activity in the primary visual cortex

Study explores spectacular ionization cones of the galaxy NGC 5252

Astrophysical jet caught in a 'speed trap'

Hubble finds water vapor in small exoplanet's atmosphere

Scientists discover the moon is shrinking, causing landslides and instability in lunar south pole

A study of how Americans die may improve their end of life

Japan's precision moon lander has hit its target, but it appears to be upside-down

Why cancer immunotherapies don't work for everyone

Researchers establish brain pathway linking motivation, addiction and disease

Study shows hot droughts in the western US have become more common over the past five centuries

A method for extracting iron from aluminum production waste

A skin patch that can monitor tumor size and send it to a smartphone

How HIV smuggles its genetic material into the cell nucleus

Dinosaurs might have used feathers on forelimbs and tails to flush and pursue their prey, say biologists

Nanotechnology news

Cellular scaffolding rewired to make microscopic railways Princeton researchers have learned to harness the gossamer scaffolding that maintains the structure of living cells and used it to develop a nanotechnology platform. The technique eventually could lead to advances in soft robotics, new medicines, and the development of synthetic systems for high-precision biomolecular transport.

Physics news

	Rare decay of the Higgs boson may point to physics beyond the Standard Model Particle physicists have detected a novel decay of the Higgs boson for the first time, revealing a slight discrepancy in the predictions of the Standard Model and perhaps pointing to new physics beyond it. The findings are published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
	New method flips the script on topological physics The branch of mathematics known as topology has become a cornerstone of modern physics thanks to the remarkable—and above all reliable—properties it can impart to a material or system. Unfortunately, identifying topological systems, or even designing new ones, is generally a tedious process that requires exactly matching the physical system to a mathematical model.
	From bubbles to fuel: Could this special soap film soon enable artificial photosynthesis? A soap film with chemically distinct sides represents the latest breakthrough in research led by chemist Sylvestre Bonnet. This unique soap film, along with an innovative device capable of continuously producing new soap films, forms a crucial piece in the puzzle for the development of artificial photosynthesis. The study is published in Physical Review Letters.
	Team accomplishes precise measurements of the heaviest atoms An international research team has successfully conducted ultra-precise X-ray spectroscopic measurements of helium-like uranium. The team, which includes researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Helmholtz Institute Jena (both in Germany), has achieved results demonstrating their success in disentangling and separately testing one-electron two-loop and two-electron quantum electrodynamic effects for extremely strong Coulomb fields of the heaviest nuclei for the first time.
	Geometric phase-encoded liquid crystal optical sensing Sensing technology, integral to environmental monitoring, data acquisition, and precision data processing, is evolving rapidly. Researchers are at the forefront of developing swift, accessible, and cost-effective sensors. Among these innovations, cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) in stimulus-responsive photonic crystals exhibit exceptional promise.
	Scientists show that quantum infrared spectroscopy can achieve ultra-broadband spectroscopic measurements Our understanding of the world relies greatly on our knowledge of its constituent materials and their interactions. Recent advances in materials science technologies have ratcheted up our ability to identify chemical substances and expanded possible applications.
	Team develops new way to generate powerful and focused X-rays using electron waveshaping Scientists led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed and simulated a new energy-efficient way to generate highly focused and finely controlled X-rays that are up to a thousand times more intense than those from traditional methods. The findings are published in the journal Light: Science & Applications.
	Shaping the dawn of the quantum age Electrons that spin to the right and the left at the same time. Particles that change their states together, even though they are separated by enormous distances. Intriguing phenomena like these are completely commonplace in the world of quantum physics. Researchers at the TUM Garching campus are using them to build quantum computers, high-sensitivity sensors and the internet of the future.

Earth news

	Study shows hot droughts in the western US have become more common over the past five centuries A team of geographers, climatologists and tree ring specialists affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.S. has found the number and degree of hot droughts in the western U.S. is unprecedented in the modern era. In their project, reported in the journal Science Advances, the group studied tree ring and historical drought data over the years 1553 to 2020.
	White House rule dramatically deregulates wetlands, streams and drinking water, machine learning study finds The 1972 Clean Water Act protects the "waters of the United States" but does not precisely define which streams and wetlands this phrase covers, leaving it to presidential administrations, regulators, and courts to decide. As a result, the exact coverage of Clean Water Act rules is difficult to estimate.
	Climate change can put the planet's largest reserves of drinking water at risk An international study of temperature variations in 12 caves around the world shows that a large part of the Earth's freshwater reserves available for immediate consumption can be at risk due to climate change.
	Ozone-related deaths projected to rise without stricter climate controls An international study led by scientists at the Yale School of Public Health warns that ozone-related deaths will rise significantly in many parts of the world over the next two decades unless current climate and air quality regulations are strengthened.
	Experts call for shift in global decision-making to tackle impact of urban expansion, avoid 'planetary catastrophe' Leading scientists are calling for an urgent step change in global governance to save the future of worldwide cities and the planet at large.
	From New York to Jakarta, land in many coastal cities is sinking faster than sea levels are rising Sea level rise has already put coastal cities on notice thanks to increasing storm surges and even sunny day flooding at high tide. These challenges will continue to grow because global projections point to a mean sea level rise of at least one foot above year-2000 levels by the end of this century.
	Disaster communications can be more effective when using different messaging strategies In the past two decades, disasters have left a devastating impact, claiming over a million lives and causing nearly US$3 trillion in global economic losses, according to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
	Ice storms, January downpours, heavy snow, no snow: Diagnosing 'warming winter syndrome' One of the most robust measures of Earth's changing climate is that winter is warming more quickly than other seasons. The cascade of changes it brings, including ice storms and rain in regions that were once reliably below freezing, are symptoms of what I call "warming winter syndrome."
	Oder River crisis: Statistics may help prevent future river tragedies Hundreds of tons of dead fish flowed down the Oder River at the turn of July and August 2022. The scale of the event was devastating. Despite prompt efforts, Polish and German authorities struggled to identify the cause of this ecological disaster for several weeks.
	Alarming levels of PFAS contamination found in small coastal ecosystems Micro-estuaries, often overlooked but vital ecosystems supporting biodiversity and enhancing human life quality in densely populated areas, play a crucial role in controlling the transfer of pollutants from land to sea. A new study investigating the occurrence, distribution, and associated risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in three micro-estuaries during the dry season has been undertaken.
	Researchers discover great floods recurrently occurred in the lower Pearl River, southern China River flooding is among the most catastrophic disasters worldwide. The Pearl River, the longest watercourse in southern China, particularly its lower reach with dense population and economic activity, has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable regions to flood exposure.
	Study reveals ecological threat of trace organic pollutants in China's wastewater effluents Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are good at cleaning up common pollutants but often miss tiny amounts of other harmful substances, known as trace organic pollutants.
	New satellite capable of measuring Earth precipitation from space Measuring the amount of precipitation that falls in a specific location is simple if that location has a device designed to accurately record and transmit precipitation data. In contrast, measuring the amount and type of precipitation that falls to Earth in every location is logistically quite difficult. Importantly, this information could provide a wealth of data for characterizing and predicting Earth's water, energy and biogeochemical cycles.
	Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern From trash-strewn pavements to street vendors packing meals in polystyrene containers, plastic waste is a constant menace in the urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital and the continent's most populous city.
	Giant waves flood key US military base on Marshall Islands A clean-up operation was underway Thursday after giant waves flooded a key US military base on the Marshall Islands in the heart of the South Pacific.
	Warming world dampening winter sports in Canada Christmas was without snow, then temperatures seesawed throughout January in much of Canada, as the increasing effects of climate change drastically dampen the country's winter sports season.
	Colombia declares emergency over raging forest fires Colombia has declared a state of emergency in two regions as dozens of forest fires burned wide swathes of the country and left the capital choking on smoke during record temperatures linked with the El Niño weather phenomenon.
	Trying to make fashion friendlier to the environment That new pair of jeans you've been eyeing won't only cost your wallet but the planet too, and a group of high schoolers want to change that. The Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council, composed of 22 high school students from across the state, is pushing a pair of bills that would promote transparency and hold the fashion industry accountable for its negative impacts on the environment.
	Newport New residents ask city to consider barriers for coal dust Southeast Community residents have long complained about coal dust pollution from passing trains, and they want the City Council to intervene.
	Access and exclusion: What COP28 revealed about the dynamics of global climate diplomacy With the host country of this year's COP29 climate conference already forced into an embarrassing course correction over a shocking lack of representation in its organizing committee, the issues of influence, access and exclusion at COP have never been more critical.
	More reporting needed to show progress on Ontario municipal climate and sustainability plans, says study While sustainability reporting is a widespread practice in the private sector, new research shows that the same cannot be said for Ontario municipalities.
	Why Australian summer is getting more humid Has Sydney felt more like Cairns lately? You're not imagining it—millions of Australians up and down the east coast have sweltered through exceptionally high humidity in recent weeks.
	The role of seasonal compensation effects on mediating the land carbon sink in response to an extreme El Niño event Based on multiple evidence from remote sensing observations, global ecosystem model simulations and atmospheric CO2 inversions, a study led by Dr. Fangzhong Shi and Dr. Xiuchen Wu (Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University) has found continuous vegetation greening and a slight increase in land carbon sink during the maturation phase of the 2015/2016 El Niño event over the Northern Hemisphere.
	Opinion: The Australia-Tuvalu deal shows why we need a global framework for climate relocations The recent climate migration deal signed by Australia and Tuvalu in November 2023 has been touted as providing a "lifeline" to the people of the South Pacific nation who face existential threats from rising sea levels and climate change.
	Colombia seeks help with forest fires as smoke blankets capital Colombia on Thursday appealed for international help as it battled dozens of forest fires burning vast swathes of the country and covering the capital in a blanket of smoke.

Astronomy and Space news

	Study explores spectacular ionization cones of the galaxy NGC 5252 The nearby lenticular galaxy NGC 5252 hosts extremely extended cones of ionized material. Recent observations conducted by an international team of astronomers have inspected these remarkable structures, providing important insights into their properties. Results of the observational campaign were published January 17 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	Astrophysical jet caught in a 'speed trap' The science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke selected his own seven wonders of the world in a BBC television series in 1997. The only astronomical object he included was SS 433. It had attracted attention already in the late 1970s due to its X-ray emission and was later discovered to be at the center of a gas nebula that is dubbed the manatee nebula due to its unique shape resembling these aquatic mammals.
	Hubble finds water vapor in small exoplanet's atmosphere Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope observed the smallest exoplanet where water vapor has been detected in its atmosphere. At only approximately twice Earth's diameter, the planet GJ 9827d could be an example of potential planets with water-rich atmospheres elsewhere in our galaxy.
	Scientists discover the moon is shrinking, causing landslides and instability in lunar south pole Earth's moon shrank more than 150 feet in circumference as its core gradually cooled over the last few hundred million years. In much the same way a grape wrinkles when it shrinks down to a raisin, the moon also develops creases as it shrinks. But unlike the flexible skin on a grape, the moon's surface is brittle, causing faults to form where sections of crust push against one another.
	Japan's precision moon lander has hit its target, but it appears to be upside-down Japan's space agency said Thursday that its first lunar mission hit the tiny patch of the moon's surface it was aiming for, in a successful demonstration of its pinpoint landing system—although the probe appears to be lying upside-down.
	Researchers reveal faint features in galaxy NGC 5728 though JWST image techniques Mason Leist is working remotely—127 million light-years from Earth—on images of a supermassive black hole in his office at the UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy.
	Gravitational wave, Venus missions get European green light The European Space Agency gave the green light to two missions on Thursday, one to detect ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves and another to probe the secrets of Earth's closest neighboring planet Venus.
	After three years on Mars, NASA's Ingenuity helicopter mission ends NASA's history-making Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has ended its mission at the Red Planet after surpassing expectations and making dozens more flights than planned. While the helicopter remains upright and in communication with ground controllers, imagery of its Jan. 18 flight sent to Earth this week indicates one or more of its rotor blades sustained damage during landing and it is no longer capable of flight.
	Image: Hubble spies side-by-side galaxies A barred spiral galaxy and a lenticular galaxy come together to create this interacting pair known as Arp 140. The lenticular galaxy, NGC 274, is visible on the right side of this new NASA Hubble Space Telescope image, and the barred spiral, NGC 275, is at left. The twosome is located in the constellation Cetus.
	Webb sees dozens of young quasars in the first billion years of the universe Within almost every galaxy is a supermassive black hole. Millions, sometimes billions of solar masses are locked within an event horizon of space and time. They can power luminous quasars, drive star formation, and change the evolution of a galaxy. Because of their size and abundance, supermassive black holes must have formed early in cosmic history. But how early is still an unanswered question. It's a focus of a recent study on the arXiv preprint server.
	What the next solar maximum means for you Much like the Earth, our sun is a dynamic body with a complex—and sometimes violent—weather system. Solar storms eject highly energetic radiation that can impact our planet, forming strong auroras and disrupting power grids, electronics, and satellites.
	Asteroid 2024 BX1 spotted three hours before impact It was at 22:48 CET on Saturday 20 January when veteran asteroid hunter Sárneczky discovered a new asteroid using the 60 cm Schmidt Telescope at Piszkéstető Mountain Station, part of Konkoly Observatory in Hungary.
	Gemini South captures twisted dusty disk of NGC 4753, showcasing the aftermath of past merger The lenticular galaxy NGC 4753, captured by the Gemini South telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory operated by NSF's NOIRLab, is a truly remarkable object. Its prominent and complex network of dust lanes that twist around its galactic nucleus define its 'peculiar' classification and are the likely result of a galactic merger with a nearby dwarf galaxy about 1.3 billion years ago.
	NOAA's GOES-U arrives in Florida for processing ahead of launch The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite U (GOES-U), the fourth and final weather-observing and environmental monitoring satellite in NOAA's GOES-R Series, is now in Florida. The satellite landed on Tuesday, Jan. 23, in a United States Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy cargo plane at the Launch and Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
	ESA gives go-ahead for flagship gravitational-wave observatory in space LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, has passed a major review: the entire concept—from the definition of the overall mission and operations to the space hardware to be built—stood up to the intense scrutiny of ESA's reviewers.

Technology news

	A method for extracting iron from aluminum production waste A team of metallurgists in Germany has developed a technique for extracting iron from aluminum production waste. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group outlines their process and its degree of efficiency. Chenna Rao Borra, with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, has published a News and Views piece in the same journal issue outlining the work by the team on this new effort.
	Advanced full-color image sensor technology enables simultaneous energy harvesting and imaging Organic-based optoelectronic technology is increasingly recognized as an energy-efficient solution for low-power indoor electronics and wireless IoT sensors. This is largely due to its superior flexibility and light weight compared to conventional silicon-based devices. Notably, organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) and organic photodetectors (OPDs) are leading examples in this field.
	Researchers demonstrate rapid 3D printing with liquid metal MIT researchers have developed an additive manufacturing technique that can print rapidly with liquid metal, producing large-scale parts such as table legs and chair frames in a matter of minutes.
	Permeable pavements could reduce salmon-killing tire pollutants The pore-like structure of permeable pavements may help protect coho salmon by preventing tire wear particles and related contaminants from entering stormwater runoff, according to a Washington State University study.
	Programming light propagation creates highly efficient neural networks Current artificial intelligence models utilize billions of trainable parameters to achieve challenging tasks. However, this large number of parameters comes with a hefty cost. Training and deploying these huge models require immense memory space and computing capability that can only be provided by hangar-sized data centers in processes that consume energy equivalent to the electricity needs of midsized cities.
	Tesla 4Q earnings fall short of analyst estimates as company warns of lower sales growth this year Tesla's net income more than doubled last quarter thanks to a big one-time tax benefit, but it warned of "notably lower" sales growth this year.
	HP Enterprise discloses hack by suspected state-backed Russian hackers Hewlett Packard Enterprise disclosed Wednesday that suspected state-backed Russian hackers broke into its cloud-based email system and stole data from cybersecurity and other employees.
	Memory chip giant SK Hynix returns to profit on strong AI demand The world's second-largest memory chip maker, South Korea's SK Hynix, said on Thursday it had returned to profit after four consecutive quarters of losses driven by demand for chips used in artificial intelligence.
	From Japan to the world: how to translate a game Behind the global success of Japanese video games lies a delicate task: appealing to overseas players whose expectations on issues such as sexism are increasingly influencing the content of major titles.
	Clean energy largest driver of Chinese GDP growth in 2023: Report Clean-energy projects were the largest driver of China's economic growth in 2023, with Beijing investing nearly as much in decarbonization infrastructure as total global investment in fossil fuels, according to a report released Thursday.
	How To Tech: Why it's important to turn on Apple's new Stolen Device Protection You're in a crowded bar when a thief watches you unlock your iPhone with your passcode, then swipes it. That sinking feeling hits when you realize it's gone, along with priceless photos, important files, passwords on banking apps and other vital parts of your digital life.
	Just how climate-friendly are timber buildings? It's complicated The number of people living in urban areas around the world will swell by upwards of 2 billion over the next three decades. Many of those people will need new homes. But building those with conventional materials would unleash a gusher of carbon dioxide: Concrete, steel, glass and bricks for construction make up a combined 9% of global CO2 emissions, according to research by the United Nations Environment Program.
	Development of real-time trace hydrogen gas leakage via a novel terahertz-wave optical platform Hydrogen gas is the smallest and lightest of all known molecules, and its colorless and odorless nature makes it easy to leak. Also, when concentrated above 4% in a confined space, it poses a risk of ignition or explosion.
	How to protect your data privacy: Expert provides steps you can take and explains why you can't go it alone Perfect safety is no more possible online than it is when driving on a crowded road with strangers or walking alone through a city at night. Like roads and cities, the internet's dangers arise from choices society has made. To enjoy the freedom of cars comes with the risk of accidents; to have the pleasures of a city full of unexpected encounters means some of those encounters can harm you. To have an open internet means people can always find ways to hurt each other.
	Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees in its gaming division following Activision Blizzard buyout Microsoft is laying off about 1,900 employees in its gaming division, according to an internal company memo, just over three months since the tech giant completed its $69 billion purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard.
	Could a court really order the destruction of ChatGPT? The New York Times thinks so, and it may be right On Dec. 27, 2023, The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that the company committed willful copyright infringement through its generative AI tool ChatGPT. The Times claimed both that ChatGPT was unlawfully trained on vast amounts of text from its articles and that ChatGPT's output contained language directly taken from its articles.
	Researchers enhance safety of lithium batteries with graft polymerization technique Lithium-ion batteries are a widely used class of rechargeable batteries in today's world. One of the processes that can hamper the functioning of these batteries is an internal short circuit caused by direct contact between the cathode and anode (the conductors that complete the circuit within a battery).
	Climate change will require more cooling for Honolulu multifamily buildings Multifamily buildings in Honolulu without air conditioning will become increasingly warmer in the decades to come with "comfort levels" dropping by 42% by 2080 without interventions.
	Predicting the energy balance algorithmically A team in Turkey has tested different machine-learning algorithms for predicting electricity demand from different sources. They trained the algorithms on electricity demand data for the period 2000–2022 and used them to successfully make predictions for 2023 with differing degrees of accuracy.
	Psycho-acoustic simulations: Virtual noise assessment for passenger jet of the future Aircraft noise is often a nuisance for people living near airports and in flight paths—and, in the worst case, a health hazard, from sleep disorders to cardiovascular diseases. According to a report by the European Environment Agency, about 4 million people in Europe were exposed to excessive levels of aircraft noise in 2017.
	How extreme weather and system aging affect the US photovoltaic fleet For photovoltaic (PV) systems—designed to operate over lifetimes of 20, 30, or even 50 years—small losses in energy production can add up to measurable differences over time. These differences can even determine whether a system operates at a profit or loss. Yet, small changes in energy production are frustratingly difficult to measure, especially in the noisy and often incomplete data of a PV system's production.
	Focusing on how energy is consumed—rather than supplied—could be more helpful in reducing carbon emissions A new commentary, published in Joule by members of the Energy Demand Changes Induced by Technological and Social Innovations (EDITS) network, coordinated by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), highlights that switching the focus from how energy is supplied to how energy is consumed can be a more effective approach to reducing carbon emissions with the added benefit of improving well-being for all.
	Innovative stormwater solution unveiled to tackle record rainfall in Denmark Denmark faced unprecedented rainfall in 2023, breaking historical records and posing ongoing challenges with stormwater and flooding of streets and basements. Rather than resorting to expanding CO2-intensive concrete sewer networks to handle runoff, Professor Marina Bergen Jensen from the University of Copenhagen proposes to manage stormwater at its source and treat it as a valuable resource.
	FTC opens inquiry into Big Tech's partnerships with leading AI startups U.S. antitrust enforcers are opening an inquiry into the relationships between leading artificial intelligence startups such as ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and the tech giants that have invested billions of dollars into them.
	Apple will open iPhone to alternative app stores, lower fees in Europe to comply with regulations Apple has unveiled a sweeping plan to tear down some of the competitive barriers that it has built around its lucrative iPhone franchise, but the new choices opening up to consumers and app developers will only be available within Europe to start.
	Meta beefs up teen defenses at Instagram and Messenger Meta on Thursday began blocking messages from strangers sent directly to young teens using Instagram or Messenger.
	'We don't hit women': How Yakuza differs from GTA The "Yakuza" gangster series has long been seen as a Japanese "Grand Theft Auto" but Masayoshi Yokoyama, one of the main designers of the hugely successful games, dismisses any such comparison.
	US approves inspection program to return Boeing 737 MAX to service US regulators approved a detailed inspection framework that would allow the return to service of Boeing 737 MAX planes grounded after an emergency landing earlier this month, officials said Wednesday.
	GM bets on e-vehicles with $1.4 bn investment in Brazil General Motors said Wednesday it will invest seven billion reais (more than $1.4 billion) in Brazil in the next five years to develop electric vehicle production in Latin America's biggest economy.
	Nokia sees 'challenging' 2024 after profits plunge Finnish telecommunications equipment maker Nokia warned Thursday that it expects another tough economic environment in the first half of this year after its net profit sank in 2023.
	Stellantis acquires startup's AI tech for in-vehicle software platform Stellantis NV has acquired artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, intellectual property rights and patents from U.K.-based CloudMade to enhance its in-vehicle experience.
	Alaska Airlines says the grounding of some Boeing planes will cost the airline $150 million Alaska Airlines said Thursday that the grounding of its Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners will reduce full-year profit by $150 million and slow down the airline's planned growth.
	Pokemon to 'investigate' Palworld over copycat claims The Pokemon Company warned on Thursday it plans to investigate reports that the new hit video game "Palworld" violates the intellectual copyright of its iconic franchise.
	Temu is planning to open up its marketplace to U.S. and European sellers Temu, the online retailer owned by the parent of Chinese e-commerce company Pinduoduo, is opening its platform to U.S. and European sellers.
	Russian sentenced to five years in prison for Trickbot malware A Russian man has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for his involvement in developing the Trickbot malware used to extort businesses, including hospitals during the COVID pandemic, the US Justice Department said Thursday.

Chemistry news

	Autonomous synthesis robot uses AI to speed up chemical discovery Chemists of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have developed an autonomous chemical synthesis robot with an integrated AI-driven machine learning unit. Dubbed "RoboChem," the benchtop device can outperform a human chemist in terms of speed and accuracy while also displaying a high level of ingenuity.
	Teaching nature to break man-made chemical bonds For the first time, scientists have engineered an enzyme that can break stubborn man-made bonds between silicon and carbon that exist in widely-used chemicals known as siloxanes, or silicones. The discovery is a first step toward rendering the chemicals, which can linger in the environment, biodegradable.
	Magnesium still has the potential to become an efficient hydrogen store, says study It is easy to be optimistic about hydrogen as an ideal fuel. It is much more difficult to come up with a solution to an absolutely fundamental problem: How to store this fuel efficiently? A Swiss-Polish team of experimental and theoretical physicists has found the answer to the question of why previous attempts to use the promising magnesium hydride for this purpose have proved unsatisfactory, and why they may succeed in the future.
	New simulation tool advances molecular modeling of biomolecular condensates A University of Massachusetts Amherst team has made a major advance toward modeling and understanding how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) undergo spontaneous phase separation, an important mechanism of subcellular organization that underlies numerous biological functions and human diseases.
	Deep learning reveals molecular secrets of explosive perchlorate salts Perchlorates are a class of compounds that are notorious for their explosive nature. This raises safety concerns during experiments involving complex compounds that contain perchlorate ions, since explosions can be triggered even by the slightest shock or heat. It is, therefore, important to study their molecular structure and understand the reason behind their explosive nature.
	How to shift gears in a molecular motor A study published in Chemistry—A European Journal presents a proof-of-principle design of molecular motors.

Biology news

	How HIV smuggles its genetic material into the cell nucleus Each year, about 1 million individuals worldwide become infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. To replicate and spread the infection, the virus must smuggle its genetic material into the cell nucleus and integrate it into a chromosome.
	Dinosaurs might have used feathers on forelimbs and tails to flush and pursue their prey, say biologists What are the origins of wings and tails in birds? This is one of the key questions in the evolution of animals. It has long been accepted that their evolution began in feathered dinosaurs.
	These male marsupials forgo sleep for sex during the breeding season All animals need sleep. When humans or animals don't get enough, it can lead to trouble paying attention, irritability, and other ill effects. And yet, researchers reporting in the journal Current Biology have made the surprising discovery that a small Australian marsupial called an antechinus will sacrifice hours of sleep per night to make more time for sex during the mating season.
	Tiny ant species disrupts lion's hunting behavior In a study published in the journal Science, a team of scientists report that a tiny and seemingly innocuous invasive ant species is changing tree cover in an East African wildlife area, making it harder for lions, the world's most iconic predator, to hunt its preferred prey, zebra.
	Analyzing historical crop yields can reveal key soil health insights New research from Michigan State University shows how evaluating historical crop yields across distinct areas of agricultural fields can provide farmers with essential information on soil health characteristics and carbon sequestration. The paper was published in Scientific Reports.
	Ancient 'relaxant-inflammatory' mechanism gets sponges moving Did you know that sponges can move? While not exactly the champions of underwater acrobatics, sponges exhibit coordinated movements—despite not having muscles or neurons.
	'Hell chicken' species suggests dinosaurs weren't sliding toward extinction before the fateful asteroid hit Were dinosaurs already on their way out when an asteroid hit Earth 66 million years ago, ending the Cretaceous, the geologic period that started about 145 million years ago? It's a question that has vexed paleontologists like us for more than 40 years.
	Study explores how macrophages regulate regenerative healing in spiny mice A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky and Cincinnati Children's Hospital is delving deeper into the science behind how spiny mice can regenerate lost tissue. They are using what they learn to trigger regeneration in other types of mice—advances that one day may be translated into humans.
	Researchers create safer form of Coxiella burnetii for scientific use Scientists have unexpectedly discovered that the weakened form of the bacteria Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) not typically known to cause disease, has naturally acquired an ability to do so.
	The underground network: Decoding the dynamics of plant-fungal symbiosis The intricate dance of nature often unfolds in mysterious ways, hidden from the naked eye. At the heart of this enigmatic tango lies a vital partnership: the symbiosis between plants and a type of fungi known as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi.
	West Nile virus emergence and spread in Europe positively associated with agricultural activities The spread of West Nile virus in Europe is strongly linked to agricultural activities, urbanization, and bird migration, according to a modeling study published January 25, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Lu Lu from the University of Edinburgh, U.K., and collaborators belonging to a large European collaborative consortium under the VEO (Versatile Emerging infectious disease Observatory) project.
	Study shows cells respond quickly to small light-induced micro-environment movements Life sciences and photonics researchers at Tampere University have made a remarkable discovery in studying superficial cells' response to mechanical stimuli. By simulating the deformation of the extracellular matrix below the cells, researchers have shown that the cells quickly sense even minor changes in their environment, and their response is more complex than expected. The discovery may help to better understand, for example, the processes related to cancer metastasis formation.
	Diverse forests are best at standing up to storms, modeling study finds European forests with a greater diversity of tree species are more resilient to storms, according to new research published in the journal Functional Ecology.
	The palm tree that lives beneath the rainforest floor In the heart of western Borneo's vibrant jungles, the edible fruits of the underground palm are well-known to the local people who snack on them. But this botanical marvel has remained unnoticed by the scientific community for so long because it flowers and bears fruit underground.
	Fungal infections affect pine trees' ability to ward off mountain pine beetles University of Alberta research provides new insight into how harmful fungal infections could affect the ability of lodgepole pines to defend themselves from deadly mountain pine beetle attacks.
	New tech could help reduce ecological impact of underwater noise pollution A new system that harnesses the power of AI to accurately model how sound waves travel underwater could help reduce the impact of noise pollution on marine life.
	With deep roots and expanding collection, herbarium offers window into plant history The offices on the perimeter of the third floor of Bessey Hall on the Iowa State University campus have windows. A complex of four adjacent interior rooms across the hallway from those offices is a window, albeit a figurative one.
	Nutrient resorption is related to drought resistance traits of savanna plants, research finds Leaf nutrient resorption and drought resistance are critical for plant growth and survival. However, our understanding of the relationship between leaf nutrient resorption and plant drought resistance remains limited.
	Europe-wide study investigates how agriculture affects rivers Agriculture secures our food supply and is an important economic factor. However, it also leaves its mark on the environment, such as in soils, groundwater, and biodiversity. An international research team led by the University of Duisburg-Essen has investigated how different types and intensities of agriculture affect the ecological status of rivers in Europe. The study has just been published in the journal Water Research.
	Q&A: A mysterious illness is spreading among dogs nationwide. Here's what you need to know If your pup seems unusually pooped—coughing, sneezing or acting sluggish—don't pooh-pooh it. A mysterious canine illness is spreading throughout the country that can linger for months, cause fever, pneumonia and, in rare cases, death.
	Mismatched timing: How climate change challenges bird migration How does climate change affect the migration routes of birds? Mainly negatively, according to a new study from Yali Si from the CML at Leiden University.
	An unconventional yeast increases the quality of carbonic maceration wine, rosé wine and orange wine Carbonic maceration wines are increasingly in demand on the market. They are young red wines in which floral and fresh fruit aromas predominate and they must be consumed within the first year. The best-known example is Beaujolais nouveau in France, but there is also a tradition in La Rioja and Catalonia, especially in the Montsant area and the Conca de Barberà.
	Sika deer overpopulation endangers beech forests in Southern Kyushu, Japan Kyushu University researchers have found that Japanese beech (Fagus crenata) in the forests of southern Kyushu have seen reduced growth, due to soil erosion caused by the overpopulation of sika deer (Cervus nippon). Their findings, which were published in the journal Catena, could help in the development of new strategies for forest conservation.
	African smallholder farmers benefit from reduced crop losses and higher incomes from a novel pest alert service A newly published review of the CABI-led Pest Risk Information Service (PRISE) project shows that smallholder farmers in four African countries who received pest alerts created using earth observation data benefitted from reduced crop losses and higher incomes compared to farmers who did not.
	Researchers elucidate the variability and adaptability of internode elongation in barley Plant architecture is the outcome of several successive developmental processes that can be classified into two events: Organogenesis and extension. Organogenesis stems from the meristems (stem cells) that give rise to different types of organs (e.g., leaves and flowers) and axillary buds, plus the subtending internodes. These organs form a functional unit called phytomer. It iterates and extends itself for several rounds until the apex either aborts or terminates into a specialized structure.
	Environmental risks of new pesticides with nanoparticles insufficiently examined, say researchers The environmental risks of new pesticides containing nanoparticles are inadequately researched, according to four Leiden University scientists, who have published an article in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. They call for an examination of the long-term and environmental effects of pesticides containing nanoparticles.
	Scores of North Carolina sea turtles have died after being stunned by frigid temperatures Scores of sea turtles stunned by cold temperatures along the North Carolina coast have died, officials said.
	Here's where Colorado's new wolves have roamed over the last month The 10 wolves released in Colorado last month and two wolves from a pack that migrated here from Wyoming have remained in the central and northern mountains, according to a map showing the general locations of the animals released Wednesday by state wildlife officials.
	Using photos to create 3D models helps us understand, and protect, complex marine environments Measuring the impact of different events, such as marine heat waves, on the abundance of marine organisms is not easy. Biological communities naturally change over time and between different locations.
	Marine biologist finds unexpected biodiversity on the ocean floor Hydrothermal vents and manganese nodule fields in the deep oceans contain more biodiversity than expected, according to the thesis that NIOZ-marine biologist Coral Diaz-Recio Lorenzo will defend at Utrecht University on January 26.
	U.S. agencies set plans to protect endangered right whales during offshore wind operations Two federal environmental agencies issued plans Thursday to better protect endangered whales amid offshore wind farm development.

Medicine and Health news

	The logic underlying recurrent activity in the primary visual cortex In mammals, the perception of visual stimuli is supported by the coordinated activity of thousands of neurons in different brain regions. The images perceived by the eyes are represented in the brain, passing various steps through which representations are increasingly refined.
	A study of how Americans die may improve their end of life A Rutgers Health analysis of millions of Medicare records has laid the groundwork for improving end-of-life care by demonstrating that nearly all older Americans follow one of nine trajectories in their last three years of life.
	Why cancer immunotherapies don't work for everyone A multi-institutional study co-authored by University of Texas at Arlington scientists uncovered a mechanism by which cancer cells prevent the immune system from activating and attacking the cancerous invaders.
	Researchers establish brain pathway linking motivation, addiction and disease New findings published in the journal Nature Neuroscience have shed light on a mysterious pathway between the reward center of the brain that is key to how we form habits, known as the basal ganglia, and another anatomically distinct region where nearly three-quarters of the brain's neurons reside and assist in motor learning, known as the cerebellum.
	A skin patch that can monitor tumor size and send it to a smartphone A team of medical researchers and chemical engineers at National Tsing Hua University, working with a colleague from Taipei Medical University, has developed a skin patch that can monitor the size of a tumor lying just under the skin. In their paper published in the journal ACS Nano, the group describes how they created their patch, how it works and how well it performs when testing on mice.
	Researchers establish optimal immunosuppression regimen for pig-to-human kidney transplants Currently used Food and Drug Administration-approved transplant drugs—with the addition of an also already FDA-approved complement inhibitor—are the optimal immunosuppression regimen for pig-to-human kidney transplants, according to a landmark discovery by University of Alabama at Birmingham investigators. The research is published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
	Powering the brain: How energy is distributed within single cells Every system in a living organism depends upon a finite supply of energy in order to function. In humans, no organ is more energy-intensive than the brain, which consumes about 20% of the body's metabolic energy.
	Secondary cancers following CAR T cell therapy are rare, analysis shows The development of any type of second cancer following CAR T cell therapy is a rare occurrence, as found in an analysis of more than 400 patients treated at Penn Medicine. Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania report their findings in Nature Medicine.
	Single dose typhoid conjugate vaccine found to provide lasting efficacy in children A single dose of the typhoid conjugate vaccine, Typbar TCV, provides lasting efficacy in preventing typhoid fever in children ages nine months to 12 years old, according to a new study conducted by researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine's (UMSOM) Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) and led by in-country partners at the Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust (MLW) Clinical Research Program.
	New leads for spinal cord injury: Mapping spinal-projecting neurons in the brain Only a fraction of people who sustain a spinal cord injury fully regain their motor function. While rehabilitation can help, scientists have long looked for ways to regenerate injured nerve fibers—including, at Boston Children's Hospital, Zhigang He, Ph.D., BM.
	Researchers pinpoint most likely source of HIV rebound infection In findings that have implications for potential new HIV therapies, researchers from Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) used genetic sequencing techniques on the nonhuman primate version of the virus to identify that lymph nodes in the abdomen are the leading source of rebound infection after the first week of stopping antiretroviral treatment.
	New algorithm may greatly speed up the design of 'humanized' antibodies that work In the late nineteenth century, physicians started treating human disease with blood serum extracted from immunized horses. But those extracts—which contained antibodies that target disease agents—often produced disastrous immunological response.
	Massive genetic study estimates the chance of dying from prostate cancer Just by looking at a short portion of a man's genome it is possible to estimate the probability that he will die from prostate cancer—even before he has the cancer—thanks to a massive genetic study by RIKEN researchers. This ability will help pick up the cancer early in men who have a high risk of dying from it.
	New anti-blood clotting drug may lower risk of recurrent strokes An experimental drug designed to block blood-clotting proteins may lower the risk of recurrent strokes, according to a dose-finding trial published in The Lancet Neurology.
	Danish study could pave the way for better diagnosis of rare genetic diseases There are over 7,000 different rare genetic diseases, and often it can be a significant challenge and take a long time to receive a correct diagnosis.
	The paradox of feeling hurt: Study finds social pain both facilitates and inhibits physical pain There are generally two types of pain: physical pain, which is associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and social pain, which is associated with negative social experiences. In daily life, people sometimes cannot avoid experiencing both physical and social pain. However, the effect of social pain on physical pain perception during interactions remains unclear.
	Study finds novel macrolide–DEL-1 axis drives bone regeneration in aging individuals Researchers from Niigata University and a University of Pennsylvania team have identified a novel macrolide–DEL-1 axis that helps in bone regeneration and new bone formation. This finding may lead to the development of therapeutic agents to treat bone loss disorders. The study is published in the journal iScience.
	Retinal photoreceptors use dual pathways to tell brain 'I've seen the light' Working with mammalian retinal cells, neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have shown that unlike most light-sensing cells (photoreceptors) in the retina, one special type uses two different pathways at the same time to transmit electrical "vision" signals to the brain. The work also reveals that such photoreceptors, according to the researchers, may have ancient origins on the evolutionary scale.
	Analysis finds biomarkers that improve prediction accuracy of cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes An international academic consortium has identified 13 biomarkers that significantly improve the ability to accurately predict cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The analysis, conducted by 23 experts from 11 countries, was led by The Johns Hopkins University in the United States, the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong, and Lund University in Sweden.
	Simulations show how HIV sneaks into the nucleus of the cell Because viruses have to hijack someone else's cell to replicate, they've gotten very good at it—inventing all sorts of tricks.
	New analysis shows that disinfection is the most effective way to prevent viral contamination of restroom surfaces A new study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrates that viral particles spread to many restroom surfaces during toilet flushing, regardless of whether the toilet lid is up or down. In this analysis, the only meaningful way of reducing viral particles was through disinfection of the toilet, toilet water, and nearby surfaces.
	Cold water swimming improves menopause symptoms, finds research Menopausal women who regularly swim in cold water report significant improvements to their physical and mental symptoms, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
	New estimate shows rural Americans and men are more likely to suffer from hearing loss A new estimate shows hearing loss affects approximately 37.9 million Americans and is more common in rural areas than urban ones and in men than women.
	Experts say it's time to address the high rate of Australians with disabilities addicted to smoking According to a new analysis, almost a quarter of Australians with disabilities smoke when compared to just 12.6% of the wider population.
	Study proposes reimbursement rate fix for Minnesota's broken mental health system Minnesotans in mental health crises are stuck in hospital emergency rooms with nowhere else to turn. Treatment centers are bleeding staff who complain of being underpaid and burnt out. Children linger on months-long waitlists for therapy.
	Study suggests women exposed to toxic metals may experience earlier aging of their ovaries Middle-aged women who are exposed to toxic metals may have fewer eggs in their ovaries as they approach menopause, according to new research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism titled "Heavy Metals and Trajectories of Anti-Müllerian Hormone During the Menopausal Transition."
	Cervical cancer rates are rising in low-income US counties, study shows Women in low-income areas of the U.S. face a stark rise in cervical cancer incidence and mortality, according to a new study led by researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
	Q&A: Why regulators may toss cold water on buzz over psychedelics Interest in psychedelics is surging, fueled by growing research suggesting they have a place in treatment of conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. But regulatory challenges loom.
	Sepsis in children: Improved diagnosis thanks to new global criteria Diagnosis of sepsis in children has been improved based on new research findings. An international research team co-led by the University Children's Hospital Zurich harnessed artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 3.5 million children suffering from this life-threatening disease. The study was published in JAMA.
	Prostate cancer: Screening and treatment options Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain localized, other types are aggressive and spread quickly. That's why Dr. Carlos Vargas, a Mayo Clinic radiation oncologist, encourages regular screening. He says the goal of screening is to detect prostate cancer early, when it's still confined to the prostate gland and has the best chance for successful treatment.
	Hepatitis B vaccine: What to know to protect yourself Hepatitis is inflammation in the liver caused by specific viruses. The hepatitis viruses are referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. All types affect the liver, but they differ in illness severity and prevention options.
	Here's what happens to your body during plane turbulence: How to reduce the discomfort it causes This week has seen another barrage of unsettled weather sweep across the UK, with many flights delayed or cancelled. Some of those who were fortunate enough to take off found themselves arriving at destinations that weren't on their boarding passes—such as passengers traveling from Stansted to Newquay who eventually diverted to Malaga.
	People in the world's 'blue zones' live longer: Their diet could hold the key to why Aging is an inevitable part of life, which may explain our strong fascination with the quest for longevity. The allure of eternal youth drives a multi-billion pound industry ranging from anti-aging products, supplements and diets for those hoping to extend their lifespan.
	Extreme heat can be risky during pregnancy: How to you look after yourself and your baby As we face the continued effects of climate change, the frequency and intensity of heat waves is increasing. We've recently learnt 2023 was the hottest year on record.
	Protein activation in the brain may protect women against Alzheimer's A new study at the Karolinska Institute suggests that activation of a certain brain protein can protect women from developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
	New guidance published to aid researchers evaluating surgical robots Surgical robotics are among the most complex devices entering health care, but how should we evaluate them? Published in Nature Medicine, the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term monitoring (IDEAL) Robotics Colloquium outlines the latest guidance to aid researchers evaluating surgical robots. The paper is titled, "The IDEAL framework for surgical robotics: development, comparative evaluation and long-term monitoring."
	Kiwifruit can quickly improve mental health, suggests study Kiwifruit has proven itself as a powerful mood booster and new research from the University of Otago has shown just how fast its effects can be. In a study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found the furry fruit improved vitality and mood in as little as four days.
	Avoiding cloudy messaging: Vape prevention campaigns face challenges Flinders University researchers say that cohesive and collaborative action from preventive health communicators and organizations is needed to inform young people about the devastating harms of vaping.
	Q&A: How AI will, and won't, change health care in 2024 Muhammad Mamdani understands why people are wary of artificial intelligence having a say in their health care—but he's even more concerned about the patients who are waiting to benefit from the potentially life-saving benefits of AI-assisted medicine.
	FDA issues another warning on tianeptine products, which can cause seizures and death Reiterating a warning first issued in November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is urging Americans to stay away from supplements containing tianeptine, known on the street as "gas station heroin."
	Digital pathology cleared for use in UK cancer screening programs New research has led the UK government to approve the use of digital pathology to help speed up analysis of cancer screening samples. This allows the benefits offered by digital pathology to be used to improve cancer screening particularly in bowel, breast, lung and cervical cancers.
	Why your period symptoms might be worse in the winter Period symptoms are frustrating no matter the time of year. But those who menstruate might feel like certain symptoms are worse during the winter months, when the weather is gloomy, the days are short and cold and flu seem to always be lurking. This phenomenon has even been dubbed "winter period fatigue syndrome".
	Community-based 'grandmothers' could empower people living with HIV to take their medication People living with HIV alongside common mental health disorders may be three times more likely to maintain a low level of virus through medication if supported with therapy through the Friendship Bench project, according to new study results.
	Liquid biopsy: A new tool for identifying and monitoring cancer Physicians at the University of Chicago Medicine are increasing their use of liquid biopsies, an emerging technology that detects signs of cancerous tumors with a simple blood test rather than an invasive needle procedure.
	Fighting fire dispatcher burnout Emergency response dispatchers are the first people who receive calls about active fires. These workers need to quickly make decisions, send responses and coordinate logistics. But the job doesn't end there for wildfires, because there may be a need for air tankers and helicopters, and then the dispatchers will need to relay ground information, such as wind direction, to the firefighters on the scene.
	Experts assess promise of vamorolone to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy The drug vamorolone (Agamree) has been hailed as a promising new drug to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It has recently been approved for clinical use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and in the European Union by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
	Potassium-enriched salt is the missing ingredient in hypertension guidelines, say experts A call to include recommendations on low-sodium potassium-enriched salt in hypertension treatment guidelines has been made by an international group of experts in the journal Hypertension.
	Researchers reveal the small changes that can make a picture more likable We've all had the experience of looking at a picture—of a sunset, a person, a sleek vehicle or adorable animal—and finding it enormously pleasing. But why? Are we culturally conditioned to gain pleasure from certain images and not others, or is there something else going on in our brains?
	Researchers discover a new role for a protein that helps form memories Virginia Tech researchers have discovered a new function for a common protein in the brain—a development that sheds new light on the mysteries of the mind and holds promising implications for the treatment of memory loss and post-traumatic stress disorder.
	Experts address the latest advances in cervical cancer treatment Although the incidence of cervical cancer has declined with increased screening and higher uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cervical cancer remains the second highest cause of cancer mortality among women in low- and middle-income countries. There are different treatments for the disease, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
	Can practicing self-compassion help people achieve weight loss goals? Losing weight is extremely difficult because high-calorie, delicious food is very accessible. Despite best intentions, it's common to wind up overeating. These setbacks can be frustrating and demoralizing and often lead people to abandon their goals.
	Nearly 65,000 pregnancies from rape have happened in states with abortion bans: Study In the 14 states with abortion bans, there have been nearly 65,000 pregnancies resulting from rape during the time since those bans went into place, a new study estimates.
	Risk for affective, behavioral disorders increased in children after mTBI The risk for a new affective or behavioral disorder is increased in children up to four years after sustaining mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), according to a study published online Jan. 25 in Pediatrics.
	Denosumab linked to severe hypocalcemia in dialysis-dependent seniors For female dialysis-dependent patients aged 65 years or older treated for osteoporosis, denosumab is associated with an increased incidence of severe or very severe hypocalcemia, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
	Adult day services with specialized care found to have higher proportion with dementia Adult day services centers (ADSCs) that provide specialized dementia care have a higher proportion of patients with dementia compared with ADSCs that do not provide specialized care, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in National Health Statistics Reports, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
	Early ibuprofen not beneficial for preemies with patent ductus arteriosus For extremely preterm infants, the risk for death or moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia is not significantly lower among those receiving early treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with ibuprofen versus placebo, according to a study published in the Jan. 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	Congenital malformation risk lower with buprenorphine versus methadone: Study The risk for congenital malformations is lower in association with buprenorphine versus methadone for opioid use disorder in pregnancy, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
	Researchers provide framework for creating research advisory board for psychosis research studies Community engagement is important for developing research involving patients with mental illness, and funding agencies are increasingly requiring such engagement. However, many researchers are unable to pursue advisory boards with people with lived experience with mental illness, including psychotic disorders, due to financial and time constraints on the researchers and individuals who prefer limited participation burdens.
	Pilot study demonstrates potential for PTSD treatment program for veterans, first responders Retiring from the U.S. Army in 2016 left Lawrence resident Matt Hastings unmoored. Hastings, a former combat aviation brigade chief, had been someone with skills in demand: He was the only one who could fly certain missions, who had qualifications and experience other instructors needed.
	How microbiologists in Spain during COVID-19 helped public hospital labs to be more prepared today than pre-pandemic Researchers from INGENIO, a joint center of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), have recently published, together with two co-authors from the University of Sussex (UK), the results of a study on the organization of the laboratory network to perform COVID-19 PCR testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain and the UK and its subsequent implications. The paper is published in the journal Innovation.
	Accidental death rates among Afghanistan/Iraq war veterans differ by time since deployment, age and gender Accidental death is the most common type of mortality among United States military members and veterans who served in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. But there is limited knowledge on whether this risk, or the type of accidental death—such as motor vehicle accidents (MVA) or accidental overdose—vary following military members' return from deployment.
	Study: Women with alcohol-related liver disease have greater mortality risk than men with condition Investigators from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai and colleagues found that women with fatty liver disease related to alcohol consumption have almost twice the risk of dying within a certain time period than men with the same condition.
	Here's why some high-risk patients aren't getting drugs to combat COVID As the toll from the COVID-19 pandemic continued to mount, antiviral medications such as Paxlovid were hailed by health officials as an important way to reduce the risk of severe illness or death.
	Study reveals link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence in US adolescents and adults Asthma is more common among U.S. individuals who report cannabis use in the most recent 30 days, with the odds of asthma being significantly even greater among individuals who reported cannabis use 20 to 30 days per month, according to a new study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, City University of New York and Children's National Hospital at George Washington University.
	Medicaid benefits for pregnant immigrants surpass costs, says research Providing Medicaid to pregnant undocumented immigrants more than makes up for the initial costs, according to University of Michigan research.
	Report finds 93 US deaths after cosmetic surgery in Dominican Republic since 2009 U.S. health officials say 93 Americans have died after cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic since 2009, with many of the recent deaths involving a procedure known as a Brazilian butt lift.
	Indoor air quality in long-term care facilities during wildfires is worse than you'd think, says toxicologist Every year, wildfires across the western U.S. and Canada send plumes of smoke into the sky. When that smoke blows into southwestern Idaho's Treasure Valley, it blankets Boise-area residents in dirty air.
	Check your medicine cabinet: A microbial contamination caused a recall of Robitussin Eight lots of two kinds of Robitussin cough syrups have been recalled for "a microbial contamination." That's from the FDA-posted recall notice by manufacturer Haleon, which doesn't describe how the microbial contamination happened or was discovered. It does, however, express the dangers of such a contamination.
	It's four years since the first COVID case in Australia: How our pandemic experiences have changed over time It might be hard to believe, but four years have now passed since the first COVID case was confirmed in Australia on January 25 2020. Five days later, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a "public health emergency of international concern," as the novel coronavirus (later named SARS-CoV-2) began to spread worldwide.
	Study reveals air pollution's distracting effect on attention, unveiling underlying neurocognitive mechanisms Air pollution, a major global health risk, is known for its detrimental physical effects, but its impact on cognitive functions like learning and driving has only recently been explored. Prior studies have indicated that exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive performance, behavior, and productivity, but the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remained largely unexplored until now.
	Future dental health needs among the elderly As the proportion of elderly individuals in the population continues to grow, the demand for various medical treatments may also increase. This includes the need for dental health services. But what kind of dental care will the elderly population require in the future?
	Researcher looks at recovery after injury beyond mere survival in humanitarian aid settings Beyond surviving after an injury comes living. To what extent a person is able to return to the life and independence previously enjoyed is an important aspect of recovery and rehabilitation is often a crucial factor in that. Nonetheless, it is a factor often overlooked in humanitarian settings and it is an area where more research is needed. Bérangère Gohy's Ph.D. thesis looks beyond survival, to how recovery is measured and what the patients' road to regained independence looks like.

Other Sciences news

	Chats with AI shift attitudes on climate change, Black Lives Matter People who were more skeptical of human-caused climate change or the Black Lives Matter movement and who took part in conversation with a popular AI chatbot were disappointed with the experience, but left the conversation more supportive of the scientific consensus on climate change or BLM. This is according to researchers studying how these chatbots handle interactions from people with different cultural backgrounds.
	How COVID has changed the way Americans work, and how much money they have According to a new paper in the Review of Economic Studies, the widespread adoption of work-from-home technology has had dramatic consequences for American life.
	Thinking about work as a calling can be meaningful, but there can be unexpected downsides as well Many Americans—especially young adults—want to do work that feels meaningful. Creating meaning for oneself may be especially important as fewer workplaces provide good pay and benefits to their employees.
	'Tryvertising': Testing new products in holiday homes could be a win for local brands, cautious customers After a recent city break to Paris, one of our colleagues told us about how much she'd enjoyed some excellent coffee during her trip. But it hadn't been served in a restaurant or a cafe—she had made it herself at the apartment she was staying in using one of those capsule coffee machines.
	How the tide turned on transgender support charity Mermaids The charity Mermaids, which offers support services to transgender young people and their caregivers in the UK, was once portrayed in the media as a respected source of advice and information. But by 2022, this had changed.
	Training to reduce cognitive bias may improve decision making after all Ever since Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky formalized the concept of cognitive bias in 1972, most empirical evidence has given credence to the claim that our brain is incapable of improving our decision-making abilities. Cognitive bias has practical ramifications beyond private life, extending to professional domains including business, military operations, political policy, and medicine.
	In Silicon Valley, human capital trumps intellectual capital Job postings are a key tool for attracting qualified tech workers. However, companies face a dilemma: On the one hand, they want to provide enough information to attract the right candidates; on the other hand, they want to keep the information about their product development and planning private. Sometimes it is just hard to get both.
	Researcher: Debt, wage theft and coercion drive the global garment industry—the only answer is collective action Major fashion brands including Barbour and PVH (the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger) have agreed to pay over £400,000 in compensation to migrant workers in Mauritius. These workers from Bangladesh, India, China and Madagascar had been forced to pay illegal recruitment fees and, alongside other indicators of forced labor, were allegedly subject to deception and intimidation.
	Study finds young people from poorer families make fewer friends A new study has found that children growing up in low-income families have fewer opportunities to make friends and to socially integrate at school. Researchers from the University of Zurich and the University of Stockholm examined data from over 200 school classes in Sweden and reached this conclusion.
	Why it's so hard to end homelessness in America It took seven years for Abigail Judge to see what success looked like for one Boston homeless woman.
	Do workers with a recent history of burnout make different career choices? Previous research showed that clinical burnout complicates career resumption because employers are less inclined to hire or promote previously burned-out workers. Researchers Philippe Sterkens, Stijn Baert, Eline Moens, Joey Wuyts and Eva Derous now studied the opposite perspective: Do workers with a recent history of burnout make different career choices?
	New research highlights the importance of bystander intervention when tackling anti-social behavior Witnesses to anti-social behavior must speak up to support the lone voices of people who confront it to reduce the risk of such behavior becoming tolerated in society, according to research from the Universities of Bath, Groningen and Western Australia.
	Women helping women: Female mentors guide businesswomen to greater success There are millions of entrepreneurs in developing countries. In fact, in emerging markets, more than half of all workers—both men and women—are small-firm owners.
	Researchers test strategies for eliciting an authentic 'yes' When making a request of someone, would you like them to answer honestly? Try giving them a script.
	What a fair deal for ex-steelworkers would look like as the industry decarbonizes Plans to cut almost 3,000 jobs at the UK's largest steelworks, Tata Steel in Port Talbot, south Wales, mark another devastating chapter in a long history of deindustrialization.
	UK government urged to tighten public tendering process to fight modern slavery Companies that have failed to address known cases of modern slavery are winning public sector contracts in the United Kingdom and cannot be disqualified from the public tendering process due to weak legislation, new research from the Universities of Bath, Sussex and the West of England shows.
	Report recommends shutting down Israel's Ministry for Combatting Antisemitism On the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry at Tel Aviv University presents its third "For a Righteous Cause" Annual Report.

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