Science X Newsletter Tue, Jan 16

Dear ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 16, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

New cataclysmic variable discovered that may contain a brown dwarf secondary

Modified soft material promises better bioelectronics

Audible yawns in a non-human species may convey important social information

Study unveils synaptic-like transmission mechanism driving neurovascular coupling

Twins or cousins? Sub-Neptune exoplanets could provide an answer

Collecting helium diffraction patterns in microscopic regions of samples

Experiment could test quantum nature of large masses for the first time

Largest-ever study of ocean DNA creates comprehensive catalog of marine microbes

Advancement in thermoelectricity could light up the Internet of Things

UK-wide study reveals harm done by people not getting COVID jabs

Amnesia caused by head injury reversed in early mouse study

Palliative telecare improves quality of life for those with chronic illnesses, and results last for months: Study

Study finds cost of employer-sponsored health insurance is flattening worker wages, contributing to income inequality

Energy-starved breast cancer cells consume their surroundings for fuel, research suggests

Astronomers produce most sensitive radio image ever of ancient star cluster

Nanotechnology news

	Collecting helium diffraction patterns in microscopic regions of samples Recent scientific advancements have opened new opportunities for the close observation of physical phenomena. Researchers at University of Cambridge and University of Newcastle recently introduced a new method to measure helium atom diffraction with microscopic spatial resolution.
	Soldering wounds with light and nano thermometers Not every wound can be closed with needle and thread. Empa researchers have now developed a soldering process with nanoparticles that gently fuses tissue. The soldering technique is expected to prevent wound healing disorders and life-threatening complications from leaking sutures.
	Chemists find new way to rid boron nitride nanotubes of impurities Very strong, light materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures could usher in next-generation spacecraft, enhance current devices or enable the development of new biomedical imaging or hydrogen storage applications, among others.
	Research team develops anti-icing film that only requires sunlight A KAIST research team has developed an anti-icing and de-icing film coating technology that can apply the photothermal effect of gold nanoparticles to industrial sites without the need for heating wires, periodic spray or oil coating of anti-freeze substances, and substrate design alterations.
	Decorated nanoparticles prevent anaphylaxis without causing side effects in mouse study Northwestern University researchers have developed the first selective therapy to prevent allergic reactions, which can range in severity from itchy hives and watery eyes to trouble breathing and even death.

Physics news

	Experiment could test quantum nature of large masses for the first time An experiment outlined by a UCL (University College London)-led team of scientists from the UK and India could test whether relatively large masses have a quantum nature, resolving the question of whether quantum mechanical description works at a much larger scale than that of particles and atoms.
	New quantum optics technique sheds light on polariton interactions An international collaboration, led by Macquarie University scientists, has introduced a new quantum optics technique that can provide unprecedented access to the fundamental properties of light-matter interactions in semiconductors.
	'Quantum ping-pong': Two atoms can be made to bounce a single photon back and forth with high precision Atoms can absorb and reemit light—this is an everyday phenomenon. In most cases, however, an atom emits a light particle in all possible directions—recapturing this photon is, therefore, quite hard.
	Team develops a real-time photonic processor with picosecond latency for dynamic RF interference Radar altimeters are the sole indicators of altitude above a terrain. Spectrally adjacent 5G cellular bands pose significant risks of jamming altimeters and impacting flight landing and takeoff. As wireless technology expands in frequency coverage and utilizes spatial multiplexing, similar detrimental radio-frequency (RF) interference becomes a pressing issue.
	Research team uses water as a nonlinear medium for ultra-broadband white laser Scientists are making significant strides in the development of ultrabroadband white laser sources, covering a wide spectrum from ultraviolet to far infrared. These lasers find applications in diverse fields such as large-scale imaging, femto-chemistry, telecommunications, laser spectroscopy, sensing, and ultrafast sciences.
	Ultrafast laser pulses could lessen data storage energy needs A discovery from an experiment with magnets and lasers could be a boon to energy-efficient data storage.
	The surface knows what lies beneath: Physicists show how to detect higher-order topological insulators Just like a book can't be judged by its cover, a material can't always be judged by its surface. But, for an elusive conjectured class of materials, physicists have now shown that the surface previously thought to be "featureless" holds an unmistakable signature that could lead to the first definitive observation.
	Researchers visualize energetic ion flow in fusion devices In a burning plasma, maintaining confinement of fusion-produced energetic ions is essential to producing energy. These fusion plasmas host a wide array of electromagnetic waves that can push energetic ions out of the plasma.

Earth news

	Brumadinho dam collapse: The danger emerged after the decommissioning, study reveals The disaster near the small town of Brumadinho in southeastern Brazil occurred shortly after midday on 25 January 2019. At a nearby iron ore mine, the tailings dam—a storage area for the sludgy, fine-grained residues from ore processing, or "tailings"—collapsed.
	New details of the history of the Melanesian Border Plateau revealed by undersea rocks A team of oceanographers, geologists and Earth scientists affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.S. and Germany has learned more about the history of the Melanesian Border Plateau by studying rocks they retrieved from the ocean floor in 2013 along with seismic data. Their paper is published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.
	Chameleon AI program classifies objects in satellite images faster A new AI program can train neural networks using just a handful of images to rapidly characterize in satellite and drone data new objects such as ocean debris, deforestation zones, urban areas and more.
	Team upgrades technology for monitoring methane emissions Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have upgraded a highly precise technology designed to monitor emissions of methane, a critical greenhouse gas, and other trace gases, even in harsh field conditions. Measuring methane emissions and pinpointing their source is an important step toward reducing them—the goal of the Global Methane Pledge recently signed by more than 150 nations at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
	New map shows where damaging earthquakes are most likely to occur in US  Nearly 75% of the U.S. could experience damaging earthquake shaking, according to a recent U.S. Geological Survey-led team of more than 50 scientists and engineers.
	A new, rigorous assessment of remote sensing tool's accuracy for supporting satellite-based water management Sustainable water management is an increasing concern in arid regions around the world, and scientists and regulators are turning to remote sensing tools like OpenET to help track and manage water resources. OpenET uses publicly available data produced by NASA and USGS Landsat and other satellite systems to calculate evapotranspiration (ET), or the amount of water lost to the atmosphere through soil evaporation and plant transpiration, at the level of individual fields.
	Iceland eruption confirms faultline has reawakened: Expert A volcanic eruption that has engulfed homes in an Icelandic fishing port confirms that a long-dormant faultline running under the country has woken up, threatening to belch out lava with little warning for years to come, an expert warned on Tuesday.
	Climate change, nature loss are our biggest environmental problems. Why isn't the market tackling them together? Climate change and biodiversity loss are arguably the greatest environmental challenges the world faces. The way we use land is crucial in finding solutions to these problems. In theory, actions such as revegetation and avoiding land clearing can tackle both problems at once—for example, by simultaneously storing carbon in plants and providing habitat for animals.
	Can technology clean up our air? An atmospheric scientist got a glimpse of the future Every few years I visit CES (formerly the Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, a goliath event that is equal parts shameless spin and publicity, trade show and business conference. I'm an atmospheric scientist, and I want to get some insight into the technologies that might reduce our personal emissions in future.
	How citizen science is saving our seas Ocean adventurers teaming up with scientists can improve the health of our seas, claims new research from the University of Portsmouth.
	New York finally ends record 700 plus days without snow New York on Tuesday finally ended a record streak of more than 700 days without measurable snowfall, with a thin layer of white powder covering Central Park and other parts of America's most populous city.
	Research finds evergreens with smaller leaves offer better air pollution mitigation If you're trying to take pollution out of the air, choose evergreen trees with smaller leaves. That's according to a new study from the University of Surrey.
	Using satellite images to manage LED light pollution problem The widespread transition from artificial light at night (ALAN) to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has inadvertently given rise to a new challenge—blue light pollution and its associated adverse effects.
	Improved mapping gives decision makers a new tool for protecting infrastructure as Arctic warms New insights from artificial intelligence about permafrost coverage in the Arctic may soon give policymakers and land managers the high-resolution view they need to predict climate-change-driven threats to infrastructure such as oil pipelines, roads and national security facilities.
	Climate change in the South China Sea found to have global impacts on weather patterns As the threat of global warming looms, researchers are racing to understand how complex, interconnected weather systems affect one another. Unprecedented changes to weather patterns, sometimes in defiance of models and predictions, point to the need for a global perspective.
	Help people monitor their own air quality to save lives, say pollution experts Empowering the public to monitor pollution in their communities could lead to cleaner air, say researchers from the University of Surrey.
	Climate change may make wildfires larger, more common in US southern Appalachian region In a new study, North Carolina State University researchers have found that more extreme and frequent droughts would dramatically increase the amount of forest burned by wildfire in the southern Appalachian region of the Southeast through the end of the century.
	Minnesota lakes finally freezing over at latest dates on record Organizers of the Art Shanty Projects, an annual art event on Lake Harriet, are pushing opening day back one weekend to Jan. 27 because there still was open water on Lake Harriet.
	Lack of snow sparks worry for drought-hit Afghanistan Afghanistan saw almost no snow as of mid-January, a new sign of the heavy toll of global warming on the Central Asian country which is usually accustomed to harsh winters, experts say.
	Ghana is behind the curve on climate change laws: Expert suggests way to get corporations on board Ghana has introduced some climate change policies and general environmental regulations but has yet to pass a Climate Change Act. This leaves the country without effective legal and regulatory instruments for addressing climate change. Climate change law expert Kikelomo Kila sets out her findings in a recent paper on why Ghana must not follow the "command and control" regulatory approach.

Astronomy and Space news

	New cataclysmic variable discovered that may contain a brown dwarf secondary An international team of astronomers reports the discovery of a new cataclysmic variable. The newfound system, designated SRGeJ041130.3+685350 (or SRGeJ0411 for short), has an orbital period of about 100 minutes and may contain a brown dwarf. The findings were detailed in a paper published January 4 in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
	Twins or cousins? Sub-Neptune exoplanets could provide an answer Astronomers have discovered a pair of exoplanets orbiting an M dwarf star, one of which is the coldest M dwarf planet found by the TESS satellite observatory, making it accessible for follow-up studies of its atmosphere. The work is published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
	Astronomers produce most sensitive radio image ever of ancient star cluster A global team of astronomers have created the most sensitive radio image ever of a globular cluster, an ancient ball of tightly packed stars.
	Cosmic dawn observational progress with NenuFAR The NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn project has taken an important step in the exploration of the Cosmic Dawn, this key period in our universe marked by the formation of the first stars. An upper limit on the amplitude of the neutral hydrogen fluctuations at 21 cm from this distant time was established using the NenuFAR radio telescope. This advance represents a crucial step in our efforts to unravel the mysteries of the first stars formation.
	ALMA observations show how double, triple, quadruple and quintuple star systems form simultaneously in a molecular cloud For humans, the chance of giving birth to multiples is less than 2%. The situation is different with stars, especially with particularly heavy stars. Astronomers observe stars that are many times heavier than the sun in more than 80% of cases in double or multiple systems. The key question is whether they were also born as multiples, or whether stars are born alone and approach each other over time.
	Samples from Wild 2 comet reveal a surprising past Eighteen years after NASA's Stardust mission returned to Earth with the first samples from a known comet, the true nature of that icy object is coming into focus.
	New calibration service paves way for next-generation radio cosmology experiments A unique "passenger" is joining an upcoming mission to the moon.

Technology news

	Advancement in thermoelectricity could light up the Internet of Things Imagine stoplights and cars communicating with each other to optimize the flow of traffic. This isn't science fiction—it's the Internet of Things (IoT), i.e., objects that sense their surroundings and respond via the internet. As the global population rises and such technologies continue to develop, you might wonder—what will power this digital world of tomorrow?
	Discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production A breakthrough technology has been developed that enables the production of green hydrogen in a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner, bringing us closer to a carbon-neutral society by replacing expensive precious metal catalysts.
	Material science advance could lead to airplanes that optimize their shape in flight Materials and objects could take on different shapes by themselves through a method developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Breakthrough tests showed how microscale melting and cooling of a wide range of materials—such as plastics and metals—can be manipulated to reorganize their mass and form new shapes.
	Squishy, metal-free magnets to power robots and guide medical implants "Soft robots," medical devices and implants, and next-generation drug delivery methods could soon be guided with magnetism—thanks to a metal-free magnetic gel developed by researchers at the University of Michigan and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany.
	Africa's chance for green electricity A joint study by the University of Tübingen, the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, the University of Osnabrück and the University of Rwanda has found that 80% of the energy required in Africa could come from renewable sources by 2040—if the capacity of existing power plants were fully utilized and all the plants currently on the drawing-board were built. The international study has been published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment.
	Engineers propose hybrid urban water sourcing model using reclaimed wastewater Houston's water and wastewater system could be more resilient with the development of hybrid urban water supply systems that combine conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater, according to a study by Rice University engineers now published in Nature Water.
	Team at Anthropic finds LLMs can be made to engage in deceptive behaviors A team of AI experts at Anthropic, the group behind the chatbot Claude, has found that LLMs can be exploited to engage in deceptive behavior with general users. They have published a paper describing their research into the problem on the arXiv preprint server.
	From cannabis harvest to flexible solar panels: Using organic electronics to develop next-gen devices Organic electronics—electronics where the active material is carbon-based—are making possible diverse new technologies ranging from sensors for monitoring cannabinoid levels in cannabis plants to lightweight, bendable solar panels. Real-world applications could result in solar panels you roll up and take with you on your next camping trip, or cannabis producers knowing the optimal time to harvest plants.
	Team develops a new deepfake detector designed to be less biased The image spoke for itself. University at Buffalo computer scientist and deepfake expert Siwei Lyu created a photo collage out of the hundreds of faces that his detection algorithms had incorrectly classified as fake—and the new composition clearly had a predominantly darker skin tone.
	OpenAI to launch anti-disinformation tools for 2024 elections ChatGPT maker OpenAI has said it will introduce tools to combat disinformation ahead of the dozens of elections this year in countries that are home to half the world's population.
	Microsoft expands Office AI Copilot to consumers, smaller companies Microsoft Corp. is opening up its artificial intelligence assistant to consumers and making the corporate version available to smaller companies as it tries to increase the number of paying customers for the new services.
	Los Angeles' renewable energy plan won't tank the economy, study finds The City of Los Angeles' plan to rely entirely on renewable electricity sources by 2035 won't have a significant effect on the local economy, according to new research from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.
	Remote Aussies don't have equal access to household electricity protections, shows study Remote and Indigenous communities' power connections are more vulnerable compared to their regional and metropolitan counterparts, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU) and the Tangentyere Research Hub in Alice Springs published in Nature Energy.
	YouTube's MrBeast posts video on Musk's X YouTube sensation MrBeast posted a full video on Elon Musk's X for the first time this week, giving the struggling social media platform a boost.
	Volocopter flying taxi seeks to seduce Paris A German company is seeking to use the exposure generated by the Paris Olympics to overcome the opposition of local politicians and demonstrate that flying taxis can serve the French capital.
	Academia warned to guard 'crown jewels' after British Library hack While cyber-attacks on banks, utilities and media platforms may grab the most attention, the hacking of the British Library has led to warnings that academia has become an easy target.
	Microsoft CEO defends OpenAI partnership after EU, UK probes Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday defended his company's multi-billion-dollar investment in ChatGPT developer OpenAI after the EU and Britain launched probes into whether it resembles a merger.
	Ten ways artificial intelligence will shape the next five years Over the past year, artificial intelligence has made a significant impact on the world. While most of us have noticed the advancements in text and image tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, a deeper revolution is happening beneath the surface.
	Investigating quantum computing and machine learning as effective tools in fluid dynamics To prevent aircraft stalls, engineers have long studied the flow of air over airfoils such as airplane wings to detect the angles when flow separation occurs. Recently, a team of researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, including Xi-Jun Yuan and Zi-Qiao Chen, investigated the use of quantum computing in connection with machine learning as a more accurate way of solving such problems.
	Epic says Apple court fight is 'lost' The CEO of Fortnite-maker Epic Games said Tuesday the company's court battle to open up Apple's iPhone to alternative app stores was lost after the US Supreme Court declined to hear the case.
	Improving energy efficiency of Wi-Fi networks on drones using slime mold method and a neural network The demand for high-quality wireless communications is growing along with the number of applications and devices. One way to provide such a network is to use a system of drone routers. Such a system would be useful, for example, in situations where it is necessary to quickly and simultaneously provide a signal to a large area—during natural disasters, large-scale incidents, and public events.
	Researchers create artificial neural network for drones to optimize energy consumption Future generation networks must provide high transmission speeds and flexible coverage. One way to do this is through networks of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. They operate in the millimeter wave range. But the use of a wide range of antennas and higher losses during signal propagation are disadvantages. All this requires energy, and drone batteries have limited capacity.
	Apple ends Samsung's 12-year run as world's top smartphone seller Apple's iPhone for the first time became the world's biggest selling smartphone after rival Samsung's 12-year run as leader, data showed.
	Computer scientists makes noisy data: Can it improve treatments in health care? University of Copenhagen researchers have developed software able to disguise sensitive data such as those used for machine learning in health care applications. The method protects privacy while making datasets available for the development of better treatments.
	New method for addressing the reliability challenges of neural networks in inverse imaging problems Uncertainty estimation is critical to improving the reliability of deep neural networks. A research team led by Aydogan Ozcan at the University of California, Los Angeles, has introduced an uncertainty quantification method that uses cycle consistency to enhance the reliability of deep neural networks in solving inverse imaging problems.
	Advancing high-speed electromagnetic suspension: A scheme for enhanced stability, track irregularity suppression The maglev train represents a type of modern urban rail transit transportation tool, boasting many technical advantages such as low noise, green environmental protection, small turning radius, good stability and high comfort. These advantages are due to the suspension mode of the train.
	Dual-metal sulfides found to improve overall function of anode material in lithium-ion capacitors The use of dual metal sulfides, specifically ZnS/CuS, shows marked improvement in electrochemical stability and performance when included in the design of flexible lithium-ion capacitors over the use of transition metal sulfides and carbon fiber materials.
	Team develops AI technology for robot work that can be applied to manufacturing process An AI (artificial intelligence) technology for robot work, which allows robots to be easily applied to manufacturing processes, has been developed for the first time in the world. The newly developed technology can be used in a variety of processes, such as the manufacturing of automobiles and machine parts, as well as assembly and production, and is expected to contribute to the improvement of the working environment at manufacturing sites in the future.
	Fukushima nuclear plant operator in Japan says it has no new safety concerns after Jan. 1 quake The operator of the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan said Tuesday it has no new safety worries and envisions no changes to the plant's decommissioning plans even after a deadly earthquake on Jan. 1 caused minor damage to another idled nuclear plant, rekindling concerns and prompting a regulatory body to order a close examination.
	Fujitsu says morally obliged to compensate wronged UK postmasters Fujitsu has a moral obligation to help compensate UK postmasters wrongly convicted because of a bug in its accounting software, its European director said on Tuesday.
	Sixt to buy up to 250,000 Stellantis cars German car rental group Sixt said Tuesday it has agreed to buy up to 250,000 cars from automaker Stellantis in a "multi-billion euro" deal that includes electric vehicles.
	China premier says 'red line' needed in AI development Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday there must be a red line that is not crossed in the development of artificial intelligence to ensure the technology benefits society.
	Ryanair boss says reassured by Boeing on 737 MAX safety Ryanair on Tuesday welcomed improved quality controls at US aircraft manufacturer Boeing and announced its own enhanced checks, after a major safety issue.
	Researchers propose new scheme for Internet of Things that uses fog computing Researchers from RUDN University have proposed a new scheme for the Internet of Things network. It uses flying drones that process data instead of cloud data centers, which speeds up the network. The results were published in Drones.
	Survey shows digital divide narrowing in California, but many low-income residents still under-connected Statewide broadband adoption remains high with 91% of households in California enjoying high-speed internet access at home, according to new survey results released today by USC, the California Emerging Technology Fund and the California Department of Technology.
	US judge blocks JetBlue-Spirit airline merger A US federal judge on Tuesday ruled against JetBlue's $3.8 billion takeover of low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines, saying that the deal would reduce competition.

Chemistry news

	Modified soft material promises better bioelectronics The scientific community has long been enamored of the potential for soft bioelectronic devices, but has faced hurdles in identifying materials that are biocompatible and have all of the necessary characteristics to operate effectively. Researchers have now taken a step in the right direction, modifying an existing biocompatible material so that it conducts electricity efficiently in wet environments and can send and receive ionic signals from biological media.
	One-step synthesis of the most common, yet highly intricate, antibiotic molecular scaffold While we appear to live in a world of plenty, behind the scenes, sourcing sufficient amounts of key ingredients can be challenging. For example, the synthesis of certain antibiotics, beta-lactam antibiotics, requires certain molecules in large quantities, and getting enough of these molecules has historically been difficult.
	New approach to predicting binding properties of PFAS chemicals and human PPARα Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in various products as water-repellents and stain-resistant coatings. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" due to their exceptional thermal and chemical stability, and have been found globally in the environment, humans, and wildlife.
	Tiny capsules that transform in the blink of an eye could be key to developing smaller electronics Our phones and electronic devices could soon be smaller and sleeker without the risk of overheating thanks to microcapsules that transform in the blink of an eye.
	Study reveals a reaction at the heart of many renewable energy technologies A key chemical reaction—in which the movement of protons between the surface of an electrode and an electrolyte drives an electric current—is a critical step in many energy technologies, including fuel cells and the electrolyzers used to produce hydrogen gas.
	Molecular 'super-glue' shows promise of cancer drug discovery platform St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have published their work on SJ3149, a compound with broad activity against many cancer types, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). SJ3149 sticks to the cancer-related protein casein kinase 1 alpha (CK1α), leading to its destruction.
	Researchers achieve electrosynthesis of LiTFSI and N-containing analogs via looped Li-N₂ battery Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, commonly known as LiTFSI, and its analogs, are critical electrolytes for lithium batteries and solar cells. However, the commercialization of LiTFSI through thermal chemical synthesis relies on the use of NH3 intermediates, which involves multiple catalytic and purification processes, leading to substantial carbon emissions. Therefore, developing a method for the direct synthesis of LiTFSI from N2 under mild conditions becomes particularly important.
	Researchers realize ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction over single-atom catalyst Ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction is the key process in the alpha-route to produce methyl methacrylate industrially. This approach has the advantages of using widely available raw materials, having high atomic efficiency as well as high selectivity, compared with traditional approaches such as acetone-cyanohydrins, isobutene oxidation and ethylene hydroformylation.
	Scientists open door to achieving high-precision 'slippery structural hydrogel' Hydrogels inevitably undergo dehydration, structural collapse, and shrinkage deformation due to the uninterrupted evaporation in the atmosphere, thereby losing their flexibility, slipperyness, and manufacturing precision.
	Thermoelectric permanent magnet opens new possibilities in thermal management technologies A research team has demonstrated that the transverse thermoelectric conversion (i.e., energy conversion between charge and heat currents that flow orthogonally to each other) can be greatly enhanced by applying magnetic fields or utilizing magnetism.
	Chemists find potential new drug for photodynamic cancer therapy A modern alternative to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is photodynamic therapy. It is used to treat cancer, skin diseases, and infectious diseases. The essence of the method is that light-sensitive substances are introduced into the blood, which accumulate in the affected tissues. They are then irradiated with light of the desired wavelength and intensity.
	Concrete made stronger and more durable with resin Engineering structures made of concrete, steel, or other materials are subject to vibrations and stress. Because of this, small cracks appear, which grow and eventually lead to destruction. This phenomenon is called "fatigue failure."
	A Bi-doped RuO₂ catalyst for efficient and durable acidic water oxidation Water electrolysis is a promising approach to generate hydrogen by the means of transforming electric energy powered by sustainable energy into chemical energy stored in hydrogen bonds.
	Wear and tear may cause firefighter gear to release more 'forever chemicals' Last year, a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) showed that the textiles used in protective clothing worn by firefighters often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a class of chemicals that has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health effects.

Biology news

	Audible yawns in a non-human species may convey important social information Most of us are familiar with yawn contagion, which is the act of spontaneous yawning when someone nearby yawns, often but not always audibly. For humans, yawning can emanate from fatigue or boredom, and either seeing or hearing someone else yawn may start a chain reaction.
	Largest-ever study of ocean DNA creates comprehensive catalog of marine microbes The ocean is the world's largest habitat, yet much of its biodiversity is still unknown. A study published in Frontiers in Science marks a significant breakthrough, reporting the largest and most comprehensive database of marine microbes to date—matched with biological function, location, and habitat type.
	Researchers develop hedgehog safety test for robotic lawnmowers Researchers led by the University of Oxford have developed a new test to assess how dangerous robotic lawnmowers are to hedgehogs. They hope this will lead to a certification scheme that will allow consumers to choose 'hedgehog-friendly' mowers to help protect these lovable mammals.
	Climate change threatens fish supply: Tiny phytoplankton, big consequences A research team that includes Dr. Angus Atkinson of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Dr. Axel Rossberg from Queen Mary University of London has discovered a hidden amplifying mechanism within the ocean's food web. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, reveal that when climate warming reduces phytoplankton levels by just 16%–26% (as projected by global models in regions like the North Atlantic), the carrying capacity for fish plummets by 38%–55%.
	Cancer-related mutations appear in stem cell derivatives used in regenerative medicine, shows study Human pluripotent stem cells are cells that have two very important traits—a seemingly endless proliferative capability and the amazing ability to give rise to any cell in our body. These characteristics make these cells a great tool for research of early human development as well as disease modeling and drug discovery, and most importantly, as a cell source for regenerative medicine.
	Domesticating plants impacts their microbiome, study finds New research led by the University of Oxford indicates that human domestication of crops can alter the communities of microorganisms that are associated with plants. Intriguingly, independent domestication events were found to have similar impacts on the plant microbiome. The results have been published today in Current Biology.
	Cryo-microscopy reveals nano-sized copy machine implicated in origin of life How the intricate molecular machinery of life arose from simple beginnings has been a long-standing question. Several lines of evidence point towards a primordial "RNA world," where an "RNA copy machine" (a so-called replicase) started making copies of itself and other RNA molecules to kick-start evolution and life itself. However, the ancient replicase appears to have been lost in time and its role in modern biology has been taken over by more efficient protein machines.
	Meet pAblo·pCasso: A new leap in CRISPR technologies for next-gen genome engineering A new CRISPR-Cas toolkit, dubbed "pAblo·pCasso," is set to transform the landscape of bacterial genome editing, offering unprecedented precision and flexibility in genetic engineering. The new technology, developed by researchers at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain), expands the range of genome sites available for base-editing and dramatically accelerates the development of bacteria for a wide range of bioproduction applications.
	Researchers discover new antibiotic-resistant species of bacteria Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered a new species of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics.
	Microfossils shed light on the long fossil record of euglenoids Hiding in the shadows, euglenoids are a fascinating group of single-celled protists that are neither plant nor animal. Plants photosynthesize, and animals eat. Euglenoids do both. Spiraling along the murky bottoms of shallow fresh-water ponds with their long flagella, they eat organic goop, while also using their chloroplasts to convert CO2 and water with light into sugars.
	More than 80% of tree species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest are threatened with extinction, finds study A study led by Brazilian researchers and reported in an article published on January 11 in the journal Science shows that 82% of the more than 2,000 species of trees found only in the Atlantic Rainforest biome are threatened with extinction to some degree, while 65% of all 4,950 tree species present in the biome, including non-endemics, are endangered.
	Scientists clone first rhesus monkey using new method Scientists in China on Tuesday announced that they have cloned the first healthy rhesus monkey, a two-year-old named Retro, by tweaking the process that created Dolly the sheep.
	Unpacking social equity from biodiversity data: An interdisciplinary policy perspective Biodiversity data collection is growing exponentially. The increase is driven in part by international commitments to conservation, market investments and technological advances, and the growing urgency of human impacts including climate change. Nations increasingly rely on biodiversity data in order to strategically meet global conservation targets for the coming decades. But not all data is collected equally.
	Tests can reveal whether an antibody can turn into a killer What makes a soldier switch sides? That is a really good question, especially when the soldier is an antibody that is supposed to defend the body against one of the world's most dangerous snake venoms but instead ends up helping the venom kill the body.
	There's a new hairy nuisance in Florida: Coyotes Seminole County has long been known as Florida's epicenter for bear encounters in residential neighborhoods. But now there's a new hairy beast in town: coyotes.
	Ensheathed nerve fibers in human skin help communicate external stimuli Researchers have used new imaging techniques to explore the function and structures of the neuro-cutaneous unit, which is the connection between the nervous system and the skin.
	Unraveling the complexity of betacoronaviruses in bats With pandemics increasingly a global concern, an international study led by scientists at Université de Montréal offers new insights into the intricate evolutionary dynamics of betacoronaviruses in bats, providing a deeper understanding of the risks posed by these pathogens.
	The more relaxed a horse is the better it is at learning new tasks, study finds Equine scientists at Nottingham Trent University wanted to see how the level of arousal in horses—the extent to which they might be excited or stressed for instance—affected their performance in a cognitive task.
	Unraveling the role of supersulfides in regulating mitochondrial function and longevity Supersulfides are gaining prominence for their occurrence as low-molecular-weight thiols or persulfidated cysteine residues, observed more frequently in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. These compounds, which are characterized by sulfur–sulfur bonds, play key roles in energy metabolism, embryonic development, cardiac function, tumorigenesis, innate immunity, antiviral defense, and the prevention of chronic pulmonary disorders.
	First polar bear to die of bird flu: What are the implications? Climate change is a threat to polar bear's survival. Now they have a new deadly challenge facing them: bird flu. It was recently confirmed that a polar bear from northern Alaska has died from the disease.
	Making faba beans a better source of protein Faba beans pack a high-protein punch, making them rich with promise as an alternative to meat and dairy sources. But the legume also has less desirable qualities, like compounds that cause flatulence and interfere with the body's nutrient absorption.
	Q&A: How to conduct scientific research with Indigenous Peoples and Lands in a good way In the name of "research," science has often harmed Indigenous Peoples around the world. How can researchers ensure they are conducting their scientific work in a good way, that serves the Indigenous Peoples involved and does not burden Indigenous scholars?
	Innovations in 2D root phenotyping uncover genetic keys to enhanced agricultural productivity Root system architecture (RSA) plays a pivotal role in plant yield, shaped by evolution and ecological adaptations for effective nutrient and water uptake and abiotic stress resistance.
	Will long-term operation of constructed wetlands become a source of pollution itself? Eutrophication of lakes is a global environmental issue, and polluted inflowing rivers are important external factors leading to lake eutrophication.
	Manipulating polyamines to enhance antibody efficacy: A novel approach in biotechnology Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-designed proteins that mimic the immune system's antibodies. To date, many therapeutic mAbs belonging to the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class of antibodies, have been approved for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Cell lines such as the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are generally used to produce mAbs. Notably, the production and manufacture of mAbs are regulated by critical quality attributes (CQAs) to ensure their safety and efficacy in treatment.
	Study teases out strategies to prevent fatal deer disease from re-entering New York state Deer hunters are more likely to be swayed by social media messages about the potential risks of chronic wasting disease if they come from a source they believe aligns with their own views and values, according to a new study.
	Agriculture: Changing animal feed reduces consumption of natural resources such as soil and water A study published in Nature Food, the result of a collaboration between Politecnico di Milano and the University of Milan, highlights how the increased use of by-products in the feed sector in a circular perspective can lead to significant savings in the use of land and water resources and thus to more sustainable agri-food systems.
	Biodiversity study seeks to answer why more animal and plant species are found in the tropics An international research group led by Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev tried to answer the centuries-long question: why there are more animal and plant species in the tropics?
	Dogs are not always frustrated when they get a lesser treat for their work, study finds In animals, and often in humans too, performance is significantly impaired when the value of the reward for work is reduced. Argentinian and Hungarian researchers have studied what happens when family dogs are forced to switch from a cooked liver reward snack to dry food. The results show that dogs are not as sensitive to such replacement as other mammalian species.
	Black bear removed from North Lake Tahoe home after trying to hibernate in crawl space A black bear was removed from under a North Lake Tahoe home Sunday, the Bear League said in a social media post, a nonprofit committed to saving bears.
	Elucidating the biosynthetic mechanism for protoberberine alkaloids from Coptis chinensis Protoberberine alkaloids are a group of tetracyclic isoquinoline compounds known for their well-established antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Although protoberberine alkaloids are broadly found in various plant families such as Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceae, Berberidaceae, Menispermaceae and Rutaceae, the species of Coptis genus appears to be outstanding producers of protoberberine alkaloids in terms of quantity and diversity.
	Harnessing speed breeding and model optimization for sustainable crop development The rising global population, projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, is anticipated to double the demand for food, especially animal-based products. This surge in demand is set to intensify pressure on agricultural resources, posing additional challenges amid the backdrop of climate change.
	Key insights into Salvia miltiorrhiza roots for medicinal plant breeding Plant phenomics, an emerging field using advanced image recognition and algorithms, focuses on understanding and quantifying plant traits to improve crop breeding. Significant strides have been made with the advent of automated systems and machine learning techniques.
	The role of ExtSpecR in streamlining UAV-based tree phenomics and spectral analysis Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionized forestry by enabling high-throughput data collection of tree phenotypic traits. Despite advances in remote sensing and object detection technologies, accurate detection and spectral data extraction of individual trees remain significant challenges, often requiring laborious manual annotation.
	Maize yield estimation: The MLAENet approach for accurate and efficient tassel counting Maize is a vital global crop that requires accurate tassel counting for yield estimation and crop management, traditionally done manually or through basic imaging and machine learning techniques.
	The molecular mechanisms of Ca²⁺ sensor BraCBL1.2 in clubroot resistance in Chinese cabbage Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp pekinensis) is one of the most important leafy vegetables cultivated worldwide. Clubroot disease caused by a soil-borne obligate biotrophic Plasmodiophora brassicae (Pb) severely affects the yield and quality of cruciferous crops, especially Chinese Cabbage. BraCRa, as one of the earliest cloned clubroot resistance genes, confers race-specific resistance to Pb.
	Enhancing intercropping efficiency: A new model for precise quantification of shading impact in maize-soybean systems Intercropping, the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops, is beneficial for maximizing resource use but poses challenges due to the shading of lower crops by higher ones. This shading, quantified as Cumulative Shading Capacity (CSC), significantly affects light interception and crop efficiency but remains poorly understood. Previous research mainly has focused on light distribution and crop responses without directly quantifying CSC and its variability across rows. Despite attempts using geometrical and statistical models, accurate, direct CSC quantification and understanding inter-row heterogeneity remain elusive.

Medicine and Health news

	Study unveils synaptic-like transmission mechanism driving neurovascular coupling The activity of neurons in the mammalian brain has been found to be linked with various physiological processes, including the flow of blood that provides them with the energy required to function (i.e., cerebral blood flow). This close relationship between brain cells and blood vessels is known as neurovascular coupling (NVC).
	UK-wide study reveals harm done by people not getting COVID jabs More than 7,000 people were hospitalized or died from COVID-19 in the UK during the summer of 2022 because they had not received the recommended number of vaccine doses, according to a study released Tuesday that was the first to cover Britain's entire population.
	Amnesia caused by head injury reversed in early mouse study A mouse study designed to shed light on memory loss in people who experience repeated head impacts, such as athletes, suggests the condition could potentially be reversed. The research in mice finds that amnesia and poor memory following head injury are due to inadequate reactivation of neurons involved in forming memories.
	Palliative telecare improves quality of life for those with chronic illnesses, and results last for months: Study Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have found that a team intervention, provided by phone, leads to persistent improvements in depression, anxiety, and quality of life for people managing chronic illnesses. Additionally, researchers found that the improvement in quality of life results last months after intervention concludes.
	Study finds cost of employer-sponsored health insurance is flattening worker wages, contributing to income inequality The rising cost of health insurance is an ongoing concern in the United States. New research shows that increasing health insurance costs are eating up a growing proportion of worker's compensation, and have been a major factor in both flattening wages and increasing income inequality over the past 30 years.
	Energy-starved breast cancer cells consume their surroundings for fuel, research suggests Breast cancer cells ingest and consume the matrix surrounding them to overcome starvation, according to a new study published January 16 in the open access journal PLOS Biology, by Elena Rainero of the University of Sheffield, UK, and colleagues. The finding elucidates a previously unknown mechanism of cancer cell survival, and may offer a new target for therapy development.
	We need a staph vaccine: Here's why we don't have one Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is an extremely common bacterial infection; about 30% of people have colonies of SA living in their nose. SA is often harmless, but it is also a leading cause of hospital-acquired and community-associated infections.
	Study of palliative care demonstrates scalable strategy to increase support for seriously ill patients in hospital Ordering a palliative care consultation by "default"—via an automatic order programmed into the electronic medical record that doctors may cancel if they choose—is an effective strategy to give more hospitalized patients the opportunity to benefit from palliative care, and sooner, according to a new study led by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
	Research reveals new hope for obesity-induced heart disease Obesity-induced heart disease, which affects up to 10% of the population in certain age ranges, is considered an untreatable condition and 75% of people don't survive more than five years beyond diagnosis.
	Aging cells may boost ovarian cancer spread, say scientists Ovarian cancer is dangerous because it often goes undetected until it has spread beyond the ovaries, and the symptoms can also be attributed to other conditions.
	Novel MRI technique found to improve the lasting effects of treatment for severe depression A major clinical trial has shown that by using MRI and tracking to guide the delivery of magnetic stimulation to the brains of people with severe depression, patients will see their symptoms ease for at least six months, which could vastly improve their quality of life.
	New COVID variants learn old tricks to stay ahead of immune defenses Recent SARS-CoV-2 variants such as BA.4 and BA.5 developed abilities missing from the first omicron variants that allowed them to overcome humans' innate immunity, according to research from UCL.
	Newly identified biomarker could lead to simple blood test for rare autoimmune disease A University of Alberta team has uncovered a universal biological marker for myasthenia gravis with the aim of developing a simple, fast and accessible diagnostic test for the rare autoimmune disease.
	Ultrasensitive tools detect asymptomatic malaria Researchers in the U.S. and Uganda have developed tools that can detect the slightest traces of malaria in people who harbor the disease but do not show signs of sickness.
	Research shows how a tiny device in the ear canal can monitor heart health A driving simulation study has shown we are one step closer to monitoring our heart health in real time via a tiny device worn in the ear.
	Cannabis found to activate specific hunger neurons in brain While it is well known that cannabis can cause the munchies, researchers have now revealed a mechanism in the brain that promotes appetite in a set of animal studies at Washington State University.
	A newly discovered receptor appears to protect against Parkinson's disease—but only in females More men than women are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The reason why is still followed by a big question mark, but the sex difference is nonetheless a growing area of interest for researchers.
	Research aims to unlock secrets of how neuronal variability is controlled by dendrites The inner workings of the human brain are a gradually unraveling mystery and Dr. Richard Naud of the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine has led a highly compelling new study that brings us closer to answering these big questions.
	Special RNA shown to suppress the formation of breast cancer cells Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The development of breast cancer often originates from epithelial cells in the mammary gland—the very cells that specialize in milk production during and after pregnancy.
	'Smart glove' can boost hand mobility of stroke patients This month, a group of stroke survivors in B.C. will test a new technology designed to aid their recovery, and ultimately restore use of their limbs and hands.
	Combination treatment improves lung cancer outcomes, finds study A new study has found that patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with a combination of low-dose radiation and immunotherapy had higher progression-free survival compared to patients who received immunotherapy alone two years after treatment.
	Discovery unravels the mystery of a rare bone disease A McGill-led team of researchers has made an important discovery shedding light on the genetic basis of a rare skeletal disorder. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that a defect in a specific gene (heterozygous variants in the matrix Gla protein, or MGP) may cause a disorder that affects the structure of connective tissues that supports the body.
	Research demonstrates that killer T cells can support tissue regeneration Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) have demonstrated that killer T cells of the immune system not only eliminate pathologically altered cells, but also promote the subsequent tissue wound healing process.
	Bioengineered approach shows promise in ulcerative colitis By taking advantage of mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade immune attack, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have developed a new strategy in animal models that has potential for treating ulcerative colitis. Their findings, reported in Nature Biomedical Engineering, could eventually provide relief to millions of people worldwide who have this or other autoimmune conditions.
	Study pinpoints breast cancer 'cells-of-origin' in high-risk women Women who inherit and carry a faulty BRCA2 gene have a substantially increased risk of developing breast cancer—approximately 70% of carriers will develop the disease over their lifetime.
	Researchers create first model of the most common genetic cause of childhood interstitial lung disease Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) is a group of rare, genetic lung disorders affecting infants and children who typically present with a range of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing and coughing. While many causal genes have been identified for chILD, understanding its pathogenesis has been impeded by an inability to easily access primary human cells from affected children and limited methods to maintain these cells from explanted tissue of affected children.
	Researchers conduct in-depth characterization of a major gene involved in neurodegenerative diseases Within our brain cells, there exists a highway system of tube-like structures called microtubules. They give the cell structure and help transport nutrients and other important substances from one part of the nerve cells to another. Tau is an important protein that normally binds to these microtubules.
	Study finds no increase in preventable illnesses, deaths in kids during pandemic, but delays in some diagnoses Despite major disruptions to health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant increase in preventable conditions or deaths in children according to a large study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
	Large study finds COVID-19 vaccine reduces long COVID in children Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, reduces the risk of serious acute illness in children and adolescents. However, its role in protecting against persistent health problems in the months after COVID-19, or "long COVID," was less clear.
	Chronic inflammation and poverty are a 'double whammy' for mortality risk, finds study A new study finds that people with chronic inflammation living in poverty have more than double the risk of dying from heart disease and nearly triple the risk of dying from cancer within the next 15 years. The findings of the study, led by a University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions researcher, are based on data representing 95 million Americans ages 40 and over.
	Cannabis has no clear effect on treatment of opioid addiction, study finds Cannabis is not an effective treatment for opioid addiction, a new study of thousands of people being treated for opioid use disorder suggests.
	Benin gets first malaria vaccines Benin has received its first doses of a vaccine for malaria, the leading cause of infant mortality in the country, and will begin administering them soon, officials said late on Monday.
	Is the extreme cold bad for your lungs? From frostbite to hypothermia, extremely cold can be dangerous. The cold can also affect your lungs.
	What is Disease X? How scientists are preparing for the next pandemic The term "Disease X" was coined years ago as a way of getting scientists to work on medical countermeasures for unknown infectious threats—novel coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19, for example—instead of just known ones, like the Ebola virus.
	Enlarged breast tissue in men linked to heightened risk of death Men with enlarged breast tissue, not caused by excess weight—a condition formally known as gynecomastia—may be at heightened risk of an early death before the age of 75, suggests the first study of its kind, published online in the open access journal BMJ Open.
	Video gamers worldwide may be risking irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus Video gamers worldwide may be risking irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus—persistent ringing/buzzing in the ears—finds a systematic review of the available evidence, published in the open access journal BMJ Public Health.
	Same-level workplace falls set to rise amid surge in older female workforce numbers Same-level falls in the workplace are set to rise amid rapid growth in the numbers of older female employees in the workforce, suggests Australian research published online first in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
	Innovative COVID-19 analysis supports prevention protocols in health care settings In early 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly contagious and pathogenic virus, made its alarming debut and quickly spread worldwide, causing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that threatened human health and public safety.
	Study reveals key factors in surgeons' opioid prescribing patterns Researchers revealed new insights into the patterns and predictors of opioid prescribing after surgery in a comprehensive county-level study across the United States. The research results, which offer a detailed look at how various social and health care factors influence opioid prescribing, are published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
	Study shows parents more likely to attempt suicide in first years after child's cancer diagnosis, compared to later on Parents who have a child with cancer are more likely to attempt suicide during the first years after diagnosis, according to a new study conducted by Qianwei Liu of Southern Medical University, China, and colleagues, published in the open access journal PLOS Medicine.
	We must not rush to implement new genetic screening programs, experts warn There is a danger that population genetic screening programs may be introduced without the necessary scrutiny and rigor that is usually applied when screening programs are put into effect, experts have warned.
	Daily active commuting may lower inflammation levels A new study, conducted by the University of Eastern Finland, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, shows that engaging in active commuting for a minimum of 45 minutes a day was associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation.
	Neuroscientific study suggests violence in video games does not negatively impact adults' empathy Neuroscientists from the University of Vienna and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm have investigated whether playing violent video games leads to a reduction in human empathy. To do this, they had adult test subjects repeatedly play a violent video game over the course of an experiment lasting several weeks. Before and after, their empathic reactions to another person's pain were measured.
	Exposure to AI models may improve clinical efficiency and care What if just observing Artificial Intelligence (AI) could make a clinician more efficient at their job and improve care outcomes for patients?
	Researchers urge caution in co-prescribing potency drugs and nitrates Co-prescribing potency drugs such as Viagra and organic nitrates for angina is associated with a 35% to 40% increased risk of death and about 70% higher risk of heart attack and heart failure. This is according to a Swedish registry study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The Swedish researchers are now urging caution.
	Toronto police data underreports cyclist and pedestrian injuries, study finds Cycling and pedestrian injuries are severely underrepresented by police data, particularly those not involving a motor vehicle, according to new research believed to be the first of its kind in Canada.
	Controlling inflammation to conquer lung infection The latest studies at Hudson Institute of Medical Research have identified a novel therapy that controls the body's response to the influenza virus, limiting damaging inflammation and promoting recovery from severe infection.
	Novel AI platform matches cardiologists in detecting rheumatic heart disease Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to detect rheumatic heart disease (RHD) with the same accuracy as a cardiologist, according to new research demonstrating how sophisticated deep learning technology can be applied to this disease of inequity. The work could prevent hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths around the world annually.
	Tobacco use shrinking despite industry efforts: WHO The number of adult tobacco users is steadily dropping, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday, but warned that Big Tobacco was working hard to attract young people.
	WHO says COVID vaccines saved at least 1.4 mn lives in Europe At least 1.4 million lives have been saved in Europe thanks to COVID vaccines, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday, recalling that the virus was "here to stay".
	Music can ease the January blues—but the types of songs that work depend on your age and mindset Music can significantly boost your mental health—delivering benefits similar to those provided by exercise or weight loss. It can also reduce feelings of anxiety and physiological measures of stress and, as neuropsychologist Daniel Levitin argues, even create the same "neurochemical cocktail" as other pleasurable activities, like orgasms or eating chocolate.
	Ultra-processed foods: Here's what the evidence actually says about them The perils of ultra-processed foods received widespread coverage in recent months—thanks in no small part to the publication and promotion of TV presenter and doctor of virology Chris Van Tulleken's book "Ultra-Processed People."
	Using an activity tracker to achieve your exercise goals? Where it can help, where it probably won't It's that time of year when many people are getting started on their resolutions for the year ahead. Doing more physical activity is a popular and worthwhile goal.
	RSV, flu and COVID: Demystifying the triple epidemic of respiratory viruses Since 2022, a triple epidemic of respiratory viruses—RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2—has been disrupting our daily lives. In addition, the media constantly reminds us of how this is straining emergency departments.
	'Food environments' affect what people eat. How you can change yours to support healthier eating In January, many people are setting new year's resolutions around healthy eating. Achieving these is often challenging—it can be difficult to change our eating habits. But healthy diets can enhance physical and mental health, so improving what we eat is a worthwhile goal.
	Count of neurosurgeon density reflects global unmet needs How many neurosurgeons are needed worldwide? Recent reports have suggested that a neurosurgeon ratio of approximately 1 neurosurgeon per 65,000 individuals may not be adequate.
	How looking after your willpower can help you reduce stress and stay productive, wherever you are working The COVID pandemic led to big increases in psychological distress for many people, including symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. The negative impact on mental health has been substantial and is likely to be long-lasting, with many people experiencing psychological distress even now.
	Diverging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on type 2 diabetes care processes A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland published in the journal Primary Care Diabetes reveals varied impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with type 2 diabetes in North Karelia, Finland.
	Teens who up screen time raise mental health risks: Study Young people who spent progressively more time online or playing video games were more likely to be depressed, anxious or to self-harm at 20, the study found.
	The lesser-known health benefit of Dry January: Cancer prevention As we begin 2024, resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more are likely on many minds. This year, you may consider adding another: Reducing alcohol or taking a break altogether. Many people have also started to participate in "Dry January"—a month-long vow to go alcohol-free.
	Undocumented pregnant women are more often severely ill when seeking help at the ED A new UiO study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care shows that pregnant, undocumented women are more often severely ill and must be admitted to the hospital, when they seek help at the emergency room in Oslo.
	Mathematical model mimics vascular tumor growth in breast cancer and its response to treatment Choosing the right cancer treatment is a massive undertaking involving multiple stages, high experimental complexity and significant costs. Currently, two main methods are used to find the best possible treatment solutions: in vitro testing and clinical trials. However, predicting the drug effects on each individual patient remains the Holy Grail of personalized medicine.
	Hidradenitis suppurativa is more common than thought, only a few seek treatment A new study from the University of Oulu, Finland, published in the journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica, provides new insights into a skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
	Kush: What is this dangerous new west African drug that supposedly contains human bones? A new drug called kush is wreaking havoc in west Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone where it is estimated to kill around a dozen people each week and hospitalize thousands.
	Machine learning predicts response to drug for arthritis in children Doctors might one day be able to target children and young people with arthritis most likely to be helped by its first-line treatment, thanks to the application of machine learning by University of Manchester scientists.
	Use of metaphors enables patients and caregivers to communicate experiences of living with long-term conditions It is estimated that 15 million people in England—a quarter of the population—live with a long-term condition and 14.2 million people (one in four adults) are face the presence of more than two long-term conditions. These can broadly be defined as illnesses that cannot be cured and which may require treatment and/or therapies to manage their symptoms and underlying disease processes that are co-occurring or ongoing conditions.
	Photodynamic study shows selective destruction of cancer cells via autophagy mechanism In Japan, cancer has been the leading cause of death since 1981. At present, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are the main treatment options. However, these treatments considerably reduce postoperative quality of life; hence, the development of new treatment methods is highly desired.
	Mathematicians build 'attentive' neural network that recognizes breast cancer with 99.6% accuracy Mathematicians from RUDN University have built a neural network that recognizes breast cancer on histological samples with almost 100% accuracy. This was achieved with the help of a module, which "sharpened the attention" of the model. The results were published in Life.
	Green tea may help mitigate harm from hookah smoking, mouse study suggests Many people consider hookah smoking to be less dangerous than smoking regular cigarettes. Yet hookah smoke is known to contain carcinogens, heavy metals, and other compounds that cause inflammation and oxidative stress that damage cells.
	For personalized treatment of inflammation, sensitivity to hypoxia must be considered: Study If the oxygen level in organs and tissues falls below normal, hypoxia occurs. Then the body launches defensive responses. In many ways, they coincide and overlap with the response to inflammation, because this process is accompanied by local hypoxia.
	Researchers examine accuracy of adult body weight estimates in the emergency department Knowing a patient's weight is necessary for many weight-based medications such as thrombolytics, anticoagulants and numerous cardiovascular medications. Scaling drugs to a patient's weight prevents adverse events from overtreatment and treatment failure due to underdosing. Inaccurate weight estimations may lead to inaccurate drug doses, which could cause patient harm.
	New frontier in glioblastoma theragnosis: Visualizing the tumor microenvironment Recently, a team of South Korean researchers led by nuclear medicine physician and Professor Yun Mijin from Severance Hospital in collaboration with Director C. Justin Lee of the Center for Cognition and Sociality within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) made a new discovery that could revolutionize both the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma.
	Risk factors and diagnostic methods of H. pylori in Saudi Arabia Dr. Mutasim E. Ibrahim from the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia, has recently conducted an extensive study on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), published in Biomolecules and Biomedicine, which brings new insights into its epidemiology, pathogenicity, risk factors, and treatment methodologies.
	Simulations of the human body and advanced data promise more personalized medical treatment In a laboratory in the Italian capital Rome, Marco Evangelos Biancolini and his team are poking patients to gauge the effectiveness of different surgical procedures.
	Higher acetaminophen intake in pregnancy linked to attention deficits in young children A new study links increased use of acetaminophen during pregnancy—particularly in the second trimester—to modest but noticeable increases in problems with attention and behavior in 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking the frequent use of acetaminophen in pregnancy to developmental problems in offspring.
	How embracing stress helps young athletes develop a winning mindset Sports psychology academics from Staffordshire University are helping young athletes learn how to perform under pressure. The researchers have found that teaching athletes simple cognitive behavioral techniques can change their 'stress mindset' and, in turn, enhance their well-being and performance.
	Positive hormone balance can protect people with alcohol use disorder from problematic alcohol consumption: Study Researchers from the Central Institute of Mental Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Technical University of Dresden have published study results in the American Journal of Psychiatry that provide a better understanding of the relationship between hormones and alcohol consumption.
	Using free Wi-Fi to unravel the pandemic's impact on traditional wet markets in Hanoi Researchers at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and their collaborators have been working on how to harness the power of the estimated 549 million Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide, resulting in a project that used anonymized data gathered from free Wi-Fi to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on Hanoi's wet markets during the first stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
	New method improves detection of potential therapeutic tumor targets in human biopsies Many cancers, including some types of breast cancer, are driven by alterations in the activity of cellular enzymes called kinases. Therapies that directly inhibit these cancer-promoting activities have proven to be effective for patients in which individual driving kinases can be diagnosed.
	Addressing structural racism is central to reducing cardiovascular disease disparities across the U.S. The existence of structural racism creates a barrier to equitable access to health care and as a result is a fundamental driver of health disparities in the U.S., concluded a 2020 American Heart Association Presidential Advisory.
	Carbon monoxide poisoning prevention tips during cold weather With below-freezing temperatures, Houstonians are doing their best to find ways to keep warm, but certain appliances in and around our homes used to do so can be deadly. Poisoning by carbon monoxide, an odorless, scentless and colorless gas emitted from these items, is more frequent during this time of year. Dr. Sara Andrabi, assistant professor in the Henry J.N. Taub Department of Emergency Medicine, shares the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how you can prevent it.
	How does owning a mobile phone impact infant birth weight? Every year an estimated 20 million babies worldwide are born with low birth weight, according to the World Health Organization, leading to a wide range of significant short- and long-term consequences. Though you may think the obvious answer is greater emphasis on food and nutrition for pregnant women, leading McGill University researchers are proposing an unexpected solution: the cellphone.
	Researchers find that using patients' own blood, rather than saline, helps preserve veins in coronary bypass grafts In a collaboration between the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and Carilion Clinic, researchers have learned that by preserving large superficial leg veins intended for coronary bypass grafting in a mixture of the anticoagulant heparin and blood, rather than heparin and saline, the veins were better protected from cell and tissue damage.
	Association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and mortality in organ transplant recipients Published in the peer-reviewed journal Transplantation Proceedings, a University of Minnesota Medical School research team found that non-liver solid organ transplant recipient patients who develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) had a higher risk of death compared to patients who did not develop MASH.
	Coming off antidepressants can trigger emotional and social difficulties alongside physical withdrawal symptoms Coming off antidepressants is known to trigger physical symptoms, such as restlessness, fatigue, and excessive sweating, but new research suggests people can also experience emotional and social difficulties and changes in their thinking patterns when they stop taking antidepressants like Prozac. This is especially true when people don't 'taper' their medication but instead stop taking it suddenly and when the process is not adequately supervised by a doctor.
	Research team develops contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma Glaucoma effects around 70 million people worldwide and can cause irreversible loss of vision if not treated—but around half of those living with the condition are not aware of it.
	Study discovers 103 genes that cause inherited diseases when mutated can also increase cancer risk About 100 cancer predisposition genes (CPGs) are known. The probability of developing cancer is greater in individuals who inherit certain altered variants of one of these genes.
	Study shows a single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients A 30-minute walk at moderate intensity temporarily reduced blood pressure in women with rheumatoid arthritis, not only at rest but also under stress. This was the conclusion drawn from a study involving physical and cognitive tests conducted at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil.
	Reductive carboxylation of glutamine as a potential target in acute myeloid leukemia A new editorial paper was published in Oncotarget titled, "Reductive carboxylation of glutamine as a potential target in acute myeloid leukemia."
	Study finds S. aureus can offset the effect of cancer therapy for Sezáry syndrome The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can worsen the condition of patients with the lymphoma type Sezáry syndrome. A Danish research team has found an underlying mechanism. The improved understanding gives reason to hope that a more efficient treatment for this type of cancer can be found.
	Nonpharmaceutical interventions saved lives and eased burdens during COVID's first wave, study shows The measures world governments enacted at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 remain a source of controversy for policy experts, researchers, and media commentators. Some research maintains that they did little to cut down mortality rates or halt the virus's spread.
	New study reveals significant reduction in lumbar spine reoperation with chiropractic spinal manipulation A new study conducted by researchers at University Hospitals (UH) Connor Whole Health sheds light on the potential benefits of chiropractic spinal manipulation (CSM) for adults experiencing ongoing sciatica following low back surgery. The study, titled "Association between spinal manipulative therapy and lumbar spine reoperation after discectomy: a retrospective cohort study," was recently published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
	Research sheds light on the healthiest lunch choice at work A survey conducted in Tokyo, Japan, has found that workers having lunch at company cafeteria or bringing homemade lunch are making nutritionally better choices compared to those who utilize takeout options or restaurants.
	Effects of resveratrol on circadian clock gene expression in young and older human cells A new research paper was published on the cover of Aging titled, "Effects of resveratrol on in vitro circadian clock gene expression in young and older human adipose-derived progenitor cells."
	Researchers reveal Cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause of lichen striatus hypopigmentation Lichen striatus (LS), a skin condition manifesting as linear eruptions following Blaschko's lines on the trunk or limbs of children, is often accompanied by hypopigmentation (loss of melanin or skin color). Interestingly, LS has a higher frequency of hypopigmentation compared to other skin inflammations, with up to 50% of cases that can persist for several months to even years. However, the cause behind this trend is not clear.
	Study mapping entire genome of oral stem cells opens new doors for regenerative medicine A team of researchers from the ADA Forsyth Institute and University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill used single-cell transcriptomic analysis to successfully map dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) and found remarkable differences between them.
	People deprived of liberty are at very high risk of tuberculosis, even years after release, finds study Incarcerated people are at an alarmingly high risk of tuberculosis (TB) and this risk persists for years after their release, according to a study conducted in Paraguay and led by the Universidad Nacional de Asunción and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).
	Scientists find that smooth muscles of the digestive system are sensitive to zero gravity RUDN University scientists have discovered that in weightlessness, the contractile activity of smooth muscles in the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted. New data must be taken into account when planning long-term space missions. The results were published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
	New study reveals gaps in out-of-hospital emergency care for cardiac arrest in kids Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that quality of care for pediatric patients who experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital is lower compared with adults, prompting an urgent call to action to improve care delivery for the potentially deadly event.
	Patients had to lobby for correct diabetes diagnoses: Was their race a reason? When Phyllisa Deroze was told she had diabetes in a Fayetteville, North Carolina, emergency department years ago, she was handed pamphlets with information on two types of the disease. One had pictures of children on it, she recalled, while the other had pictures of seniors.
	Delays in state contracts leave Montana health providers strapped Montana health organizations say a state government backlog in paying its contractors has hindered their ability to provide care, and they worry the bottleneck's ripple effects will be felt long after the money comes through.
	Hoping to clear the air in casinos, workers seek to ban tobacco smoke Some casinos continue to allow indoor smoking even as the share of Americans who smoke fell from about 21% in 2005 to 12% in 2021 and smoking is banned in at least some public spaces in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Still, 13 of the 22 states and territories that allow casino gambling permit smoking in at least part of their facilities.
	Video: Advancing pancreatic cancer treatment with total robotic Whipple surgery New technologies are improving pancreatic cancer treatment, offering hope to patients facing one of the least survivable forms of cancer. The Whipple procedure, a complex surgery for localized pancreatic cancer, can now be done robotically.
	New drug candidate may prevent metastasis A UCF College of Medicine researcher is developing a new treatment that could slow or even stop cancer cells from spreading.
	Spain bans flavored heated tobacco products Spain's government on Tuesday approved a decree that bans the sale of flavored heated tobacco products as part of efforts to discourage tobacco use, the health ministry said.
	Tracking administrative complexity within the 340B Drug Pricing Program Part of the Public Health Service Act of 1992, the 340B Drug Pricing Program lowers drug costs and increases revenues for safety-net health care providers by allowing them to pay heavily discounted prices for prescription drugs, but get reimbursed at full cost. With revenues from the discounted drugs, these safety-net providers can offer discounts on drugs for their patients while also enhancing their care offerings to help achieve the 340B program's goal of "reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services."
	Evolutionary conservation of CD4 and LAG-3 and their cytoplasmic tail motifs with opposing immune functions T cell surface markers CD4 and LAG-3 are related proteins that promote and inhibit cell activity, respectively. However, although LAG-3 has started to gain appreciation as an immune checkpoint molecule that can be targeted in cancer immunotherapy, only CD4 is well understood.
	New research recommends supports to help keep Aussie firefighters safe House fires, road crashes and emergency rescues—they're all part of the job for Aussie firefighters. And in such physically demanding roles, maintaining a high level of fitness and movement quality is essential.

Other Sciences news

	Common sense may depend on one's point of view A pair of social scientists at the University of Pennsylvania has found, via case study, that the term "common sense" may apply differently depending on perspective. In their study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Mark Whiting and Duncan Watts used a case study to better understand how people use the term.
	Developing task design principles to foster students' recognition of relativity of truth in math education Although a typical mathematical task has a single correct answer, in some cases, the assumptions of a proposition determine its truth. Such relativity of truth plays a major role in the development of mathematics.
	Working from home since COVID-19? Cabin fever could be the next challenge As Canada opened back up after the COVID-19 lockdowns, many businesses encouraged their workers to head back to the office. Yet, despite restrictions being lifted in Canada and around the world, teleworking as a regular working arrangement has remained popular across different industries.
	Is economic growth good for our health? Is economic growth good for us? Put another way, we know that growing the economy is good for business and for creating jobs. But does it help everyone in society? One way to answer this question is to explore what it does for population health.
	What's it worth to work from home? For some, it's as much as one-third of their wage A significant proportion of Australian workers— about one-fifth—would be prepared to sacrifice between 16% and 33% of their salaries for the right to work from home, which works out at A$12,000 to $24,000 of those workers' salaries.
	Violence and abuse among fan culture growing concern for soccer, new research finds Soccer players are concerned for their physical safety due to a fan culture seen as increasingly more violent and abusive, according to new UCD research.
	Study examines how ad strategies of the Great Depression can inform today's crisis communications The COVID-19 pandemic was not the first time a crisis swept through the nation and beyond, forcing businesses and media to find ways to reach people in uncertain times. A new study from the University of Kansas has analyzed newspaper advertising strategies from the Great Depression to see what one historic crisis can teach communicators about reaching people today.
	Bonus boost: Financial incentive also works in creative teams, says economist Many companies pay out bonuses at the end of January. Economist David Schindler investigated whether bonuses work in modern work environments, where teams have to solve complex problems together. His main conclusion is bonuses are very effective and improve performance in this setting by facilitating the emergence of leadership.
	Non-sectarian parties improve democracy and social stability, study says Non-sectarian political parties help to make divided societies more stable and improve the quality of the democratic process, a new study says.
	Who defends bullying victims? A study analyzes adolescents' behavior in this regard A research team at the University of Cordoba studied the behavior of those defending adolescent victims of bullying and its relationship to the student's social and regulatory adjustment and perceptions of popularity among peers.
	Extreme weather influences mortgage payments, study finds When cyclones and floods hit populated areas, people's ability to pay their mortgage differs depending on the type and intensity of the extreme weather, research suggests.
	Study reveals the dating psychology of incels A new study published in The Journal of Sex Research has revealed the complex world of involuntary celibacy, providing important insights into the challenges faced by a growing community of men known as incels.
	Amazing, incredible, superb: The effect of high-arousal language used by social media influencers Researchers from LUISS Guido Carli University have published a new study that examines whether and how subtle shifts in language arousal might shape consumer engagement and the way it affects perceptions of influencers' trustworthiness.
	Embracing 'virtual dark tourism' could help heritage sites at risk of degradation, expert explains Do you believe in ghosts? If so, there is a whole genre of digital storytelling to explore on YouTube. My recent research (which identified more than 60 dedicated channels) has shown that there is a fast-growing audience on YouTube for paranormal investigations that are filmed like a virtual tour of a range of "dark" heritage sites—places with rumored hauntings or a tragic history.
	Healthy food is hard to come by in Cape Town's poorer areas: How community gardens can fix that In 1950, as part of the Group Areas Act, South Africa's apartheid government banished people of color to outlying areas, away from central business districts. The Cape Flats are one such area, sprawling to the east of central Cape Town.
	Thesis reveals gender gap in reactions to women's sexual assault stories Research master student Linda Bomm found in her thesis that men, compared to women, believe female sexual assault survivors less, blame women more, and judge them more negatively—especially if they identify strongly with their male gender.
	Study highlights barriers preventing bystander help during gender-based violence Gender-based violence (GBV) is a public health issue that encompasses acts of violence based on individuals' sex or gender, such as intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault, and violence against women, among others. GBV can cause serious physical and mental harm, ranging from psychological effects to even homicide.
	Reimagining rehabilitation: Iceland's open prisons offer a blueprint for UK's foreign national prisoners A new study suggests the UK prison system should learn lessons from Icelandic prisons to transform the lives of foreign national prisoners. The work was published in the International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice.
	Researchers discuss unity and the power of racial healing A new Roundtable discussion in the journal Health Equity explores the results of a poll conducted by the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), called the "Heart of America Annual Survey." The survey found that more than 80% of respondents want a national leader that unifies rather than divides us, suggesting that there is a readiness in the country to put polarization and division behind us so that we can solve our collective and common challenges and problems.

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