Science X Newsletter Wed, Jan 10

Dear ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 10, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

A new method to develop recyclable, organic and flexible electronics

The extinction of the giant ape: A long-standing mystery solved

New large stellar flare detected from EV Lacertae

A magnetically actuated acoustic metamaterial

AI discovers that not every fingerprint is unique

Scientists identify security flaw in AI query models

Scientists discover potential nasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate that offers better and longer protection

Volume of gray brain matter significantly lower in people with early onset psychosis, finds study

New study finds that traumatic stress is associated with a smaller cerebellum

More than 900 chemicals, many found in consumer products and the environment, display breast-cancer causing traits

New research sheds light on an old fossil, solving an evolutionary mystery

Higher viral load during HIV infection can shape viral evolution

PFAS flow equally between Arctic Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, study finds

Scientists use blood test to track gene expression in the brain

Webb finds signs of possible aurorae on isolated brown dwarf

Nanotechnology news

	Metal-free graphene quantum dots show promise for highly efficient tumor therapy A research group led by Prof. Wang Hui from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has introduced a metal-free nanozyme based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for highly efficient tumor chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The study is published in Matter.
	Team develops light-powered catalyst to make hydrogen A team from the UPC and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) has designed an efficient and stable photocatalyst capable of producing hydrogen directly using sunlight. The results are published in the journal Nature Communications.
	Scientists develop green method for producing bactericidal copper oxide nanoparticles from noni plant Researchers have described a green method for obtaining copper oxide nanoparticles from the noni plant (Morinda citrifolia), common in Asia. These copper oxide nanoparticles exhibit bactericidal properties. Moreover, antibacterial activity depends on the physical properties of the particles—size, structure, and concentration of copper oxide.
	Research team reports observing vibrational spectra of a single protein with infrared nanospectroscopy An interdisciplinary research team, led by Assistant Prof. Jun Nishida and Associate Prof. Takashi Kumagai at the Institute for Molecular Science, has successfully observed vibrational spectra of single proteins, consisting of approximately 500 amino acid residues, using advanced measurement techniques based on near-field optical microscopy. This method utilizes light confined at the nanometer scale, allowing for the detailed analysis of extremely small samples, which was previously challenging with conventional infrared spectroscopy.
	Anisotropic plasmon engineering unlocks multilevel polarized upconversion National University of Singapore (NUS) researchers have introduced an upconversion plasmonphore platform to enable precise control over the polarization of isotropic upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). This is achieved by coupling upconversion activators with carefully designed anisotropic gap plasmon mode-supported metasurfaces.

Physics news

	Observing macroscopic quantum effects in the dark Be fast, avoid light, and roll through a curvy ramp: This is the recipe for a pioneering experiment proposed by theoretical physicists in a recent paper published in Physical Review Letters. An object evolving in a potential created through electrostatic or magnetic forces is expected to rapidly and reliably generate a macroscopic quantum superposition state.
	In novel quantum computer design, qubits use magnets to selectively communicate Researchers have begun to use magnets to entangle qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers. This simple technique could unlock complex capabilities.
	Study disproves assumption about perovskite solar cells, showing that shallow defects dominate in terms of efficiency Free charge carriers in perovskite solar cells likely have a special form of protection from recombination, researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich have discovered by means of innovative photoluminescence measurements.
	Scientists resolve intriguing phenomenon of superlubricity and formulate its laws Skoltech researchers have explained why very weak friction obeys different laws than those governing regular friction as we know it from school physics. Among other unexpected and counterintuitive features, the alternative friction laws formulated by the team reveal why increasing the weight of a body sliding along a surface does not necessarily cause greater friction.
	Q&A: Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 passengers likely would have died if blowout occurred above 40,000 feet, says physicist If the Alaska Airlines plane that lost a portion of its fuselage while ascending after takeoff Friday had been flying at normal cruising altitude, its passengers and crew would probably have died from the depressurization event, according to a Northeastern expert.
	Researchers look at thermal stabilization in photonic packages Photonics offers various advantages, including enablement of high-speed and low-loss communication by leveraging light properties in optical data communication, biomedical applications, automotive technology, and artificial intelligence domains. These advantages are realized through complex photonic circuits, comprising diverse photonic elements that are integrated on a photonic chip.

Earth news

	PFAS flow equally between Arctic Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, study finds The frigid Arctic Ocean is far removed from the places most people live, but even so, "forever chemicals" reach this remote landscape. Now, research in Environmental Science & Technology Letters suggests that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) won't stay there indefinitely. Instead, they are transported in a feedback loop, with the Arctic Ocean potentially exporting as many PFAS to the North Atlantic Ocean as it receives, circulating the compounds around the world.
	Orbitally induced strong monsoons facilitated early human dispersal to East Asia, finds study In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have shown that orbitally induced strengthening of the Asian summer monsoon played a key role in the dispersal of Homo sapiens from Africa to East Asia during the last interglacial period 125,000 to 70,000 years ago.
	Climate change behind sharp drop in snowpack since 1980s, study shows Snow is one of the most contradictory cues we have for understanding climate change. As in many recent winters, the lack of snowfall in December seemed to preview our global warming future, with peaks from Oregon to New Hampshire more brown than white and the American Southwest facing a severe snow drought.
	An 1867 Washington deluge shows the region's potential for flooding An 1867 flood in western Washington surpassed anything that the region has seen in the last century, new University of Oregon research shows, offering a foreboding look at what storms fueled by climate change could now produce.
	Acidity of Antarctic waters could double by century's end, threatening biodiversity, say scientists The acidity of Antarctica's coastal waters could double by the end of the century, threatening whales, penguins and hundreds of other species that inhabit the Southern Ocean, according to new research from the Univeristy of Colorado Boulder.
	2023 hottest recorded year as Earth nears key limit The year of 2023 was the hottest on record, with the increase in Earth's surface temperature nearly crossing the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius, EU climate monitors said Tuesday.
	Deadly storms buffet US, leave hundreds of thousands without power Severe weather battered the United States Tuesday, spinning off tornadoes and reportedly killing three people in the South as high winds and blizzards buffeted the North and hundreds of thousands lost power.
	Carbon pollution is down in the US, but not fast enough to meet Biden's 2030 goal, new report says Climate-altering pollution from greenhouse gases declined by nearly 2% in the United States in 2023, even as the economy expanded at a faster clip, a new report finds.
	A heat wave in Antarctica totally blew the minds of scientists. They set out to decipher it—and here are the results Climate scientists don't like surprises. It means our deep understanding of how the climate works isn't quite as complete as we need. But unfortunately, as climate change worsens, surprises and unprecedented events keep happening.
	Researchers call for a comprehensive view of the marine biological carbon pump and its role in climate change The ocean plays a crucial role in the storage of carbon dioxide (CO2). The so-called marine biological carbon pump is an important research topic in this context. However, according to Dr. Ivy Frenger, climate researcher at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research in Kiel, a key component is often overlooked.
	Tibetan plateau's spring heat source exerts delayed influence on Northeast China's summer precipitation In a recent study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have uncovered the impact of the spring atmospheric heat source (AHS) over the Tibetan Plateau on summer precipitation in Northeast China, highlighting the crucial role played by soil moisture in this process.
	Aircraft observations point to near neutral carbon dioxide exchange in northern tropical Africa The forests and grasslands of northern tropical Africa take in about as much carbon dioxide in the wet season as they release in the dry season, according to a new study based on observations from aircraft. The findings contradict earlier research that relied on satellite data and found that these ecosystems may be adding significantly more carbon to the atmosphere than they absorb over the course of a year.
	Unique permanent coastal observation detects minimal changes A team of researchers from TU Delft has succeeded in long-term mapping of beach topography to within a few centimeters. The unique dataset provides insights into coastal changes for every hour, for three years. This data is important for dune maintenance and to keep the hinterland well protected. The methodology is also being used to monitor other coastlines and even glaciers. The data are open source and were published in Scientific Data in 2022. The new methodology was also recently published.
	Extreme heat wave in East Antarctica driven by record-breaking 'atmospheric river,' analysis finds Scientists have identified the intricate meteorological drivers that led to an intense heat wave across East Antarctica in from 15-19 March 2022. The heat wave, which affected an area of the size of India (3.3 million km2), was driven by the most intense 'atmospheric river' ever observed over East Antarctica.
	Nafion byproduct 2 found in blood of well users near Fayetteville, N.C. Researchers from the GenX Exposure Study detected PFAS originating from a fluorochemical manufacturing plant—including Nafion byproduct 2 and GenX—in nearby private wells in Bladen and Cumberland Counties, N.C. PFAS refers to a group of chemicals called per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
	Five dead in US storms, country girds for more fierce weather Swaths of the United States braced for more snow and punishingly low temperatures Wednesday as millions in the east dug out from a previous round of severe winter weather that left at least five people dead.
	Study views the city as a multi-layered system in cultural heritage management The intense changes in our modern society and the associated challenges are constantly increasing, not least due to the meta-crisis of climate change. Yet our approach to cultural heritage is still strongly influenced by the narrative of preservation.
	Record heat in 2023 worsened global droughts, floods and wildfires Record heat across the world profoundly impacted the global water cycle in 2023, contributing to severe storms, floods, megadroughts and bushfires, new research from The Australian National University (ANU) shows.

Astronomy and Space news

	New large stellar flare detected from EV Lacertae Astronomers have performed multiwavelength observations of a nearby M-dwarf star known as EV Lacertae (or EV Lac for short). The observational campaign resulted in the detection of a new large stellar flare from this object. The finding was detailed in a paper published December 31 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	Webb finds signs of possible aurorae on isolated brown dwarf Astronomers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have found a brown dwarf (an object more massive than Jupiter but smaller than a star) with infrared emission from methane, likely due to energy in its upper atmosphere. This is an unexpected discovery because the brown dwarf, W1935, is cold and lacks a host star; therefore, there is no obvious source for the upper atmosphere energy. The team speculates that the methane emission may be due to processes generating aurorae.
	'Self-eating' rocket could help UK take a big bite of space industry New developments on a nearly century-old concept for a "self-eating" rocket engine capable of flight beyond the Earth's atmosphere could help the U.K. take a bigger bite of the space industry.
	'Stellar paternity tests' match orphaned stars to their Milky Way origins In the chaotic environment of open star clusters, strong gravitational interactions between bodies can launch individual stars far outside the cluster, even outside our galaxy, the Milky Way. Now, for the first time researchers have mapped several of those stars, which exist outside the galaxy's disk, to the clusters of their origin using new data from the European Space Agency's Gaia Mission.
	Webb discovers dusty 'cat's tail' in Beta Pictoris System Beta Pictoris, a young planetary system located just 63 light-years away, continues to intrigue scientists even after decades of in-depth study. It possesses the first dust disk imaged around another star—a disk of debris produced by collisions between asteroids, comets, and planetesimals.
	Old stars may be the best places to search for life Once upon a cosmic time, scientists assumed that stars apply an eternal magnetic brake, causing an endless slowdown of their rotation. With new observations and sophisticated methods, they have now peeked into a star's magnetic secrets and found that they are not what they expected. The cosmic hotspots for finding alien neighbors might be around stars hitting their midlife crisis and beyond.
	China says it will launch its next lunar explorer in the first half of this year China's space agency said Wednesday that its latest lunar explorer had arrived at the launch site in preparation for a mission to the moon in the first half of this year.
	Bad day in space: Moon mission fails and NASA program delayed A private US lunar lander mission is doomed to fail, and NASA pushes back plans to return astronauts to the moon.
	Earth isn't the only planet with seasons, but they can look wildly different on other worlds Spring, summer, fall and winter—the seasons on Earth change every few months, around the same time every year. It's easy to take this cycle for granted here on Earth, but not every planet has a regular change in seasons. So why does Earth have regular seasons when other planets don't?

Technology news

	A new method to develop recyclable, organic and flexible electronics The electronics industry has been in continuous development over the past decades, leading to the development, fabrication and sale of a broad range of consumer devices. In recent years, many engineers have been focusing their efforts on flexible electronics that can be used to create wearable devices, such as smartwatches, earbuds, fitness trackers, and even smart jewelry, and electronic implants for medical applications.
	AI discovers that not every fingerprint is unique From "Law and Order" to "CSI," not to mention real life, investigators have used fingerprints as the gold standard for linking criminals to a crime. But if a perpetrator leaves prints from different fingers in two different crime scenes, these scenes are very difficult to link, and the trace can go cold.
	Scientists identify security flaw in AI query models UC Riverside computer scientists have identified a security flaw in vision language artificial intelligence (AI) models that can allow bad actors to use AI for nefarious purposes, such as obtaining instructions on how to make bomb.
	Tactile lithophane development makes hard scientific data available to students with blindness A first-of-its-kind tactile learning device developed by Baylor University chemistry professors to make science accessible to students with blindness or low vision (BLV) has opened the possibility of the transfer of any scientific data or images for sighted students into functional, thorough formats for students with blindness. The work is published in the journal Science Advances.
	AI helps whittle down candidates for hydrogen carriers in liquid form from billions to about 40 In a computational study leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have assessed 160 billion molecules, a number exceeding the people born in the entire span of human history. Their goal was to screen the molecules for suitability as liquid carriers of hydrogen.
	Integrating dimensions to get more out of Moore's Law and advance electronics Moore's Law, a fundamental scaling principle for electronic devices, forecasts that the number of transistors on a chip will double every two years, ensuring more computing power—but a limit exists.
	CES 2024 updates: Car companies unveil new tech and Robert Downey Jr. targets scammers Welcome to opening day of CES 2024. This multi-day trade event put on by the Consumer Technology Association is expected to bring some 130,000 attendees and more than 4,000 exhibitors to Las Vegas. The latest advances and gadgets across personal tech, transportation, health care, sustainability and more will be on display, with burgeoning uses of artificial intelligence almost everywhere you look.
	SEC chair denies a bitcoin ETF has been approved, says account on X was 'compromised' The Securities and Exchange Commission said Tuesday that a post sent from the agency's account on the social platform X announcing the approval of a long-awaited bitcoin exchange-traded fund was "unauthorized," and that the agency's account had been "compromised."
	Hydrogen energy back in the vehicle conversation at CES 2024 While electric vehicles are gaining the lion's share of the attention for carbon-neutral technology at CES 2024, hydrogen energy has snuck its way back into the conversation thanks to two automotive giants.
	CES pet tech: Throw a dog a bone—or an AI collar They don't own smartphones and can't go online, but that doesn't prevent them from being connected: Pets are benefitting from a slew of animal-oriented technology at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
	At CES tech show, seeking robots neither too human nor too machine With big, expressive eyes, elfin ears and adorable cooing, Miroka and Miroki could be an apparition from your favorite cartoon.
	Actors can start selling AI voice clones to game companies under new deal Recording new voice-overs without speaking a word. For a busy voice actor, it might sound like a dream—unless that actor is worried about artificial intelligence being used to devalue her work and make hiring her unnecessary.
	AI-powered misinformation is the world's biggest short-term threat, Davos report says False and misleading information supercharged with cutting-edge artificial intelligence that threatens to erode democracy and polarize society is the top immediate risk to the global economy, the World Economic Forum said in a report Wednesday.
	For consumers shopping for an EV, new rules mean fewer models qualify for a tax credit U.S. consumers looking to get a tax credit on an electric vehicle purchase have fewer models to choose from under new rules that limit the countries where automakers can buy battery parts and minerals—a potential blow to efforts to reduce planet-warming emissions from autos.
	China says state-backed experts crack Apple's AirDrop Chinese state-backed experts have found a way to identify people who use Apple's encrypted AirDrop messaging service, according to the Beijing municipal government.
	From besting Tetris AI to epic speedruns—inside gaming's most thrilling feats After 13-year-old Willis Gibson became the first human to beat the original Nintendo version of Tetris, he dedicated his special win to his father, who passed away in December 2023.
	Small-scale solar has key benefits, and one critical weakness, over large solar farms A new study shows size matters in solar energy. The first ever life-cycle analysis comparing big and small solar photovoltaic systems has concluded that small-scale solar systems are in fact better for the environment than even the largest, and most efficient, solar farm.
	At CES 2024, tech companies are transforming the kitchen with AI and robots that do the cooking Chef-like robots, AI-powered appliances and other high-tech kitchen gadgets are holding out the promise that humans don't need to cook—or mix drinks—for themselves anymore.
	Research enhances stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells A research team has achieved notable advancements in the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Their work not only paves the way for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), but also offers significant potential in green hydrogen production technology, ensuring long-term operation with high efficiency. The study has been published in Advanced Energy Materials.
	Q&A: Language models—a guide for the perplexed Language models have, somewhat surreptitiously, dominated news for the last year. Often called "artificial intelligence," these systems underlie chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Bard.
	Psychological profiling study finds that language-based AI models have hidden morals and values Just like humans, AI-based large-language models have characteristics such as morals and values. However, these are not always transparent. Researchers of the University of Mannheim and GESIS—Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences have now analyzed how the settings of the language models can be made visible and have examined the consequences these prejudices might have on society.
	CES 2024 updates: The most interesting news and gadgets from tech's big show Welcome to CES 2024. This multi-day trade event put on by the Consumer Technology Association is expected to bring some 130,000 attendees and more than 4,000 exhibitors to Las Vegas. The latest advances and gadgets across personal tech, transportation, health care, sustainability and more will be on display, with burgeoning uses of artificial intelligence almost everywhere you look.
	Novel railway point switching technology, inspired by aircraft control systems Researchers from the University of Birmingham, U.K., are working on Repoint, a new cutting-edge railway switch (points) technology to improve upon the traditional design, which has been in use for over 200 years.
	Lithuanian researchers recycle surgical masks for hydrogen-rich gas production During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of tons of used surgical masks were dumped every month without a real vision to manage them. Although the world has successfully passed the critical period, a serious industrial eco-solution must be developed to deal with this waste.
	Why are pedestrian traffic fatalities climbing in the US and not the rest of the world? Between 1980 and 2010, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic dropped steadily in the United States. Then, that trend reversed. In fact, pedestrian traffic deaths reached a 40-year high in the United States in 2022.
	Testing automated crack-detection methods for concrete An EPFL Master's student in civil engineering has evaluated the effectiveness of new computer-based methods for inspecting potentially dangerous cracks in concrete.
	An AI model to predict parking availability In the ever-changing landscape of smart city innovation, researchers have introduced the Residual Spatial-Temporal Graph Convolutional Neural Network (RST-GCNN), which could help users find an on-street parking space more efficiently. The work is published in the International Journal of Sensor Networks.
	Hydropower is global. Should hydropower research be, too? When Dany Tome first arrived at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) campus in Golden, Colorado, he did not notice the golden grasses waving from the hillsides or the solar panels set in neat, geometric rows atop parking structures and gullies.
	The Achilles' heel of artificial intelligence: Why discrimination remains an unresolved problem A recent study by the DHBW Stuttgart at the Service Management Study Center (ZMM) investigates the ability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to recognize discriminatory content in images and advertisements, showing both impressive progress as well as existing limitations.
	Beyond cotton and polyester: Evaluating emerging feedstocks and conversion methods for the fashion industry The global population has grown to exceed 8 billion, and the demand for textiles has increased with it. Common synthetic fibers like polyester can be manufactured quickly and cheaply, but their negative environmental impacts are becoming increasingly concerning. Although a natural and biodegradable fiber, cotton requires sizable land and water use, which also stresses the environment.
	Architectures, opportunities and challenges of internet-of-batteries for electric vehicles A paper describing the architectures, opportunities, and challenges of the internet-for-batteries (IoB) was published in the journal Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation.
	AI predicts the strength of a composite reinforced with titanium carbide and bromide after processing Metal matrix composites are a modern alternative to steel. They are molecular-reinforced materials, which consist of a metal reinforcement matrix and filler. Such composites can be further strengthened, for example, using titanium monobromide or titanium carbide.
	Mathematicians compare machine learning models for forecasting 5G and 6G traffic 5G and 6G networks must take into account the load and adapt resource consumption at every moment. To do this, they need to track current indicators and be able to predict them. This is how services will make decisions about dividing the network into slices and balancing the load. Typically, machine learning models are used for prediction.
	Measurement technique sheds new light on semiconductors for solar fuels Scientists are advancing the use of semiconductors to convert sunlight into renewable energy. In solar cells, semiconductors convert sunlight into electricity. When brought into direct contact with water, semiconductors can instead use sunlight to convert water into hydrogen, a carbon-free fuel. The energy output from the semiconductor is given by its photovoltage.
	Walmart experiments with AI to enhance customers' shopping experiences Walmart has unveiled plans to dive further into the world of artificial intelligence—and drones—to improve its customers' shopping experiences.
	Investigation into why a panel blew off a Boeing Max 9 jet focuses on missing bolts The extended grounding of some Boeing 737 Max jetliners is adding to pressure on Boeing and the subcontractor that made the fuselage and installed a panel that blew out leaving a gaping hole in an Alaska Airlines plane last week.
	Game on: UK campus looks to turbocharge esports Rows of super-powerful computers fill a classroom in northeast England, their LED-lit keyboards, mice and headsets washing the space in a futuristic blue glow.
	Walmart to blanket Dallas-FW with drone deliveries covering 1.8 million households Walmart says drone deliveries are no longer a futuristic idea: Let the baby wipes and forgotten birthday candles fall from the sky. Walmart will have the ability to make drone deliveries with its partners Wing and Zipline to 75% of Dallas-Fort Worth by the end of this year, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said.
	Japan's nuclear safety agency orders power plant operator to study the impact of Jan. 1 quake Japan's nuclear safety regulators have told the operator of a nuclear power plant in the area hit by a powerful New Year's Day quake to study its potential impact.
	Music streams hit 4 trillion in 2023. Country and global acts—and Taylor Swift—fueled the growth Listened to more music last year? You're not alone.
	Hewlett Packard Enterprise buying Juniper Networks in deal valued at about $14 billion Hewlett Packard Enterprise is buying Juniper Networks in an all-cash deal valued at about $14 billion, which is anticipated to double HPE's networking business.
	Amazon's Twitch cuts more than 500 jobs attempting to turn expensive platform profitable Twitch, the video game streaming platform acquired by Amazon a decade ago for close to $1 billion, is laying off more than 500 employees as the company tries to turn the tremendously expensive division profitable.
	Amazon cutting several hundred positions across Prime Video and MGM Studios unit Amazon is cutting several hundred positions across its Prime Video and MGM Studios unit.
	Japan tech firm Fujitsu in firing line over UK Post Office scandal A Japanese technology giant is in the crosshairs of British lawmakers for building the faulty accounting software that led to what has been called the country's biggest ever miscarriage of justice.
	Boeing probing 'what broke down' in latest incident: CEO Boeing is still in fact-finding mode following Friday's near-catastrophic aviation incident, searching for "what broke down" in its processes, Chief Executive Dave Calhoun said Wednesday.
	Research on deep-energy retrofits yields promising cost savings, human well-being outcomes Modifying and upgrading building enclosures and mechanical systems in older, multi-family apartment buildings can achieve net-zero energy-use efficiencies and help inhabitants lower energy costs, breathe better air and live more comfortably—changes that have wide application for state and national climate-change efforts, a multidisciplinary team of faculty and student researchers has demonstrated.
	Three strategies to boost green electricity in Switzerland Switzerland's ambitious green electricity targets are realistic. A new study by the SWEET EDGE consortium shows that three distinct strategies would make it possible to cover electricity needs and lead to the employment of several thousands of people in the sector of new renewable energy. The findings are published in the journal Applied Energy.
	Alaska Airlines cancels flights on certain Boeing planes through Saturday for mandatory inspections Alaska Airlines is canceling through Saturday all flights on Boeing 737 Max 9 planes like the one that suffered an in-flight blowout of a fuselage panel last week as it waits for new instructions from Boeing and federal officials on how to inspect the fleet.

Chemistry news

	A magnetically actuated acoustic metamaterial Space coiling acoustic metamaterials are static and require manual reconfiguration for sound-field modulation. In a new report published in Communications Materials, Christabel Choi, and a team of scientists in computer science and engineering in the U.K., and Italy, developed an approach for active reconfiguration with standalone dynamics to space-coil unit cells known as dynamic meta-bricks.
	Researchers experimentally determine the reaction mechanism for catalytic ammonia production Researchers at Stockholm University have for the first time been able to study the surface of iron and ruthenium catalysts when ammonia is formed from nitrogen and hydrogen. The study, "Operando Probing of the Surface Chemistry During the Haber-Bosch Process," is published in Nature.
	Scientists achieve real-time capture of ionization process and subsequent structural changes Ions are everywhere, from our daily surroundings to the cosmic expanse. As common table salt (NaCl) dissolves into sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions in water, it imparts a salty taste. Once absorbed by the body, these ions regulate nerve impulses and muscle movements.
	Researchers observe abnormal stress memory effect that restrains stress relaxation in glass Prof. Wang Junqiang's team from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has observed an abnormal stress memory effect in glass, which can be applied to restrain the stress relaxation and improve the stability of glass under constant strain loading.
	Scientists discover how ultraviolet light degrades coronavirus New research has revealed how light can be used to destroy infectious coronavirus particles that contaminate surfaces. Scientists are interested in how environments, such as surgeries, can be thoroughly disinfected from viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 that caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Study show dry-cleaning fluid holds promise for sustainable organic synthesis The widely used dry-cleaning and degreasing solvent perc can be converted to useful chemicals by a new, clean, safe, and inexpensive procedure. The Kobe University discovery using on-demand UV activation may open the path to upcycling perc and thus contribute to a more sustainable society.
	Researchers report successful synthesis of specific chiral molecules using rearrangements of simple hydrocarbons In nature, organic molecules are either left- or right-handed, but synthesizing molecules with a specific "handedness" in a lab is hard to do. Make a drug or enzyme with the wrong "handedness," and it just won't work. Now chemists at the University of California, Davis, are getting closer to mimicking nature's chemical efficiency through computational modeling and physical experimentation.
	Study proposes general A-site alloying strategy to prepare noble metal-occupied MAX phases Researchers led by Prof. Huang Qing from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with researchers from the Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University and Linköping University, Sweden, have proposed a general A-site alloying strategy for the preparation of noble metal-occupied MAX phases.
	Researchers explore the impact of microplastics and toxin exposure on goldfish The presence of plastics in our oceans and waterbodies is one of the most significant threats to marine ecosystems. In 2022, plastic production exceeded 400 million tons globally, which continues to rise. The presence of microplastics, ranging in size from 100 nanometers to 5 millimeters, is particularly concerning.
	Study uncovers low-temperature deformation mechanism of pure titanium Titanium (Ti), often hailed as the wonder metal for its remarkable properties, has many applications in aerospace, marine, and biomedicine industries. Known for their low density, high strength, high ductility, great corrosion resistance, and excellent biocompatibility, Ti and its alloys have been widely studied by numerous researchers for their structural deformation mechanisms at room temperatures.

Biology news

	The extinction of the giant ape: A long-standing mystery solved Giants once roamed the karst plains of southern China, three-meter tall apes weighing in at 250 kilograms. These very distant human ancestors—Gigantopithcus blacki—went extinct before humans arrived in the region, with few clues to why, and so far leaving around 2,000 fossilized teeth and four jawbones as the only signs of their existence.
	New research sheds light on an old fossil, solving an evolutionary mystery A new research paper published in Biology Letters has revealed that picrodontids—an extinct family of placental mammals that lived several million years after the extinction of the dinosaurs—are not primates as previously believed.
	Iron influences plant immunity and may promote resiliency against climate change Plants and animals alike rely on iron for growth and regulation of microbiomes—collections of bacteria, fungi, and more that co-exist in places like the human gut or the soil around a plant's roots. Plants face a special challenge when acquiring iron, since the strategies plants use to increase iron availability alter the root microbiome and can inadvertently benefit harmful soil-dwelling bacteria.
	Scientists name the most common tropical tree species for the first time A major international collaboration of 356 scientists led by UCL researchers has found almost identical patterns of tree diversity across the world's tropical forests.
	Sperm whales found to live in large, matrilineally based clans A sperm whale expert at Dalhousie University, in Canada, has found evidence showing that sperm whales form large matrilineally based clans that have their own coda dialect. In his paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, Hal Whitehead describes how he, working with multiple colleagues over many years, used underwater microphones to listen in on conversations among the whales.
	Psychoactive psilocybin's evolution in magic mushrooms Psilocybe fungi, known colloquially as "magic mushrooms," have held deep significance in Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica for centuries. They captured the wider world's attention as a psychedelic staple in the 60s and 70s. Now, these infamous organisms are at the forefront of a mental health revolution.
	Noninvasive technique reveals how cells' gene expression changes over time Sequencing all of the RNA in a cell can reveal a great deal of information about that cell's function and what it is doing at a given point in time. However, the sequencing process destroys the cell, making it difficult to study ongoing changes in gene expression.
	Study finds biodiversity impacts of agricultural deforestation have inherent and predictable geographical differences Agriculture is the foundation of human civilization and a prime example of our impact on Earth. Almost 40% of our planet's ice-free land surface, most of which was previously forested, is now dedicated to agriculture. As our demand for food increases, so does agricultural deforestation, which is widely viewed as one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity.
	California grizzlies were smaller in size and not the livestock killers reported in historical accounts, study says A team of biologists, historians, and Earth and environmental scientists affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.S. has found evidence that contradicts historical accounts of the size and feeding habits of the now-extinct California grizzly bear. In their project, reported in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group studied preserved bones and pelts from California grizzly bears and compared their results with historical records.
	How pioneer transcription factors blaze the one trail that determines cell fate One of the important breakthroughs that made it possible to program or reprogram cell fate more efficiently and with higher fidelity in a dish was discovering how to make use of a small set of molecular cowboys called pioneer transcription factors (TFs).
	Weight loss drug from highly toxic plant can now be produced in yeast In China children are taught to steer clear of this plant. The plant, Thunder god vine (Chinese: 雷公藤), which in China has earned the nickname "Seven Steps to Death," is so poisonous that a person risks death only a few steps after consuming it.
	From embryo to evolution: Insights from the head of lizards and snakes The evolution of animal heads is a remarkable example of how various anatomical features co-evolved to adapt to different ecological niches, behaviors and functions. But the intricate details of why vertebrate head shapes vary so greatly have remained elusive.
	Study on lamprey embryos sheds light on the evolutionary origin of vertebrate head The origin of the vertebrate skull is a topic of much debate among evolutionary biologists. Some believe that the vertebrate head has developed as a result of modification of the segmental elements of the trunk, such as the vertebrae and somites. On the other hand, others believe that the vertebrate head has evolved as a new, unsegmented body part, unrelated to other widely observed embryonic segments somites.
	Most of the land humans need to thrive is unprotected, new study finds More than 80% of global land area needed to maintain human well-being and meet biodiversity targets is at risk of conflict with human development, according to a new study led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
	Research reveals that corals are adapting to climate change in complex and varied ways From intensifying wildfires to record-breaking floods year on year, the effects of climate change have manifested in devastating outcomes on ecosystems that threaten species worldwide. One such ecosystem in peril is coral reefs, which play a major role in sustaining biodiversity in the planet's oceans but are facing increasingly severe conditions as waters heat up, leading to a phenomenon known as marine heat waves.
	Notorious cell subpopulation key to antibiotic failure, say scientists Antibiotic overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, but classic antibiotic resistance might not completely explain why antibiotics sometimes fail. Sub-populations of bacteria called persister cells can survive in the presence of lethal doses of antibiotics for prolonged periods. Although persister cells have been intensively researched, evidence linking them to poor patient outcomes has been limited.
	Need for speed: How hummingbirds switch mental gears in flight Hummingbirds use two distinct sensory strategies to control their flight, depending on whether they're hovering or in forward motion, according to new research by University of British Columbia (UBC) zoologists.
	The value of information gathering in phage–bacteria warfare Phages, the viruses that infect bacteria, will pay a high growth-rate cost to access environmental information that can help them choose which lifecycle to pursue, according to a study.
	After an 80-year absence, gray wolves have returned to Colorado—how the reintroduction will affect the ecosystem Gray wolves were reintroduced to Colorado in December 2023, the latest attempt in a decades-long effort to build up wolf populations in the Rocky Mountain states. SciLine interviewed Joanna Lambert, professor of wildlife ecology and director of the American Canid Project at the University of Colorado Boulder, who discussed how and why gray wolf populations declined in the U.S. and the value of reintroducing them to ecosystems in the West.
	Viruses aren't always harmful. Six ways they're used in health care and pest control We tend to just think of viruses in terms of their damaging impacts on human health and lives. The 1918 flu pandemic killed around 50 million people. Smallpox claimed 30% of those who caught it, and survivors were often scarred and blinded. More recently, we're all too familiar with the health and economic impacts of COVID.
	Ancient human DNA hints at why multiple sclerosis affects so many northern Europeans today Ancient DNA helps explain why northern Europeans have a higher risk of multiple sclerosis than other ancestries: It's a genetic legacy of horseback-riding cattle herders who swept into the region about 5,000 years ago.
	Plant roots mysteriously pulsate and we don't know why—but finding out could change the way we grow things You probably don't think about plant roots all that much—they're hidden underground after all. Yet they're continually changing the shape of the world. This process happens in your garden, where plants use invisible mechanisms for their never-ending growth.
	Study shows effects of vegetation composition, warming and nitrogen deposition on peatland carbon sink function Peatlands, which contain about one-third of the global soil carbon stock, are important carbon sinks. Their net carbon uptake is equivalent to ~1% of human fossil fuel emissions or 3%–10% of the current net sink of natural terrestrial ecosystems. However, the carbon sink function may be altered under global change.
	Research finds microplastics affect soil fungi depending on drought conditions Moisture levels in the soil can impact the effects that microplastic pollution has on soil fungi, according to new research published in Environmental Microbiology.
	Red deer populations in Europe more influenced by humans than by wolves or other predators, ecologists find Alongside the occasional bison and elk, red deer are Europe's largest native wild animal. An international study led by wildlife ecologists from the University of Freiburg has now investigated the factors that affect the red deer population in a particular area. The researchers were able to show that the population density of the animals in Europe is primarily influenced by human hunting and land use and not by large predators such as wolves, lynx and brown bears.
	Ensuring nutritious and high-quality potatoes are available during the winter season and all year round Scientists at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) use innovative technology to study the lifecycle of potatoes (including development, production, and postharvest storage), ensuring a high-quality supply year-round for snack food processing facilities, restaurants, and grocery stores.
	New research shows value of simultaneous local, global action to help save coral reefs Rising temperatures from climate change pose new threats to coral reefs worldwide, but a new study from a Florida Tech lab has found that managing conditions at the local level—such as reducing pollution and macroalgae—can help coral reefs recover after disturbances.
	Scaling up urban agriculture: Research team outlines roadmap Urban agriculture has the potential to decentralize food supplies, provide environmental benefits like wildlife habitat, and mitigate environmental footprints, but researchers have identified knowledge gaps regarding both the benefits and risks of urban agriculture and the social processes of growing more food in urban areas.
	European insects spread across the world. Was it because settlers carried plants? Insects are among the most prolific and successful invaders of new habitats, but not all regions are equal in the numbers of insects that have spread beyond their borders.
	Finding a home for the wandering mushrooms—phylogenetic and taxonomic updates of Agaricales Many edible, medicinal, and poisonous mushrooms that we are familiar with belong to the order Agaricales, which is a group of fungi with important economic and ecological value. Understanding the phylogenetic relationships of Agaricales can help us to know their evolutionary history and diversity, as well as their interactions with other organisms.
	Unveiling the reproductive secrets of red-swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is a crustacean species native to American freshwater bodies. Brought to Japan in the 1920s as a feed for frogs, this crustacean has slowly taken over the Japanese freshwaters by predation and propagation. In fact, in 2023, the red-swamp crayfish was designated as an invasive alien species by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment and of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
	Researchers find a red knot's character is formed in first year of life In any group of red knots, respective individuals exhibit a remarkable array of distinct character types. Birds with an exploratory character are motivated to investigate their environment and readily explore unfamiliar areas. Meanwhile, birds with inactive character types are content to remain in familiar territory. Interestingly, the birds do not appear to hatch with predetermined character types.
	'Carbon vault' peat suffers greatly from drought, finds study Peatlands are affected more by drought than expected. This is concerning, as these ecosystems are an important ally in the fight against climate change. Following long periods of drought, peat is able to absorb little to no extra carbon (CO2). Increasing biodiversity also does little to make peat more drought-resilient. These are the conclusions drawn by researchers from Radboud University in a publication appearing today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
	Purdue forestry professor cultivates cyberinfrastructure for collaborative forestry research While most scientific research fields maintain open-access data policies, access to forestry data remains limited.

Medicine and Health news

	Scientists discover potential nasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate that offers better and longer protection A team of scientists, led by Duke-NUS Medical School, has discovered a potential intranasal vaccine candidate that provides improved, longer-lasting immunity against SARS-CoV-2 viruses compared to when given as an injection. By triggering an immune response directly at the point of entry, the intranasal vaccine candidate enhanced long-term immune memory of the virus, which could translate to a reduced need for booster shots.
	Volume of gray brain matter significantly lower in people with early onset psychosis, finds study New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience has found an association between a reduction in gray matter in the brain and early onset psychosis (EOP).
	New study finds that traumatic stress is associated with a smaller cerebellum Adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have smaller cerebellums, according to new research from a Duke-led brain imaging study.
	More than 900 chemicals, many found in consumer products and the environment, display breast-cancer causing traits With tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals on the market, and new ones in development all the time, knowing which ones might be harmful is a challenge both for the federal agencies that regulate them and the companies that use them in products. Now scientists have found a quick way to predict whether a chemical is likely to cause breast cancer based on whether the chemical harbors specific traits.
	Higher viral load during HIV infection can shape viral evolution A new paper in Molecular Biology and Evolution finds that HIV populations in people with higher viral loads also have higher rates of viral recombination. In effect, the more HIV in the blood, the easier it is for the virus to diversify.
	Scientists use blood test to track gene expression in the brain The brain is the most protected organ in the body, sheathed in a complex and nearly impenetrable barrier of specialized blood vessels. While this particular anatomical setup protects it from outside invaders, it also makes it difficult for researchers to study how specific genes are expressed ⎯ and how such changes in gene expression may lead to disease.
	Scientists find 'key' to potential breast cancer prevention and treatment Every time a cancer cell divides, it sustains damage to its own DNA molecules. Researchers, including Gaorav Gupta, MD, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the UNC School of Medicine, have long wondered how cancers are able to evade detection by the body's own defenses, despite the immune system being on constant watch for cells displaying DNA damage.
	Ancient DNA reveals reason for high multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's rates in Europe Researchers have created the world's largest ancient human gene bank by analyzing the bones and teeth of almost 5,000 humans who lived across western Europe and Asia up to 34,000 years ago.
	Feeling depressed linked to short-term increase in body weight, study finds Increases in symptoms of depression are associated with a subsequent increase in body weight when measured one month later, new research from the University of Cambridge has found.
	Genetics may influence the body's response to low oxygen, study finds University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine researchers uncovered a fundamental mechanism that controls the body's response to limited oxygen and regulates blood vessel disease of the lung.
	mRNA technology could be possible treatment for rare liver genetic disease By exploiting the technology used in COVID-19 vaccines, a team led by UCL, King's College London and Moderna scientists has created an effective therapy for a rare disease, in a study in mice, demonstrating the technology's potential therapeutic use in people.
	Neuropsychological effects of rapid-acting antidepressants may explain their clinical benefits, new research finds Rapid-acting antidepressants, including ketamine, scopolamine and psilocybin, have been found to have immediate and lasting positive effects on mood in patients with major depressive disorder but how these effects arise is unknown. New research led by the University of Bristol explored their neuropsychological effects and found that all three of these drugs can modulate affective biases associated with learning and memory.
	Noninvasive test for embryo quality could streamline fertility treatment In-vitro-fertilization (IVF), a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing eggs in the laboratory and later implanting them in the uterus, has been a source of hope for many people struggling to conceive. However, the multi-step process is complex, and the overall live birth rate after IVF treatment is only 20–40% in females younger than 40 in the United States.
	Scientists discover how a subset of neurons allows eyes to detect motion Northwestern Medicine scientists have identified how a subset of neurons enables the eyes to perceive motion, according to a study published in Nature Communications, a discovery that reveals previously hidden complexities of how vision functions in mammals.
	Scientists uncover 13 distinct patterns in DNA mutation risks with implications for cancer evolution Mutations, which occur continuously in every cell of our bodies, are a key contributor to cancer, aging, and neurodegeneration. While exposure to mutagenic chemicals, or mistakes in cellular processes during DNA replication contribute to these mutations, the exact distribution and patterns of these changes across human chromosomes have remained a mystery until now.
	Mapping brain repair and remodeling after stroke Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have cataloged the cellular response to stroke in a preclinical model, identifying the immune cells involved and the roles they may play in the days and weeks following a stroke.
	Nasal spray with antibodies could prevent COVID-19 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have shown that nasal drops with IgA antibodies can protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results imply a new way to protect individuals at high risk from different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and possibly other infections. The study is published in PNAS.
	A beating biorobotic heart aims to better simulate valves Combining a biological heart and a silicone robotic pump, researchers created a biorobotic heart that beats like a real one, focusing on a valve on the left side of the heart. The heart valve simulator, presented on January 10 in the journal Device, can mimic the structure, function, and motion of a healthy or diseased heart, allowing surgeons and researchers to demonstrate various interventions while collecting real-time data.
	'Exhausted' immune cells may drive Alzheimer's Mice reach the twilight of their lives at around age two, the rough equivalent of 80 in human years. And when researchers introduce specific mutations into mice and then age them up, the mice can grow forgetful and irritable—eventually exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's disease not unlike that of many elderly humans.
	A step closer to treatment for severe bacterial infections and sepsis The development of a new treatment strategy for bacterial infections and sepsis is being led by researchers at Lund University. In a study published in Nature Communications, the researchers demonstrate how they can neutralize toxic substances from bacteria by mimicking a substance naturally present in the body and thereby mitigate harmful inflammation that could otherwise lead to sepsis.
	Study shows special brain cells react to unexpected situations New research from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience shows that chandelier cells, a specific type of brain cell, become active during unexpected situations. Researchers have been wondering about the functionality of these cells for a long time.
	Research finds one of the deleted genes linked to Williams syndrome is responsible for mitochondrial function in brain In a first, Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that the production and regulation of mitochondrial organelles in the brain's nerve cells (neurons) becomes significantly impaired with the deletion of a gene called Gtf2i, one of the 25 genes deleted in Williams syndrome.
	A more eco-friendly facial sheet mask that moisturizes, even though it's packaged dry Starting a new year, many people pledge to enact self-care routines that improve their appearance. And facial sheet masks soaked in skin care ingredients provide an easy way to do this. However, these wet masks and their waterproof packaging often contain plastics and preservatives. A study in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces reports a dry-packaged hydrating facial mask made of biobased and sustainable materials.
	Researchers identify cellular traffic jams in a rare neurological disease Researchers from McGill University, led by Professor Alanna Watt of the Department of Biology, have identified previously unknown changes in brain cells affected by a neurological disease. Their research, published in eLife, could pave the way to future treatments for the disease.
	Panel members for new psychiatric 'bible' received more than $14M from industry, analysis finds Sixty percent of US physicians serving as panel and task force members for the American Psychiatric Association's official manual of psychiatric disorders received payments from industry totaling $14.24m, finds a study published by The BMJ.
	Researchers create single-cell atlas of the placenta during term labor An atlas revealing the activity of individual placental cells during childbirth offers insight on what happens at the maternal-fetal interface during term labor, according to a new study. The work, led by researchers at NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), is published in the latest issue of Science Translational Medicine.
	Newly identified genes for depression may lead to new treatments More than 200 genes linked to depression have been newly identified in a worldwide study led by UCL researchers.
	US heart disease deaths linked with substance use rose 4% per year between 1999-2019 Cardiovascular disease deaths involving substance use rose an average of 4% per year from 1999 to 2019, despite a drop in overall cardiovascular disease deaths, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
	Cesarean deliveries surge in Puerto Rico, reaching a record rate in the US territory, report says Cesareans are surging in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, which has one of the world's highest rates with more than 50% of babies now delivered via surgery compared with only 32% on the U.S. mainland, according to a federal report released Wednesday.
	Salt seekers: Sodium reduction initiative thwarted by consumers As a group, Americans consume more salt than recommended by health experts, and when presented with reformulated products containing less sodium, they opted for saltier alternatives, essentially negating a pivotal initiative to reduce sodium intake, according to new research co-authored by a University of Massachusetts Amherst economist.
	Sleep your way to better athletic performance Sleep might not be at the top of the list when you think about ways to boost your athletic performance. But it's just as important as your training program, nutrition and hydration.
	Is it the flu or COVID? Does it matter? Five questions about winter viruses With COVID-19 and flu both surging across the country, chances are you or someone close to you is sick or getting over a virus.
	With COVID on the rise, your at-home test may be taking longer to show a positive result With COVID-19 rising this winter, it's getting more complicated to discern whether you are infected.
	Blood test distinguishes neuroendocrine subtype of advanced prostate cancer Like a criminal entering a witness protection program, cancer cells can shed their past and take on a new identity. Detecting such an identity switch is particularly challenging when metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) advances from adenocarcinoma to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a very difficult cancer to treat.
	State variance seen in requirements to report medically impaired drivers There is considerable variance in state reporting requirements regarding medically impaired drivers, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in JAMA Network Open.
	Health officials warn of measles outbreak in Philadelphia The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is tracking a measles outbreak, which so far has sickened eight city residents.
	Study suggests racial disparities persist in general anesthesia rates for C-section Racial disparities in the rates of general anesthesia use persist among patients undergoing cesarean delivery, according to a study published online Jan. 9 in JAMA Network Open.
	Black people face higher rates of strokes at younger ages than white people, study finds Black people consistently had a higher rate of stroke than white people over a recent 22-year period, according to a study published in the January 10, 2024, online issue of Neurology. The study also found that the average age of Black people experiencing stroke was nearly 10 years younger than that of white people, another inequity that grew over time.
	Reduced drug use is a meaningful treatment outcome for people with stimulant use disorders, data show Reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder, even if they did not achieve total abstinence. This finding is according to an analysis of data from 13 randomized clinical trials of treatments for stimulant use disorders involving methamphetamine and cocaine.
	Review finds almost 1 in 10 adolescents have used non-prescription weight loss products globally Almost 1 in 10 adolescents globally have used ineffective and potentially harmful non prescribed weight loss products in their lifetime, with 2% using them in the previous week.
	Inflammation of the heart muscle following viral infection can impede long-term cardiac function Inflammation of the heart muscle, also known as myocarditis, is a serious consequence of a viral infection. This can impede the heart's ability to pump blood in the long term. In a recent study, researchers of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Freiburg have discovered a new approach for treating myocarditis.
	As another obesity-fighting drug takes center stage, a nutrition expert discusses weight loss If the buzz surrounding a medication could elevate it to celebrity status, then Zepbound is reaching Taylor Swift rank.
	Cannabis products may harbor fungal toxins harmful to human health, but regulations are uneven or nonexistent Hemp and cannabis host many fungi inside and outside the plant, most of which are harmless to most people. However, certain types of fungi such as Aspergillus and Fusarium pose potential health concerns, particularly for the immunocompromised, both through direct infection and consumption of the toxins they produce.
	A beginner's guide to sound baths—what they are, how to choose a good one and what the research shows In recent years, sound bathing, a therapy in which sound is used for healing, has been marketed as one of many "self-care" practices, such as journal-keeping or candle-burning, in support of personal well-being. Sold also as sound "immersions," or sound "healing" or "therapy," sound baths are pitched as a safe and effective way to reduce stress and increase inner peace.
	Five dental TikTok trends you probably shouldn't try at home TikTok is full of videos that demonstrate DIY hacks, from up-cycling tricks to cooking tips. Meanwhile, a growing number of TikTok videos offer tips to help you save money and time at the dentist. But do they deliver?
	Wanting to 'move on' is natural—but women's pandemic experiences can't be lost to 'lockdown amnesia' The COVID-19 pandemic was—and continues to be—hugely disruptive and stressful for individuals, communities and countries. Yet many seem desperate to close the chapter entirely, almost as if it had never happened.
	PhD students' mental health is poor and the pandemic made it worse—but there are coping strategies that can help A pre-pandemic study on Ph.D. students' mental health showed that they often struggle with such issues. Financial insecurity and feelings of isolation can be among the factors affecting students' well-being.
	Three ways to help your child transition off screens and avoid the dreaded 'tech tantrums' Many Australian parents worry about how much time their children spend watching screens.
	Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Blocking inflammation to reduce symptoms In people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), changes in neurons appear to activate immune cells. Lowering the inflammation could reduce the symptoms of the disease, according to a study led by Chantelle Sephton, a professor at Université Laval's Faculty of Medicine.
	Mothers diagnosed with perinatal depression found to have three times higher risk of suicidal behavior Maternal suicide is an alarming public health issue and the second most common cause of death during the postnatal period. New research from the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) published in JAMA Network Open shows that mothers with clinically diagnosed perinatal depression had a three times higher risk of suicidal behavior compared to mothers without perinatal depression.
	Holiday gatherings and a new variant have driven up COVID cases globally, the UN health agency says The head of the U.N. health agency said Wednesday holiday gatherings and the spread of the most prominent variant globally led to increased transmission of COVID-19 last month.
	High tech glove stymies Parkinson's disease tremors Roberta Wilson-Garrett looked at the glove keeping her right hand steady and smiled.
	WHO warns COVID still a threat Almost 10,000 COVID-19 deaths were reported in December, the WHO said on Wednesday, as it warned the virus remained a major threat despite partially passing under the radar.
	What's your bedtime routine? Survey finds Americans' favorites A hot shower, a glass of wine, a good book and sex are a few of Americans' favorite ways to unwind at bedtime, a new survey shows.
	Rock on: He played guitar while getting his brain tumor removed Professional guitarist Christian Nolen took his stage show to an operating room last month, strumming out Deftones tunes for surgeons as they worked to remove a tumor from his brain.
	Preexisting conditions seen in all patients with tachycardia after COVID-19 vaccine Patients with post-COVID-19 vaccination postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) all have preexisting conditions, according to a study published in the January issue of Heart Rhythm.
	US teen smoking rates have plummeted, with fewer than 1% now daily smokers The number of American teens who smoke or have even tried smoking has dropped dramatically compared to a generation ago, with less than 1% now saying they light up cigarettes daily.
	Diet in childhood linked to blood vessel damage in teenage years Diets high in calories, fat and sugar in childhood can cause damage to blood vessel function, known to heighten the risk of early heart attacks and strokes, as early as adolescence according to new research from the University of Bristol.
	Study investigates the unresolved palliative care needs of elderly, homebound noncancer patients In Japan, approximately 70% of deaths occur among noncancer patients who often experience more frequent and varied distressing symptoms than patients with cancer. Recognizing the need for high-quality palliative care for this demographic, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends enhancing global awareness and the provision of palliative care for noncancer patients.
	Preeclampsia and preterm birth risk may be reduced by calcium dose lower than current WHO standard To help prevent preeclampsia and preterm birth—common complications in pregnancy that can be fatal to women and newborns—low-dose calcium supplementation (equivalent to one 500-milligram pill per day) may be as effective as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended high-dose calcium supplementation (equivalent to three 500-milligram pills taken throughout each day), according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and collaborators in India and Tanzania.
	Students publish research on smartphone use in people with OCD New research conducted by students and a professor at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College finds that smartphone usage can increase and even become unhealthy for those who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a psychiatric disorder with symptoms related to unwanted and distressing thoughts that can lead to repetitive and disruptive behaviors.
	Is a commonly-used screening tool for cognitive impairment accurate in diverse populations? A screening tool often used in primary care clinics to detect cognitive impairment has shortcomings when applied to ethnically and linguistically diverse older adults, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
	Symptoms of PTSD facilitate substance use as a coping method among children after a natural disaster, finds study In a survey-based study of 3rd to 12th grade students in Puerto Rico after 2017's Hurricane Maria, certain symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were linked with a higher risk of using drugs or alcohol.
	Researchers conduct largest clinical trial seeking to prevent heart failure among childhood cancer survivors Physicians at City of Hope in cooperation with the Children's Oncology Group (COG), have conducted the largest clinical trial to date seeking to reduce the risk of people who have survived childhood cancer from developing heart failure. The findings published in The Lancet Oncology show that the blood vessel relaxing medication carvedilol is safe for childhood cancer survivors to take and may improve important markers of heart injury sustained as a result of chemotherapy exposure.
	Machine learning used to predict future health as people age A cross-disciplinary research team from the University of Alberta is using health-related, lifestyle, socio-economic and other data to develop machine learning programs to predict the future mental and physical health of aging Canadians.
	New AI web tool can help providers detect prostate cancer faster A new web-based tool utilizing AI can help pathologists detect prostate cancer faster, say Northeastern University researchers who developed the technology.
	Study suggests incontinence in women could point to future disability If you are one of the 30% to 50% of women experiencing urinary incontinence, new research suggests that it could turn into a bigger health issue.
	Possible trigger of chronic inflammatory bowel disease identified As the cause of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is not yet known, treatment for sufferers is currently aimed at alleviating the often agonizing symptoms. The discovery by a MedUni Vienna research team that the trigger for IBD could be found on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells provides a new potential starting point for the development of therapeutic measures.
	Study shows cash assistance for groceries provides low-income families more flexibility than food distributions A Rice University study of food aid programs during the pandemic found that cash assistance provided low-income mothers with greater flexibility to feed their families than food distributions.
	Wristband monitors provide detailed account of air pollution exposure Environmental epidemiologists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Oregon State University, Pacific Northwest National Labs, and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, report on the findings of a new study of air pollution exposures collected using personal wristband monitors worn by pregnant individuals in New York City matched with data from a questionnaire.
	Researchers report dramatic decline in cigarette use among US teens over three decades Cigarette smoking remains the leading avoidable cause of premature death in the United States, accounting for approximately 500,000 deaths or 1 in 5 deaths annually. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most adults who smoke cigarettes started before age 18, so preventing cigarette smoking in adolescents is important to reducing smoking in adults.
	Perinatal depression linked to increased risk of death Women who suffer depression during or after pregnancy have a higher risk of death by both natural and unnatural causes, a new study of childbirth in Sweden published in The BMJ reports. The increased risk peaks in the month after diagnosis but remains elevated for as long as 18 years afterwards.
	Novel microfluidic device models gut neuro-epithelial connections Epithelial cells and sensory neurons communicate through neuro-epithelial connections in the GI tract, essential for major senses and digestion. Studying these interactions has been complicated due to the differing needs of epithelial cells and neurons.
	More siblings mean poorer mental health for teens, says study Teens from larger families have poorer mental health than those with fewer siblings, according to a large analysis of children in the United States and China.
	Can drinking alkaline water help prevent kidney stones? Not likely, study finds Bottled water marketed as "alkaline water" is unlikely to be an effective alternative for prevention of recurrent urinary stones, reports a study in the January issue of The Journal of Urology.
	Majority of US hospitals found COVID-19 reporting directives to be inconsistent The U.S. health care response during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic unveiled challenges in public health reporting systems and electronic clinical data exchange.
	Medical students with disabilities are at higher risk of burnout than peers Medical students with co-occurring disabilities are more likely than their peers to experience burnout, a new Yale study finds. That risk increases if the student identifies as Asian or in a racial or ethnic group typically underrepresented in the medical fields. The findings, say the researchers, highlight the importance of reducing stigma and addressing the needs of students with disabilities.
	Study: Amyloid-β protein affects cognitive decline after small-sized cerebral infarction A research team has confirmed that brain amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, is an essential predictor for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) development and cognitive decline after small-sized cerebral infarction.
	Review shows promise of live dietary microbes in supporting health A broad review of science on how foods with live dietary microbes like yogurt impact health shows more health benefits than not while pointing to the promise of conducting more research.
	Therapy against spider fear can also reduce fear of heights, shows study It has long been assumed that it is necessary to use different exposure therapies to treat different fears. A new study from Ruhr University Bochum challenges this view.
	Creating medical exam questions with ChatGPT For a recent study, UKB researchers created two sets of 25 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each with five possible answers, one of which was correct. The first set of questions was written by an experienced medical lecturer; the second set was created by ChatGPT. 161 students answered all questions in random order. For each question, students also indicated whether they thought it was created by a human or by ChatGPT.
	Exposure to high humidity and temperature in pregnancy could influence blood pressure changes in childhood Outdoor humidity and temperature levels during pregnancy could affect the future blood pressure of the unborn child, according to new research by the University of Bristol, published in JACC: Advances.
	Countries and companies need to address declining global fertility rates, doctors say The global fertility rate is declining and most governments are failing to recognize and address the impact on economies and societies, say a group of physicians invited by the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) in a new paper and campaign launched today.
	Stronger social networks key to addressing mental health in young adults, research finds Having strong social networks, or a set of individuals a person is connected to, can make people more resilient to symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly among young adults whose social lives and relationships were disrupted by COVID-19.
	Natural compounds derived from soy and other plants found to reduce breast cancer recurrence and improve survival Soy compounds called isoflavones are among the plant-derived compounds that may significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence or death, according to a new meta-analysis co-directed by investigators from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. The results were published Jan. 10 in the journal JNCI Cancer Spectrum.
	Study draws lessons about drug policy by examining history of fireworks regulation, prohibitions Policymakers worldwide wrestle with whether to prohibit products that can harm consumers. Prohibitions can reduce consumption and consumption-related harms, but also create other problems, including illegal markets. In a new study, researchers have reviewed the history of fireworks regulations, sales, and harms, then contrasted these with those for cannabis. They found a surprising number of similarities as well as some key differences between the two.
	Research finds dark web fentanyl-selling operations have grown rapidly, offer steep discounts Overdose deaths in North America have skyrocketed, primarily because of the spread of illegally manufactured fentanyl. In a new study, researchers have analyzed an early and prominent fentanyl-selling operation on the dark web. The organization sustained a significant growth rate, which allowed it to offer consumers steep discounts. In light of these findings, the authors conclude that it might be challenging to constrain supply by shuttering individual organizations since remaining organizations could grow rapidly to fill unmet demand.
	Q&A: How gaps in scientific data lead to gaps in care for aging women Menopause, the time that marks the end of a female's menstrual cycles, is a significant transition that comes with aging. This change has health effects, but researchers don't properly consider it in 99% of studies of the biology of aging, as highlighted in a recent perspective in Nature Aging.
	Decoding the mysteries of medically unexplained neurologic diseases New research may create some respite for sufferers of two medically unexplained fatigue-inducing conditions: myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM).
	Leadership is critical to help address the UK's NHS retention crisis, researchers say Frontline health care workers in busy hospitals feel that they are "just rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic" according to new research into the impact of under-resourced and high-pressure emergency hospital departments in the UK.
	New trial of 'pill-on-a-thread' brings screening for esophageal cancer closer A man from Cambridge is the first to join the surveillance part of a clinical trial that could see routine screening for esophageal cancer introduced into the NHS, potentially halving deaths from this cancer every year.
	How to jump-start your workout Many people promise to exercise more in the new year, but jump-starting your workout routine can be challenging if you've been sitting on the couch for a while. It can seem like a daunting task.
	States begin tapping Medicaid dollars to combat gun violence To tackle America's gun problem, a growing number of states are using Medicaid dollars to pay for community-based programs intended to stop shootings. The idea is to boost resources for violence prevention programs, which have been overwhelmed in some cities by a spike in violent crime since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Hearing the voices of Indigenous people with neurodevelopmental disabilities Indigenous Peoples with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) and mental health challenges are among the most marginalized groups in the country. NDDs include things like autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
	Blood tests offered in New Mexico amid query into 'forever chemical' contamination at military bases Hundreds of residents and personnel stationed at a U.S. Air Force base in eastern New Mexico will be able to have their blood tested as state officials expand their investigation into contamination from a group of compounds known as "forever chemicals."
	Exploring clonal hematopoiesis and its impact on aging, cancer, and patient care A new editorial paper titled "Exploring clonal hematopoiesis and its impact on aging, cancer, and patient care" has been published in Aging.
	One more step toward treatment of PARP inhibitor-resistant ovarian cancers A new editorial paper titled "One more step toward treatment of PARP inhibitor-resistant ovarian cancers" has been published in Oncotarget.
	Treatment of obesity must be multifaceted, publication says According to "Insights & Implications in Gerontology: The Chronic Disease of Obesity"—a new publication from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA)—overweight and obesity are now recognized as chronic health conditions with specific pathophysiologic causes, with complications if these conditions are not addressed, and with treatments that are safe and effective. For most older adults, treating overweight and obesity can add years to their lifespan and quality to the years of life when they are healthy.
	Study: High-school students with neurodevelopmental disorders experience worse premenstrual syndrome symptoms Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a relatively common condition that affects most women who menstruate, at some point in their lives. Typically, PMS can cause a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and fatigue. Moreover, PMS tends to worsen the symptoms of certain psychiatric and personality disorders. In certain instances, PMS can lead to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a type of severe depressive disorder that impairs daily life activities and interpersonal relationships.
	When is a cough a concern? Hearing a chorus of coughs is typical at this time of year. An occasional cough is normal and healthy. A cough that persists for several weeks or brings up discolored or bloody mucus may indicate a condition that needs medical attention.

Other Sciences news

	War changes language: More Ukrainian, less Russian A multidisciplinary team of researchers from LMU, the University of Bath, and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have analyzed changes in the use of language on social media in Ukraine before and during the Russian war of aggression.
	Discovery of immense fortifications dating back 4,000 years in northwestern Arabia The North Arabian Desert oases were inhabited by sedentary populations in the 4th and 3rd millennia BCE. A fortification enclosing the Khaybar Oasis—one of the longest known going back to this period—has just been revealed by a team of scientists from the CNRS and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).
	There are more than 300 ways to work flexibly—here are four tips to make it work for you Did you know that, according to a recent study, there are more than 300 ways to work flexibly? The list of possible flexible work practices used by an increasingly diverse and aging workforce has grown significantly since many people were forced to work from home during COVID lockdowns.
	Study finds no evidence that individual-level mental health interventions improve employees' well-being Many businesses are making efforts to promote workers' well-being, and numerous interventions are available at the individual and organizational levels. New research published in the Industrial Relations Journal found no evidence that individual-level mental well-being interventions like mindfulness, resilience and stress management, relaxation classes, and well-being apps benefit employees.
	The class where video games meet history Tore Olsson put his students in touch with American history through his popular and award-winning class "Red Dead America: Exploring America's Violent Past Through the Hit Video Games." Now this engagement has reached beyond the classroom—the American Historical Review (AHR), has published a major feature on the class as an example of creative and innovative history teaching.
	Study finds high levels of job satisfaction among copy editors, little negative effects from pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted jobs across the workforce, including the editorial sector. But a new study from the University of Kansas found it did not significantly affect how copy editors, proofreaders, and fact-checkers felt about their work and that those working in the professions still have high job satisfaction and a passion for their work in a time of declining trust in media.
	Joking apart: What men and women find funny Men rate visual jokes more highly than women do, whereas women prefer jokes that involve political commentary or the dynamics of close relationships, a new study of print cartoons dating from 1930-2010 finds.
	Many survivors aren't sure what to do after a sexual assault—here's what you need to know Millions of people have experienced sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales, but many do not know where to go, or who to turn to afterward. The shame felt by victims and survivors of sexual violence can be reinforced by the responses of family members and others.
	Minority candidates—including women and LGBTQ2S+—in Canadian federal elections are positioned to be sacrificial lambs A new study from researchers at the University of Ottawa's School of Political Studies paints a stark picture for minority candidates' success in Canada's federal elections, with the Liberal Party and Conservative Party particularly guilty of positioning their minority candidates to fail.
	Podcasts and compulsory attendance found to improve student learning Lectures continue to dominate university teaching, but especially when it comes to big introductory courses, more group work and alternative assignments, such as making podcasts, can have a positive effect.
	Participation in careers programs found to increase engagement with vocational services A new study published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation evaluates the impact of Vermont's Linking Learning to Careers (LLC) program on service usage patterns and outcomes of participating high school students with disabilities, compared to a control group.

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