Science X Newsletter Tue, Jan 30

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 30, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Global warming caused widespread ocean anoxia 93 million years ago, deep-sea sediments research suggests

A method to fabricate long rolls of subnanocomposite dielectric polymers

Study highlights the potential of geothermal power for decarbonizing electricity

New Wolf in the pack: Astronomers discover an ultra-short-period super-Earth

A Trojan approach to guide and trap light beams via Lagrange points

Decay of sunspot pair elucidates properties of nearby moving magnetic features

The future of AI could be great—or catastrophic

Research shows goats can tell if you are happy or angry by your voice alone

DNA particles that mimic viruses hold promise as vaccines

Systemic US reforms needed to prevent mass death in the next pandemic

Citizen scientists contribute to motor learning research

Pollutants from aerosols and river runoff are changing the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, finds study

Ultrathin membranes for uncovering the atomic scale problem in operando conditions

How a mouse's brain bends time

Study finds gut microbiota influence severity of respiratory viral infection

Nanotechnology news

	A method to fabricate long rolls of subnanocomposite dielectric polymers Engineers and material scientists have been trying to develop increasingly advanced devices, to meet the growing needs of the electronics industry. These devices include electrostatic capacitors, devices that can store electrical energy in a dielectric between a pair of electrodes through the accumulation of electric charge on the dielectric surfaces.
	DNA particles that mimic viruses hold promise as vaccines Using a virus-like delivery particle made from DNA, researchers from MIT and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard have created a vaccine that can induce a strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2.
	Ultrathin membranes for uncovering the atomic scale problem in operando conditions When someone comes up with the word "magnify," it is referring either to making distant objects closer or making small objects bigger on a tangible scale. There is no doubt that the power of magnifying instruments, regardless of the scale and direction, can lead to the advancement of the scientific field. Since its launch in 2021, James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has embarked on a mission to collect unprecedented data from the deep universe, aiming to extend our understanding of the early universe and lifecycle of celestial bodies.
	Structural color ink: Printable, non-iridescent and lightweight A new way of creating color uses the scattering of light of specific wavelengths around tiny, almost perfectly round silicon crystals. This Kobe University development enables non-fading structural colors that do not depend on the viewing angle and can be printed. The material has a low environmental and biological impact and can be applied extremely thinly, promising significant weight improvements over conventional paints.
	High-performance photocatalytic water oxidation realized via ultrathin covalent organic framework nanosheets The photocatalytic water oxidation process plays a vital role in attaining efficient solar-to-chemical process by enabling photocatalytic water splitting and CO2/N2 fixation. However, the lack of well-designed photocatalysts to overcome the sluggish kinetics of water oxidation has impeded the ongoing research. Therefore, it is important to develop an efficient water oxidation photocatalyst.
	Scientists manufacture a surface that has virucidal properties but does not use any chemicals A team of researchers from the URV and the RMIT University (Australia) has designed and manufactured a surface that uses mechanical means to mitigate the infectious potential of viruses. Made of silicon, the artificial surface consists of a series of tiny spikes that damage the structure of viruses when they come into contact with it. The work is published in the journal ACS Nano.
	Small yet mighty: Showcasing precision nanocluster formation with molecular traps Nanoclusters (NCs) are crystalline materials that typically exist on the nanometer scale. They are composed of atoms or molecules in combination with metals like cobalt, nickel, iron, and platinum, and have found several interesting applications across diverse fields, including drug delivery, catalysis, and water purification.
	Researchers showcase new breakthroughs for unlocking the potential of plasmonics Plasmonics are special optical phenomena that are understood as interactions between light and matter and possess diverse shapes, material compositions, and symmetry-related behavior. The design of such plasmonic structures at the nanoscale level can pave the way for optical materials that respond to the orientation of light (polarization), which is not easily achievable in bulk size and existing materials.
	BESSY II: Local variations in the atomic structure of high-entropy alloys High-entropy alloys can withstand extreme heat and stress, making them suitable for a variety of specific applications. A new study at the X-ray synchrotron radiation source BESSY II has now provided deeper insights into the ordering processes and diffusion phenomena in these materials.
	Efficient photothermal CO₂ methanation over NiFe alloy nanoparticles The massive emissions of CO2 from the utilization of fossil fuels have caused a series of environmental issues and climate change. Driven by the fast development of green hydrogen and CO2 capture technologies, the hydrogenation of CO2 to hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals is becoming a promising process for the reduction of carbon footprint and the storage of renewable energy. Photothermal catalysis enables efficient CO2 conversion under mild conditions.

Physics news

	A Trojan approach to guide and trap light beams via Lagrange points Reliably guiding and capturing optical waves is central to the functioning of various contemporary technologies, including communication and information processing systems. The most conventional approach to guide light waves leverages the total internal reflection of optical fibers and other similar structures, yet recently physicists have been exploring the potential of techniques based on other physical mechanisms.
	Researchers develop new model to predict surface atom scattering A group of Cornell-led researchers in the Center for Bright Beams has developed a new theoretical approach to calculate how atoms scatter from surfaces. The method, developed by recently conferred Cornell physics Ph.D. Michelle Kelley and her collaborators and published in Physical Review Letters, is the first method to explicitly calculate the interactions between a scattering atom with a surface directly from first principles.
	How measuring Reynolds similitude in superfluids could help demonstrate existence of quantum viscosity Every fluid—from Earth's atmosphere to blood pumping through the human body—has viscosity, a quantifiable characteristic describing how the fluid will deform when it encounters some other matter. If the viscosity is higher, the fluid flows calmly, a state known as laminar. If the viscosity decreases, the fluid undergoes the transition from laminar to turbulent flow.
	A faster, more efficient imaging system for nanoparticles Researchers have developed a new system for imaging nanoparticles. It consists of a high-precision, short-wave infrared imaging technique capable of capturing the photoluminescence lifetimes of rare-earth doped nanoparticles in the micro- to millisecond range.
	Physicists present new way to predict magnetic alloy properties with machine learning Researchers from Skoltech and MIPT and their German, Austrian, and Norwegian colleagues have proposed and tested a new method for computer modeling of magnetic alloys. The method, which relies on machine learning, accurately predicted the energy, mechanical and magnetic characteristics of the alloy of iron and aluminum.
	Scientists build high power cladding-pumped Raman fiber laser at 1.2 μm waveband Laser sources operating at the 1.2 μm wavelength band have some unique applications in photodynamic therapy, biomedical diagnosis and oxygen sensing. Additionally, they can be adopted as pump sources for mid-infrared optical parametric generation as well as visible light generation by frequency doubling.

Earth news

	Global warming caused widespread ocean anoxia 93 million years ago, deep-sea sediments research suggests Marine anoxia is characterized by the oceans being severely depleted in dissolved oxygen, making them toxic and thus having devastating impacts on the organisms inhabiting them. One such event, known as Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2), occurred ~93.5 million years ago across the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary of the Upper Cretaceous and lasted for up to 700,000 years.
	Pollutants from aerosols and river runoff are changing the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, finds study New research into the marine phosphorus cycle is deepening our understanding of the impact of human activities on ecosystems in coastal seas. The research, co-led by the University of East Anglia, in partnership with the Sino-UK Joint Research Centre at the Ocean University of China, looked at the impact of aerosols and river runoff on microalgae in the coastal waters of China.
	In Antarctica, scientists study extent of microplastics In remote Antarctica, Colombian marine biologist Paulo Tigreros dips a net into the icy waters in his hunt for microplastics in what should be one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the world.
	Geoengineering may slow Greenland ice sheet loss, finds modeling study One of the many effects of global warming is sea-level rise due to the melting and retreat of the Earth's ice sheets and glaciers. As the sea level rises, large areas of densely populated coastal land could ultimately become uninhabitable without extensive coastal modification. In order to stave off this possibility, carbon emissions need to reach net negative, a state that is hard to achieve under current circumstances.
	UN confirms Europe hit record high temperature in 2021 The World Meteorological Organisation confirmed on Tuesday that continental Europe recorded in 2021 its highest ever temperature of 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 Fahrenheit), and warned that new extremes were expected.
	How simple changes can open up Britain's green spaces so everyone can benefit from them A typical British countryside walk may conjure up images of vast green fields, heather-topped moorlands, and of course, countless stiles providing access throughout the right-of-way network. However, while stiles connect trails and public pathways, they are a physical barrier to accessible green spaces for all.
	Integrated design of Global Ocean Observing System essential to monitor climate change, says study We know that our climate is changing. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, sea levels are rising and overall, our planet is getting warmer. Monitoring these changes is critical.
	New mayor hopes trees will cool Athens down Athens' new mayor will plant 25,000 trees over the next five years to try to cool the sprawling Greek capital, he told AFP.
	Global heat wave in summer accelerates melting of mountain glaciers in China The world experienced an unprecedented heat wave in 2022, and this long duration and extreme heat wave event aroused widespread concern. Heat wave events have a huge impact on the global melting of glaciers.

Astronomy and Space news

	New Wolf in the pack: Astronomers discover an ultra-short-period super-Earth Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers has discovered a new ultra-short-period exoplanet. The newfound alien world, designated Wolf 327 b, is slightly larger and about 2.5 times more massive than the Earth. The finding was reported in a paper published January 22 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	Decay of sunspot pair elucidates properties of nearby moving magnetic features Scientists studying sunspots have found important clues about magnetic features in their decay that will help understand the evolution and real origin of these mysterious magnetic phenomena. The findings are published in The Astrophysical Journal.
	ALMA observations: Researchers reveal dynamic view of massive protocluster evolution A team of researchers has jointly launched the ALMA Survey of Star formation and Evolution of Massive Protoclusters with Blue-profiles (ASSEMBLE) project. They revealed the growth in mass and density of cluster members, along with increasing proximity and mass segregation as the clusters evolve, and proposed a comprehensive formation and evolution scenario for these massive protoclusters.
	Space shuttle Endeavour hoisted for display in launch configuration at Los Angeles science museum NASA's retired space shuttle Endeavour was carefully hoisted late Monday and attached to a huge external fuel tank and its two solid rocket boosters at a Los Angeles museum where it will be uniquely displayed as if it is about to blast off.
	Mars helicopter Ingenuity has ended its mission, paving the way for more flying vehicles on other planets, moons It is difficult to emphasize the significance of the milestone surpassed by Nasa's Mars helicopter, Ingenuity.
	Poised for science: NASA's Europa Clipper instruments are all aboard With less than nine months remaining in the countdown to launch, NASA's Europa Clipper mission has passed a major milestone: Its science instruments have been added to the massive spacecraft, which is being assembled at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.
	Did we find exomoons or not? Do exoplanets have exomoons? It would be extraordinary if they didn't, but as with all things, we don't know until we know. Astronomers thought they may have found exomoons several years ago around two exoplanets: Kepler-1625b and Kepler-1708b. Did they?
	Another explanation for K2-18b? A gas-rich mini-Neptune with no habitable surface Exoplanet K2-18b is garnering a lot of attention. James Webb Space Telescope spectroscopy shows it has carbon and methane in its atmosphere. Those results, along with other observations, suggest the planet could be a long-hypothesized "Hycean World." But new research counters that.
	It's a fine line between a black hole energy factory and a black hole bomb Black holes are powerful gravitational engines. So you might imagine that there must be a way to extract energy from them given the chance, and you'd be right. Certainly, we could tap into all the heat and kinetic energy of a black hole's accretion disk and jets, but even if all you had was a black hole in empty space, you could still extract energy from a trick known as the Penrose process.
	The space-based gravitational wave observatory LISA gets the green light The science of studying gravitational waves just got a big boost thanks to the European Space Agency. Its science program committee just approved the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna—affectionately known as LISA—for official planning and building. That means gravitational wave astronomers will take their next steps to capture information about gravity waves from space.
	How the 2024 total solar eclipse is different than the 2017 eclipse On April 8, the moon's shadow will sweep across the United States, as millions will view a total solar eclipse. For many, preparing for this event brings memories of the magnificent total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.
	Researchers seek to understand how regions of 'cosmic web' influence behavior of galaxies Researchers at the University of Kansas (KU) hope to better understand intricate mechanisms behind the evolution of galaxies, which travel through a "cosmic web" of different environments during their lifespans.
	Earth's atmospheric glow can be seen from the International Space Station This high exposure photograph revealed Earth's atmospheric glow against the backdrop of a starry sky in this image taken from the International Space Station on Jan. 21, 2024. At the time, the orbital lab was 258 miles above the Pacific Ocean northeast of Papua New Guinea. The Nauka science module and Prichal docking module are visible at left.

Technology news

	Study highlights the potential of geothermal power for decarbonizing electricity Enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs) are human-made or enriched reservoirs within the Earth's subsurface, from which heat can be extracted to produce geothermal energy. The energy produced by these reservoirs could serve as an alternative source of electricity, helping to mitigate carbon emissions.
	The future of AI could be great—or catastrophic A survey of nearly 3,000 machine learning experts on how our lives will be different in an AI world has been completed and the results are in.
	Research team develops world's most efficient quantum dot solar cells A research breakthrough in solar energy has propelled the development of the world's most efficient quantum dot (QD) solar cell, marking a significant leap toward the commercialization of next-generation solar cells. This cutting-edge QD solution and device have demonstrated exceptional performance, retaining their efficiency even after long-term storage.
	Research team develops sweat-resistant wearable robot sensor New electromyography (EMG) sensor technology that allows the long-term stable control of wearable robots and is not affected by the wearer's sweat and dead skin has gained attention recently. Wearable robots are devices used across a variety of rehabilitation treatments for the elderly and patients recovering from stroke or trauma.
	Soft artificial muscles developed for robot motion Researchers at ETH Zurich have recently developed artificial muscles for robot motion. Their solution offers several advantages over previous technologies: It can be used wherever robots need to be soft rather than rigid or where they need more sensitivity when interacting with their environment.
	Avocado robot swings its way to unexplored treetops It abseils from a height and swings around obstacles: Robot Avocado will one day maneuver through the canopy of the rainforest and collect data for researchers about this hard-to-reach habitat.
	A virtual reality pegboard test shows performance does not always match user preference Virtual hand interactions are one of the most common and useful applications that virtual reality (VR) systems offer users. But, as a new Concordia-led study shows, personal preference remains an important factor in how the technology is applied, regardless of the effect on overall performance.
	Toyota apologizes for scandals as vehicle sales set new record Toyota's chairman said Tuesday he was "ashamed" of recent scandals involving subsidiaries of the Japanese auto giant, as the firm announced record vehicle sales of 11.2 million across its brands last year.
	Italy says ChatGPT breached privacy rules Italian authorities have accused OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, of breaching EU data protection law, giving the US firm 30 days to respond.
	Colorado lawmakers lead push on AI, warn of 'disastrous' consequences if tech is left alone As artificial intelligence starts to reshape society in ways predictable and not, some of Colorado's highest-profile federal lawmakers are trying to establish guardrails without shutting down the technology altogether.
	How a 13-year-old beat Tetris An extraordinary thing happened on December 21, 2023: 13-year-old Willis Gibson from Stillwater, Oklahoma, beat Tetris.
	'I almost feel like stuck in a rut': How streaming services changed the way we listen to music Music streaming can alter what was once a private activity into something more seemingly public.
	Spending too much time online? Helpful tips to improve your digital wellness Using digital platforms is increasingly the only option to manage our daily lives, from filling out forms at the doctor's office or government offices to ordering food, booking a cab, paying taxes, banking, shopping or dating. Often, people are coerced into using apps or online platforms by the absence of any other options.
	Departing US road safety chief says agency has the people and knowhow to regulate high-tech vehicles In the past 15 months, no one has been more responsible for safety on the nation's roads than Ann Carlson. For much of that time she has served as acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, where she started as chief counsel in 2021.
	Amazon says Prime deliveries reached their fastest speeds ever last year Amazon delivered packages to its Prime customers at the fastest speeds ever in 2023, the retailer said Tuesday, thanks to better inventory placement, a new regionalization model for shipments and more same-day warehouses.
	71% of musicians fear AI: French-German study More than two-thirds of musicians fear that artificial intelligence will make it impossible to make a living, according to a study by French and German music societies published Tuesday.
	Editing memories, spying on our bodies, normalizing weird goggles: Apple's new Vision Pro has big ambitions Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset—which the company hopes is a "revolutionary spatial computer that transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment"—that begins shipping to the public (in the United States) later this week.
	Expert explains the alarming creativity of today's cyberattacks, and five unlikely places you're vulnerable Associate Research Professor Charles Harry likes to strike up conversations with his new students by asking about their pets: Their favorite memories, the name of their first pet, even if they chose the collar based on their favorite color. Most don't hesitate—after all, he's their professor.
	Study reveals renewable energy project lead-times Western Sydney University has released new research assessing how long it takes to get renewable energy projects planned, approved, built, and commissioned.
	Fighting deepfakes, shallowfakes and media manipulation Photo, audio and video technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, making it easier to create convincing fake multimedia content, like politicians singing popular songs or saying silly things to get a laugh or a click. With a few easily accessible applications and some practice, the average person can alter the face and voice of just about anyone.
	Recycling tires and plastics with an ancient heating method Thermal decomposition is helping to green two major EU manufacturing industries.
	Machine sentience and you: What happens when machine learning goes too far There's always some truth in fiction, and now is about the time to get a step ahead of sci-fi dystopias and determine what the risk of machine sentience can be for humans.
	Researchers propose AI-guided system for robotic inspection of buildings, roads and bridges Our built environment is aging and failing faster than we can maintain it. Recent building collapses and structural failures of roads and bridges are indicators of a problem that's likely to get worse, according to experts, because it's just not possible to inspect every crack, creak and crumble to parse dangerous signs of failure from normal wear and tear.
	App lets Indigenous Brazilians connect in own languages For Indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon, getting online is a challenge. Now, a smartphone app is making it easier to connect by allowing them to use their own native languages.
	General Motors eyes strong 2024 as earnings top estimates General Motors reported higher quarterly profits Tuesday thanks to continued robust vehicle pricing amid strong North American demand, offsetting the hit from a labor strike.
	A review of solid-state lithium metal batteries through in-situ solidification At present, the energy density of commercial lithium-ion batteries has been approaching the limit. Liquid lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are favored for their high-energy-density (>500 Wh kg−1), but commercialization is hampered by the flammability and explosiveness of the liquid solvent and the growth of Li dendrites.
	Trade unions can contribute to productivity and technological development The Swedish trade union IF Metall is demanding that a collective agreement be established with Tesla, but the electric car manufacturer is refusing to collaborate. As a result, well over a hundred Swedish Tesla workers have been on strike since late October.

Chemistry news

	New drug reveals a key mechanism to overcome resistance to protein degraders Protein degraders, a novel approach in drug discovery, show promise in tackling diseases previously thought to be untreatable. Unlike traditional drugs that block specific protein functions, degraders alter the cell's natural degradation process so that it can remove disease-relevant proteins. However, resistance to these degraders is still an unsolved issue.
	Some plastic straws degrade more quickly than others, new study shows Straws are one of the most common plastic waste products found on coastlines. As more and more plastic products are being produced, consumed, and disposed of, scientists and manufacturers are developing alternative materials that work equally as well, and don't contribute to persistent plastic pollution in the environment.
	A breath of fresh air in plasmonic catalysis: Black gold and solar light's renaissance Prof. Polshettiwar's group at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai has developed a novel "plasmonic reduction catalyst stable in air," defying the common instability of reduction catalysts in the presence of air. The catalyst merges platinum-doped ruthenium clusters, with "plasmonic black gold." This black gold efficiently harvests visible light and generates numerous hot spots due to plasmonic coupling, enhancing its catalytic performance.
	Unveiling the effect of Ti substitutions on the static oxidation behavior of (Hf,Ti)C at 2,500°C Hf-based carbides are highly desirable candidates for thermal protection applications above 2,000°C due to their extremely high melting point and favorable mechanical properties. However, as a crucial indicator for composition design and performance assessment, the static oxidation behavior of Hf-based carbides at their potential service temperatures has been rarely studied.
	Design, synthesis and applications of functional zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks In a review led by Prof. Zhijie Chen's group from Department of Chemistry at Zhejiang University, an overview of recent progress in the development of Zr-MOFs is provided. The article titled "Design, synthesis and applications of functional zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks" is published in the journal Science China Chemistry.

Biology news

	Research shows goats can tell if you are happy or angry by your voice alone Goats can tell the difference between a happy-sounding human voice and an angry-sounding one, according to research co-led by Professor Alan McElligott, an expert in animal behavior and welfare at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK).
	New species of ancient feline discovered in Spain A small team of paleontologists at Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC has discovered a new species of ancient feline based on study of a jawbone fossil. In their paper published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, the group describes a jawbone fossil uncovered near what is now Madrid, some of its features and where it fits in on the family tree of felines.
	Study finds commensal gut bacteria develop resistance in response to antibacterial treatment An international team of microbiologists and immunologists has found that commensal gut bacteria develop resistance to antibacterial therapies for infections. In their study, reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the group monitored and tested the gut biomes of patients undergoing long-term antibacterial treatment for tuberculosis.
	Synthetic antibacterial minerals combat topical infections The development of new antibiotics has stalled—new strategies are needed as the world enters the age of antibiotic resistance. To combat this challenge, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists have found that synthetic antibacterial minerals exhibit potent antibacterial activity against topical MRSA infections and increase the rate of wound closure.
	Asparagus and orchids are more similar than you think: Cell wall reference catalog of 287 species created What does an asparagus have in common with a vanilla orchid? Not much, if you are just looking at the two plants' appearances. However, when you look inside, their leaves are more similar than you would think, as revealed by the composition of their cell walls.
	Is evolution predictable? Bacterial adaptation study seeks to answer this question A classic question in biology is whether evolution is entirely random or, can it follow predictable patterns. This question was popularized by the famous paleontologist and science communicator Stephen Jay Gould, who in his book "Wonderful Life" wondered what would happen if we could "rewind" the tape of life and let it run again. Would the major phylogenetic groups re-emerge, or would something entirely different happen?
	Poultry scientists develop 3D anatomy technique to learn more about chicken vision Poultry scientists with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station are unraveling the complexities of bird brains and finding less expensive ways to do it. The scientists mapped the intricate neurological pathways that control vision in chickens with detailed 3D models of the connections between the eyes and four regions of the brain.
	Researchers use metabolic model to study temperature stress on corn A research team led by Nebraska scientists has built the largest-ever metabolic model of corn to study how temperature stress affects the plant and how a certain fungus can help alleviate the problem.
	Are insects drawn to light? New research shows it's confusion, not fatal attraction Like a moth to flame, many scientists and poets have long assumed that flying insects were simply, inexorably drawn to bright lights.
	Using CRISPR technology, researchers succeed in growing tomatoes that consume less water without compromising yield A new discovery by Tel Aviv University has succeeded in cultivating and characterizing tomato varieties with higher water use efficiency without compromising yield. The researchers, employing CRISPR genetic editing technology, were able to grow tomatoes that consume less water while preserving yield, quality, and taste.
	'Genomic time machine' reveals secrets of our DNA The human genome, an intricate tapestry of genetic information for life, has proven to be a treasure trove of strange features. Among them are segments of DNA that can "jump around" and move within the genome, known as "transposable elements" (TEs).
	Researchers use scattering function to analyze movement patterns of E. coli In a joint effort with various international institutions, researchers from the University of Innsbruck have described the movement patterns of the bacterium Escherichia coli. To do so, they used an engineered bacterial strain, experiments under the microscope and complicated functions.
	Weevils found in Philippine rainforest 'almost like discovering a dodo bird' A University of Alberta researcher has unearthed two species of weevils—one new and one thought to have been extinct—that have managed to survive clearcutting of the Philippines rainforest.
	130 poisonous frogs seized at Bogota airport Authorities in Colombia seized 130 poisonous frogs being trafficked through the Bogota airport on Monday and arrested the Brazilian woman carrying them.
	Stop killing brown snakes—they could be a farmer's best friend say researchers Many Australians who work outdoors—especially farmers and graziers—attempt to kill every snake they encounter, especially those thought to be venomous. In fact, research in one part of rural Australia found 38% of respondents tried to kill snakes wherever possible.
	A green alternative for treating Streptococcus iniae bacteria in hybrid striped bass Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have developed a green antibiotic alternative to treat the deadly pathogen Streptococcus iniae in hybrid striped bass, the fourth-most farmed fin fish in the United States, according to a recent study.
	Remaining roots have legacy effect on soil nematode community structure: Study Plant removal experiments are recognized as effective methods for understanding ecosystem functions of plant species under vegetation change scenarios. To minimize disturbance, the most prominent method of plant removal is to repeatedly cut off the aboveground parts of plants and leave roots in the soil. However, how the remaining roots affect soil organisms remains to be investigated.
	Study of ancient viruses offers insights into phage-bacteria interactions spanning several millennia The results of research on ancient viruses infecting bacteria have been published in the journal Nature Communications. Researchers from the Faculty of Biology at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, have made the first genome reconstruction of ancient bacteriophages (viruses attacking bacteria) from the human intestine, datable to the last 5,000 years.
	Europe forges new bonds between agriculture and biodiversity As the environmental and economic costs of industrial farming grow, so do opportunities to spur an ecological change.
	Research finds resin destroys coronavirus on plastic surfaces Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, are currently developing anti-viral surfaces to decrease the spread of infectious diseases. A recent study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that a resin ingredient is effective against coronaviruses and strongly decreases their infectivity on plastic surfaces.
	Protecting rice plants from heat when it attacks at nighttime Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the staple food for more than half of the world's population. Based on mathematical modeling, worldwide cereal production is estimated to have a loss of 6%–7% yield per 1°C increase in seasonal mean temperature associated with extreme heat disasters.
	Unlocking the secrets of natural reef recovery Corals, the literal foundation of any reef, have adjusted and adapted to their environment over millennia. Yet with rapid global warming, the key question is whether their natural resilience can keep up with this extreme environmental change.
	Nitrogen-based fertilizers differentially affect protist community composition in paddy field soils, finds study The soil microbiome has far-reaching significance, particularly for rice production, which can be better explained with a Japanese proverb: "Rice grows with soil fertility, while upland crops depend on fertilization." Therefore, understanding the paddy field microbiome is crucial for sustainable soil fertility and rice production. This would also lead us to overcome the global food shortage problem as rice is the primary food source for nearly half of the world's population.
	Study opens the door for developing gene drive strains for the population suppression of medfly Researchers have created the first gene drive for the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), a global agricultural pest affecting food production. The team was led by Dr. Nikolai Windbichler and Dr. Angela Meccariello at Imperial's Department of Life Sciences, and included researchers from the University of East Anglia and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The study is published in Nature Communications.

Medicine and Health news

	Systemic US reforms needed to prevent mass death in the next pandemic Ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, The BMJ has launched a forward-looking series that highlights the lessons that can be learned from the US's COVID-19 experience and the actions that are needed to prevent the loss of another million citizens in the next pandemic and improve and protect population health.
	Citizen scientists contribute to motor learning research A new research study has examined the results from data generated by citizen scientists using a simple web-based motor test. The big data approach provides researchers with a unique way to explore how people correct for motor control errors. The resulting insights may one day pave the way for personalized physical therapy or tailor an athlete's training routine. The results are available in Nature Human Behaviour.
	How a mouse's brain bends time Life has a challenging tempo. Sometimes, it moves faster or slower than we'd like. Nevertheless, we adapt. We pick up the rhythm of conversations. We keep pace with the crowd walking a city sidewalk.
	Study finds gut microbiota influence severity of respiratory viral infection The composition of microbiota found in the gut influences how susceptible mice are to respiratory virus infections and the severity of these infections, according to researchers from the Center for Translational Antiviral Research in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University.
	CRISPR study lays groundwork for overcoming ovarian cancer A team of researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has gained attention for their work on rethinking ovarian cancer disease progression and treatment. Equipped with highly advanced technology, they are making inroads in rendering the most lethal cancer of the female reproductive system less deadly.
	Evolutionary origin of mysterious immune system molecule in humans revealed Biological systems can behave as siblings in several ways, including by borrowing something and never giving it back. That appears to be what the human immune system did with a protein that now helps bind and regulate the subunits that make up antibodies, according to a multi-institute research collaboration. They found that, before the immune system evolutionarily co-opted it, the protein originally belonged to gene family responsible for directing cells to move to the right location at the right time to address specific functional needs.
	Researchers test new imaging method for monitoring intermediate uveitis, a rare eye disease An estimated 5% to 10% of blindness worldwide is due to the rare inflammatory eye disease uveitis. Intermediate uveitis is often associated with a chronic course of the disease and the need for immunosuppressive therapy. Intermediate uveitis primarily causes inflammation of the vitreous body, but blood flow to the retina can also be restricted.
	The roles of genes and 3D genome folds in determining health Whether we stay healthy or become seriously ill is determined by our genes. But also, the folding of our genome has a significant influence on this, as the 3D genome organization regulates which genes are switched on and off.
	Rare disorder causing extra fingers and toes identified A rare disorder that causes babies to be born with extra fingers and toes and a range of birth defects has been identified in new research co-led by the University of Leeds.
	Spider-silk inspired electrode offers new possibilities for the next generation of biomedical devices An international team of scientists has developed a flexible electrode that wraps around muscles, nerves and hearts to deliver electrical stimulation to tissues or record electrical activity. Inspired by spider silk, the electrode contracts to conform to biological tissues, is non-toxic and performs better than conventional stretchable electrodes.
	Gene-based therapy may slow development of life-threatening heart condition A new study in mice shows that replacement of a dysfunctional gene could prolong survival in some people with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare inherited disorder in which the muscular walls of the heart progressively weaken and put patients at risk of dangerous irregular heartbeats.
	Switching to vegan or ketogenic diet rapidly impacts immune system, study shows Researchers at the National Institutes of Health observed rapid and distinct immune system changes in a small study of people who switched to a vegan or a ketogenic (also called keto) diet. Scientists closely monitored various biological responses of people sequentially eating vegan and keto diets for two weeks, in random order.
	Research team achieves regeneration of functional bladder tissue using bone marrow cells Scientists from Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University have succeeded in regenerating fully functional urinary bladder tissue in a long-term study utilizing a non-human primate model.
	Scientists identify how fasting may protect against inflammation Cambridge scientists may have discovered a new way that fasting helps reduce inflammation, a potentially damaging side-effect of the body's immune system that underlies a number of chronic diseases.
	Two studies unveil key insights into long COVID Health care providers are learning critical new information to help improve care for patients with long COVID, thanks to a pair of recent studies out of the Post-COVID-19 Program at UT Health Austin, the clinical practice of Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Over the past several months, UT researchers have edged closer to defining the pattern of symptoms it generates and how it affects patients, as well as developing methods to differentiate patients suffering from long COVID versus other conditions.
	Researchers uncover potential non-opioid treatment for chronic pain A new approach to treating neuropathic pain is making a key step forward thanks to researchers at The University of Texas at Austin.
	US regulatory system failed to prevent thousands of deaths in frontline workers during the pandemic, analysis finds An analysis published in the British Medical Journal examines the risks faced by frontline workers in the United States during the pandemic and suggests reforms that could protect population health and save lives. The piece is the first of a series of articles on US lessons learned during the pandemic.
	Alzheimer's treatment roadblocks can be eased by engaging primary care providers in screenings There is substantial geographic variation across the U.S. health care system to diagnose and treat early-stage Alzheimer's disease with disease-modifying therapies, and engaging primary care providers in the effort may be a key to accelerating delivery of emerging new treatments, according to a new RAND report.
	Elon Musk says the first human has received an implant from Neuralink, but other details are scant According to Elon Musk, the first human received an implant from his computer-brain interface company Neuralink over the weekend.
	Data show worries about costs, time off work and COVID-19 kept some older adults from having surgery When it comes to having surgery, older adults don't just base their decision on how much pain they'll feel and how quickly they'll recover, a new study finds.
	Study provides new explanation for why placenta may not properly separate at birth, putting mother and newborn at risk A new study led by researchers at UCLA may change the way clinicians and scientists understand, diagnose and treat placenta accreta spectrum disorder, a serious condition in which the placenta fails to separate from the uterus at birth, jeopardizing the life and health of both mother and baby.
	FDA approves Dupixent (dupilumab) for children with eosinophilic esophagitis The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Regeneron's Dupixent (dupilumab) for the treatment of pediatric patients (aged one to 11 years) with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
	Native American communities have the highest suicide rates, yet interventions are scarce Non-Hispanic Indigenous people in the United States die by suicide at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The suicide rate among Montana's Native American youth is more than five times the statewide rate for the same age group, according to the Montana Budget and Policy Center.
	How fringe anti-science views infiltrated mainstream politics, and what it means in 2024 Rates of routine childhood vaccination hit a 10-year low in 2023. That, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, puts about 250,000 kindergartners at risk for measles, which often leads to hospitalization and can cause death. In recent weeks, an infant and two young children have been hospitalized amid an ongoing measles outbreak in Philadelphia that spread to a day care center.
	Body positive images on social media improve how men view their bodies, study reveals Exposure to body positive imagery on social media increases body satisfaction and reduces weight concerns in both men and women, a new study from the University of Surrey reports.
	Study reveals longer-term impact of sport-related brain injuries Almost half of people who suffer a sports-related traumatic brain injury are still experiencing physical symptoms after six months, a new study by the University of Stirling has found.
	Resolve to get healthier, lose weight? Setting BMI goal might not be best way This is the time of year when Americans tend to make resolutions to eat better, get in shape, and maybe drop a few pounds. But many will be wondering what number should they aim for on the bathroom scale. For years the thinking was that the body mass index, or BMI, may be the best way to determine what your weight should be.
	Study finds when a stressful situation is perceived as a threat, health and well-being suffer People who tend to view stressful situations as a threat are more likely to experience health and well-being problems, both mental and physical, than those who see them as a challenge, according to new research from the University of Bath.
	Elite athletic events may not be out of reach for recreational athletes A new case study finds that recreationally trained athletes—"regular" people, as compared to elite athletes—may be able to achieve the extremely high levels of energy expenditure needed to complete high-endurance athletic events.
	High-quality diet in early life may curb subsequent inflammatory bowel disease risk A high-quality diet at the age of one may curb the subsequent risk of inflammatory bowel disease, suggests a large long-term study, published online in the journal Gut.
	Increase in annual cardiorespiratory fitness by more than 3% linked to 35% lower prostate cancer risk An increase in annual cardiorespiratory fitness by 3% or more is linked to a 35% lower risk of developing, although not dying from, prostate cancer, suggests research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
	Your skin is a mirror of your health: What yours might be saying Skin accounts for around 15% of our body mass. It is the largest and most visible organ in the human body.
	Up to three daily servings of kimchi may lower men's obesity risk Eating up to three daily servings of the Korean classic, kimchi, may lower men's overall risk of obesity, while radish kimchi is linked to a lower prevalence of midriff bulge in both sexes, finds research published in the open access journal BMJ Open.
	How to make eating healthy easier? The answer may be on the tip of your tongue If your New Year's resolution was to cut down on salt and sugar in your diet, you may have an unexpected ally: your taste buds.
	From mud and vinegar to 3D printing skin, the way we treat wounds still challenges humanity Whether it's the sting of a paper cut or the trauma of battle injury, wounds are woven into the tapestry of human experience. And since ancient times, we've fought the enemy that lurks within them—infection.
	AI in personalized cancer medicine: New therapies require flexible and safe approval conditions New, AI-based therapies require a flexible and safe legal framework in order to reach patients quickly and safely. In a new paper, published in npj Precision Oncology, researchers from Dresden, Leipzig, Marburg and Paris provide an overview of possible AI-based applications for personalized cancer medicine and the associated regulatory challenges. They emphasize that the current rigid and slow approval requirements impede technological progress and argue for an adaptation of the existing regulations.
	New study identifies link between presence of oncofetal ecosystem and liver cancer recurrence A team of researchers has found a causal link between the presence of oncofetal ecosystems (re-emergence of fetal program/features driven by the tumor) in the primary liver cancer hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cancer recurrence and response to immunotherapy. These findings, which pave the way for the use of oncofetal ecosystems as biomarkers to treat HCC, were published in Nature Cancer.
	Study finds oral health indirectly influences subjective psychological well-being in older adults In humans, oral health influences general health and well-being in many ways. Other than reducing the need for oral rehabilitation later in life, maintaining good oral health reduces the risk of several systemic diseases. Therefore, investing time and effort into improving oral health can be highly beneficial for older adults. However, whether the health benefits of improved oral health extend to psychological domains remains unclear.
	The US hasn't seen syphilis numbers this high since 1950. Other STD rates are down or flat The U.S. syphilis epidemic isn't abating, with the rate of infectious cases rising 9% in 2022, according to a new federal government report on sexually transmitted diseases in adults.
	Eating leafy greens could be better for oral health than using mouthwash Over half the adult population in the UK and US have gum disease. Typical treatments include mouthwash and in severe cases, antibiotics. These treatments have side effects, such as dry mouth, the development of antimicrobial resistance and increased blood pressure.
	With vibrator used in cell phones, researchers develop 3D tumor spheroids to screen for anti-cancer drugs Depending on their location, cancer cells within a three-dimensional (3D) tumor structure can have different microenvironments. Cells in the core of the tumor receive less oxygen (hypoxia) and nutrients than those in the periphery. These varying conditions can drive differences in cell growth rates and drug sensitivities, highlighting the need to study 3D tumor models in lab settings. Until recently, conventional methods used to create such tumor spheroids were time-consuming, produced inconsistent results and involved high setup costs.
	Residents of rural 'glades' take a 'leap of faith' to combat dementia The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is disproportionately high among rural, racially/ethnically diverse older residents. In fact, they face up to an 80% greater risk of cognitive impairment in older age, and 2.5 times potentially preventable ADRD-related hospitalizations compared to urban dwellers. It is estimated that early and accurate diagnosis in the mild cognitive impairment stage could save up to $7 trillion in patients' health and long-term care costs by 2050.
	Weight loss intervention in people with type 2 diabetes influences cancer-associated proteins A weight loss intervention in people with type 2 diabetes was found to alter levels of cancer-related proteins, according to the findings of a new University of Bristol-led study. The study, published in eBioMedicine, is the first to show that weight loss in people recently diagnosed with diabetes can change the levels of cancer-related chemicals circulating in the blood.
	Nearly six million American women became pregnant from rape, sexual coercion, or both during lifetime Experiencing a pregnancy from sexual violence is common in the United States, according to research conducted by investigators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
	Reduce risk of childhood obesity through good nutrition before and during pregnancy, say scientists A study involving 500 mothers investigated the use of an enriched nutritional supplement to examine if it would make a difference to a child's weight in the first years of life.
	New data show prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder About 1.6% of women and girls have symptomatic Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), according to a new review of global studies published in the Journal of Affective Disorders titled "The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis."
	Tribal program takes addiction treatment on the road With the national opioid epidemic disproportionately affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives, a tribal confederation in Oregon decided to take matters into their own hands.
	Investigating how patterns of polysubstance use are associated with sexual partnership factors Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine studied how high levels of substance and polysubstance use are associated with sexual practices, and partner characteristics that can reinforce risk for HIV acquisition or transmission among Black and Latinx sexual youth as well as gender minority youth. The findings were recently published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse.
	The keys to school readiness are hearing, vision and communication As the new school year begins, parents are often busy with new school shoes, covering schoolbooks and hunting out the right lunchboxes and pencil cases to get their children through.
	Study finds maternal pulse recording during childbirth reduces risk of encephalopathy in newborns Cardiotocography (CTG) refers to the electronic recording of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. Fetal heart rate recorded through the mother's abdomen is the most commonly used fetal monitoring method during childbirth.
	Diabetes risk in overweight, obese teens varies substantially by baseline HbA1c Five-year diabetes risk among teens with overweight or obesity varies substantially by baseline HbA1c levels, according to a study published online Jan. 17 in JAMA Network Open.
	Sacramento study finds that after seven years, alcohol control program still reduces child abuse A neighborhood alcohol control project in Sacramento that reduced cases of child abuse and neglect soon after implementation still had a positive impact seven years later, a new study found. The study was published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review.
	Experimental pain med could give patients new option to opioids The first new kind of pain medication in over two decades could be on the horizon for patients, with promising results announced Tuesday from a company trial.
	ADHD drug Zenzedi recalled over pill mixup The maker of a drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy has recalled one lot of the medication after a pill mixup was discovered.
	Living kidney donors found to have lower rates of fractures overall During a mean follow-up of 25 years, living kidney donors have shown a lower rate of overall fractures compared with eligible nondonor controls, according to a study published online Jan. 24 in JAMA Network Open.
	US syphilis cases continue to climb U.S. cases of syphilis have soared past numbers seen just a decade ago, new government statistics show. The grim numbers are for 2022, the latest year for which an accurate tally is available.
	Researchers design low-cost wearable biosensor to enhance athletic performance, physical health Researchers at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) have designed a wearable biosensor that offers a new way to measure human muscle activation to potentially prevent injuries and enhance athletic performance. The breakthrough design is built around a new type of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a device that converts mechanical or thermal energy into electricity for use in wearable electronics, that will cost less to manufacture than traditional nanotechnology.
	XRCC1: A potential prognostic and immunological biomarker in low-grade gliomas A new research paper titled "XRCC1: a potential prognostic and immunological biomarker in LGG based on systematic pan-cancer analysis" has been published in Aging.
	Face yoga is taking TikTok by storm—but does it work? With more than 2 billion views on TikTok alone, face yoga (#faceyoga) is the latest anti-aging practice to capture attention on social media.
	Can 'colored noise' really improve our sleep? One in four people suffer from some kind of sleep disorder—insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, hypersomnia, restless legs syndrome. And for a quarter of them, there is no effective, long-term solution. It is a public health issue.
	With age, accumulating health problems can increase risk of depression and anxiety As the global population ages, more and more research is focusing on the effects of multimorbidity: the presence of two or more long-term health conditions.
	Antipsychotic injections linked to a sharp drop in hospital readmissions Antipsychotic injections upon hospital discharge were associated with a 75% reduction in 30-day rehospitalizations when compared with oral antipsychotics, according to a Rutgers Health study.
	Study finds tomato juice's antimicrobial properties can kill Salmonella Tomato juice can kill Salmonella Typhi and other bacteria that can harm people's digestive and urinary tract health, according to research published in Microbiology Spectrum. S. Typhi is a deadly human-specific pathogen that causes typhoid fever.
	Cancer researcher 'beefing up' natural killer cells to stop cancer A UCF cancer researcher is discovering ways that the body's own natural killer (NK) cells can be energized to fight deadly pediatric cancers and improve immunotherapy by unleashing the power of our immune system.
	Scientists develop technology to prevent medical accidents related to analgesic drug infusion pump in hospitals Excessive administration of analgesic drugs frequently results in medical accidents. To prevent the occurrence of these accidents, a drug infusion pump featuring a technology for safely detecting medication administration has been developed for the first time in the world.
	Deciphering brain connections between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia A group of scientists from various hospitals and research centers in Catalonia have published a study in the journal Brain that reveals connections between two devastating brain diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia.
	Ethnic disparities in cancer mortality in the interior of the São Paulo state, Brazil Although the interior of São Paulo state (Brazil) has higher human development indices (HDIs) and fewer Black people as a percentage of the population, they account for a larger proportion of deaths from cancer in the Barretos region than in São Paulo city, the state capital, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control.
	Study finds few short-term complications for the two most common obesity surgeries The two most common obesity surgeries—gastric bypass and gastric sleeve—have few short-term complications and are equivalent in that sense. These are the findings of a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg.
	Tech inefficiencies, paperwork, increased patient volume contribute to primary care physician burnout, study finds Burnout is an occupational phenomenon that results from chronic workplace stress, according to the World Health Organization. Burnout often includes emotional exhaustion, negative feelings or mental distance from one's job, and a low sense of accomplishment at work.
	Researchers find early symptoms of psychosis spectrum disorder in youth occurring at higher rate than expected A new study co-led by Associate Professor Kristin Cleverley of the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing has found evidence that Psychosis Spectrum Symptoms (PSS) are often present in youth accessing mental health services.
	'Emerging adults' will listen to a parent's unsolicited advice, but parent must lay the groundwork, says study A new study may hold a secret for getting your teenager to listen to appreciate your unsolicited advice. The study, which included "emerging adults"—those in their late teens and early 20s—found that teens will appreciate parents' unsolicited advice, but only if the parent is supportive of their teens' autonomy.
	Q&A: When it comes to alcohol, less is more, says researcher Drinking alcohol—even in moderation—can take a serious toll on the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is a strong scientific consensus that drinking alcohol increases the risk for several types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. But until recently, the question still remained whether reducing alcohol intake or stopping drinking altogether reduces the risk of cancer.
	Machine learning informs a new tool to guide treatment for acute decompensated heart failure A recent study co-authored by Dr. Matthew Segar, a third-year cardiovascular disease fellow at The Texas Heart Institute and led by his research and residency mentor, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's Dr. Ambarish Pandey, utilized a machine learning-based approach to identify, understand, and predict diuretic responsiveness in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).
	Poor sleep may increase markers of poor brain health: Study Getting either too much or too little sleep is associated with changes in the brain that have been shown to increase the risk of stroke and dementia later in life, a recent study finds. The research is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
	Donations needed: Nation's blood supply critically low Severe weather across many parts of the country has caused a lot of problems, but one effect you may not have heard about is on the nation's blood supply. According to the American Red Cross, the nation's blood supply is critically low. The organization reports that the weather has caused many blood drives to be canceled and made it harder for the Red Cross to move supplies around to meet needs.
	The colonoscopies were free but the 'surgical trays' came with $600 price tags Chantal Panozzo and her husband followed their primary care doctors' orders last year after they both turned 45, now the recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancer. They scheduled their first routine colonoscopies a few months apart.
	Save your sight: Learn about prevention, treatment for glaucoma Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that can cause vision loss. It is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
	Nonprofit hospitals have an obligation to help their communities, but the people who live nearby may see little benefit Does living near a hospital make you more likely to get the health care you need?
	Measuring airborne allergen levels to improve allergic respiratory health New research shows for the first time that measuring airborne allergen levels could help people with hay fever to better control their symptoms.
	Pfizer reports loss as it eyes big oncology push Pfizer reported a quarterly loss Tuesday on much lower sales of COVID-19 products as it emphasized progress on cost-cutting and drug development initiatives.
	Slip sliding away: Shield yourself from winter injury A white winter landscape might look magical, but the cold and snow and ice can make even the simplest of tasks potentially dangerous.
	Comfort isn't only a feeling, it's a study The thermal environment refers to the physical surroundings as it pertains to the heat exchange of an individual and its environment. Naturally, the thermal environment also relates to comfort, or more specifically, thermal comfort. This type of comfort is an important metric to measure an individual's feelings as it relates to their environment and can be directly associated with health, efficiency, comfort, and energy consumption.
	Clear legal rules about use of sperm and eggs in fertility treatment must remain to protect the vulnerable, says study Clear legal rules outlining the use of the sperm and eggs of those who are incapacitated must remain in place to protect the vulnerable from being involved in fertility treatment without their consent, a new study says.

Other Sciences news

	Study of ancient adornments suggests nine distinct cultures lived in Europe during the Paleolithic A team of anthropologists at Université Bordeaux has found evidence of nine distinct cultures living in what is now Europe during the Gravettian period. In their study, reported in the journal Nature Human Behavior, the group analyzed personal adornments worn by people living in the region between 24,000 and 34,000 years ago. Reuven Yeshurun, with the University of Haifa, has published a News & Views piece in the same journal issue, outlining the work done by the team.
	Music found to cause similar emotions and bodily sensations across cultures A new study of the Turku PET Center in Finland has shown that music evokes similar emotions and bodily sensations around the world.
	Physicians experience worse birth outcomes than lawyers, study finds The residency period for physicians typically lines up with their optimal childbearing years. "It can be easy to think, 'Oh, you're just focusing on your career.' But people don't realize how often women are having children during residency," said Lilly Springer, a doctoral student in the Department of Economics at the University of Kansas.
	Affirmative action policies to increase diversity are successful, but controversial, around the world In a landmark judgment in June 2023, the US supreme court ruled against the use of race-conscious admissions in colleges and universities. This decision marked a controversial end to affirmative action in US higher education admissions.
	European immigrants introduced farming to prehistoric North Africa, new research shows The Neolithic age—when agriculture and animal farming were adopted—has become one of the most widely studied periods of social and economic transition in recent years. It was a period that drove great change in the evolution of human society.
	How teenagers navigate the nuances of social media, and what adults can learn from them For older generations, social media might feel like a specific and often new way of interacting—markedly different from meeting in person or talking on the phone. For most teenagers, though, it is part of an interconnected social landscape. They may not necessarily need to distinguish social connections as either online or offline. These can be fluid across digital and physical spaces.
	Understanding differences within nonconformity Stand-out individuals often capture our attention, especially in the United States. According to a recent University of Georgia study, not all nonconformists are the same. Although on the surface, several "stand-out" individuals may look the same, they are likely different from one another in several important ways.
	Startups spark more innovations in emerging industries than established companies do, according to new study Startups are best known as innovation labs, disruptors that bring new products, services and technologies to market. But their reach goes beyond the products or services they create, according to new research from Texas McCombs.
	Like parent, like child? The entrepreneurial intention Research in the International Journal of Education Economics and Development has used the entrepreneurial intention model to investigate what if any influence of parental self-employed status has on the aspirations of their offspring.
	Religious people coped better with the COVID-19 pandemic, research suggests People of religious faith may have experienced lower levels of unhappiness and stress than secular people during the UK's COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, according to new University of Cambridge research.
	Report finds persistent lower voter turnout among people of color While the U.S. has become more racially and ethnically diverse over the last decade, the pace of voter turnout among Latinos, Asian Americans and Blacks continues to lag behind that of white non-Latinos, creating a substantial voter participation gap.
	Study finds greater financial stability for graduates with two majors Here's one good reason for college students to consider a double major: It could soften the blow to their incomes from future economic slumps.
	Emotions drive donation behavior in disease relief projects on a fundraising platform: Study The digital age has profoundly changed how we communicate as humans. Today, we can regularly interact with people we are unrelated to and unacquainted with in real time across the world. Because of this, individuals can now engage in prosocial behaviors, including cooperating, sympathizing, helping and donating, with complete strangers, but the motivating factors behind these behaviors are poorly understood.
	Learning to read in times of alternative facts The child runs a finger along the lines of text, painstakingly mouthing the words. Teaching children to read and write has always been a major task for our schools, but developments in society require a new, broader view of what this means, according to researcher Ulrika Bodén at Linköping University, Sweden.
	Paranoid CEOs hide from government, react strongly to competitors, says research The higher CEOs score on measures of paranoia, the more likely they are to avoid lobbying government, according to new research of 925 CEOs across 774 firms.
	'Black Summer' bushfires wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chains, finds study A first-of-its-kind study of the 2019-2020 "Black Summer" bushfires in Australia has revealed that the tourism industry nationwide took an immediate hit of $2.8 billion in total output to its broader supply chains and almost 7,300 jobs disappearing nationwide.
	Child poverty is on the rise in Canada, putting over 1 million kids at risk of life-long negative effects At first glance, Canada ranks among the top third of countries for its work in addressing child poverty. But that isn't the whole story.
	From Twitter to X: One year on, are white supremacists back? On 28 October 2022, just one day after acquiring Twitter, Elon Musk published a message that summed up his vision for its future: "The bird is free."
	New research finds low levels of trust in fisheries institutions post-Brexit Rebuilding trust in fisheries governance will be vital to create a sustainable industry post-Brexit England, according to new research.
	Some Canadians may still be at risk of genetic discrimination despite new federal law As Canadians share more and more genetic data with service providers such as insurance companies or databases like Ancestry.com, the potential for discrimination based on this data is growing. Known as genetic discrimination (GD), this practice is broadly defined as the differential treatment of an individual compared to the rest of the population based on actual or presumed genetic information. Although the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNDA) was passed in 2017 to protect Canadians from GD, a team at the Centre of Genomics and Policy of McGill University has found that many life insurance companies have found ways to circumvent these rules.
	Is online research losing its edge? The case for in-person research in the age of AI The landscape of research has been profoundly transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic, propelling a mass transition to online research methodologies. However, the advent of sophisticated AI technologies capable of mimicking human responses has introduced new complexities, potentially undermining the authenticity of data collected through online surveys.
	Mysterious pearl shells unearthed in French Polynesia What was everyday life like for French Polynesians in the 19th century? An archaeology team co-led by the University of Sydney's Associate Professor James Flexner sought to find out during fieldwork in the Îles Gambier (Mangareva Islands) in French Polynesia, in October and November 2023.

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