Science X Newsletter Wed, Jan 17

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 17, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Efficiency asymmetry: Scientists report fundamental asymmetry between heating and cooling

The solution space of the spherical negative perceptron model is star-shaped, researchers find

Astronomers detect oldest black hole ever observed

TESS discovers nine new 'hot Jupiters'

Scientists build mass-producible miniature quantum memory element

US air pollution rates on the decline, but pockets of inequities remain: Study

Transforming clinical recording of deep brain activity with a new take on sensor manufacturing

Scientists propose a self-organizing model of connectivity that applies across a wide range of organisms

The differing olfactory worlds of female and male silk moths

Role of inherited genetic variants in rare blood cancer uncovered

The pros and cons of oxygen mediating the performance of nickel catalysts in dry reforming of methane

High hopes for Japan's 'Moon Sniper' mission

Origin of intense light in supermassive black holes and tidal disruption events revealed

Big dogs vs. small dogs: Which sizes face higher risks of which diseases?

Research helps California forest managers assess smoke hazards from prescribed burns

Nanotechnology news

	Researchers optimize 3D printing of optically active nanostructures For about 20 years, it has been possible to modify surfaces via nanoparticles so that they concentrate or manipulate light in a desired way or trigger other reactions. Such optically active nanostructures can be found in solar cells and biological or chemical sensors, for example.
	Guidelines for single-nanometer magnetic tunnel junction technology Researchers at Tohoku University have developed guidelines for a single-nanometer magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), allowing for performance tailoring to meet the requirements of diverse applications, ranging from AI/IoT to automobiles and space technologies.
	Chemists create the first 2D heavy fermion with heavier-than-normal electrons Researchers at Columbia University have successfully synthesized the first 2D heavy fermion material. They introduce the new material, a layered intermetallic crystal composed of cerium, silicon, and iodine (CeSiI), in a research article published in Nature.

Physics news

	Efficiency asymmetry: Scientists report fundamental asymmetry between heating and cooling A new study led by scientists from Spain and Germany has found a fundamental asymmetry showing that heating is consistently faster than cooling, challenging conventional expectations and introducing the concept of "thermal kinematics" to explain this phenomenon. The findings are published in Nature Physics.
	Scientists build mass-producible miniature quantum memory element Researchers at the University of Basel have built a quantum memory element based on atoms in a tiny glass cell. In the future, such quantum memories could be mass-produced on a wafer.
	Scientists propose a self-organizing model of connectivity that applies across a wide range of organisms A study by physicists and neuroscientists from the University of Chicago, Harvard and Yale describes how connectivity among neurons comes about through general principles of networking and self-organization, rather than the biological features of an individual organism.
	Discovery of low-lying isomeric states in cesium-136 has applications in particle astrophysics Large, low-background detectors using xenon as a target medium are widely used in fundamental physics, particularly in experiments searching for dark matter or studying rare decays of atomic nuclei. In these detectors, the weak interaction of a neutral particle—such as a neutrino—with a xenon-136 nucleus can transform it into a cesium-136 nucleus in a high-energy excited state.
	Researchers find evidence of long-lived valley states in bilayer graphene quantum dots In quantum computing, the question as to what physical system and which degrees of freedom within that system may be used to encode quantum bits of information—qubits, in short—is at the heart of many research projects carried out in physics and engineering laboratories.
	Researchers observe the wave-particle duality of two photons Understanding the nature of quantum objects' behaviors is the premise for a reasonable description of the quantum world. Depending on whether the interference can be produced or not, the quantum object is endowed with dual features of a wave and a particle, i.e., the so-called wave-particle duality (WPD), which are generally observed in the so-called mutually exclusive experimental arrangements in the sense of Bohr's complementarity principle.
	Higher measurement accuracy opens new window to the quantum world A team at HZB has developed a new measurement method that, for the first time, accurately detects tiny temperature differences in the range of 100 microKelvin in the thermal Hall effect. Previously, these temperature differences could not be measured quantitatively due to thermal noise.
	Large, all-glass metalens images sun, moon and nebulae Metalenses have been used to image microscopic features of tissue and resolve details smaller than a wavelength of light. Now they are going bigger.
	New technique uses optical orbital angular momentum lattice to enhance information storage capacity In the realm of optical holography, the conventional limitations of polarization, wavelength, and incident angle are giving way to a new era of possibilities. A breakthrough technique known as optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing has emerged, offering a plethora of unique mode channels for data storage, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and optical tweezers. Yet, there's a hunger for more storage capacity, which propels ongoing research.
	Study probes unexplored combination of three chemical elements for superconductivity Skoltech researchers and their colleagues from MIPT and China's Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research have computationally explored the stability of the bizarre compounds of hydrogen, lanthanum, and magnesium that exist at very high pressures. In addition to matching the various three-element combinations to the conditions at which they are stable, the team discovered five completely new compounds of hydrogen and either magnesium or lanthanum only.

Earth news

	US air pollution rates on the decline, but pockets of inequities remain: Study Over the last decades, air pollution emissions have decreased substantially; however, the magnitude of the change varies by demographics, according to a new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The results indicate there are racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in air pollution emissions reductions, particularly in the industry and energy generation sectors. The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.
	Research helps California forest managers assess smoke hazards from prescribed burns Across the American West, managers of fire-prone landscapes are increasingly using a practice that seems counterintuitive: setting small fires to prevent larger, more destructive ones. Commonly called "prescribed burns," these targeted, controlled fires keep forests healthy by reducing the buildup of grasses, leaves, branches, and other debris that can fuel larger wildfires and smoke out nearby communities.
	Small-scale study finds microplastics from natural fertilizers are blowing in the wind more often than once thought Though natural fertilizers made from treated sewage sludge are used to reintroduce nutrients onto agricultural fields, they bring along microplastic pollutants too. And according to a small-scale study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, more plastic particles get picked up by the wind than once thought. Researchers have discovered that the microplastics are released from fields more easily than similarly sized dust particles, becoming airborne from even a slight breeze.
	Up to 5 billion people to be hit by rainfall changes this century if CO₂ emissions are not curbed, study finds Three to five billion people—or up to two-thirds of the world's population—are set to be affected by projected rainfall changes by the end of the century unless the world rapidly ramps up emissions reduction efforts, according to new research by myself and colleagues.
	Greenland has lost more ice than previously thought: Study Climate change has caused Greenland's ice sheet to lose 20 percent more ice than previously thought, according to research published Wednesday that used satellite imagery to track the retreat of glaciers over the past four decades.
	Climate change isn't producing expected increase in atmospheric moisture over dry regions: Study The laws of thermodynamics dictate that a warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor, but new research has found that atmospheric moisture has not increased as expected over arid and semi-arid regions of the world as the climate has warmed.
	How rising sea levels will affect our coastal cities and towns Sea-level rise—along with increasing temperatures—is one of the clearest signals of man-made global warming. Yet exactly how rising water levels affect the coast is often misunderstood.
	Dangerous chemicals found in recycled plastics, making them unsafe for use. Experts explain the hazards Plastic pollution is a menace worldwide. Plastics are now found in every environment on the planet, from the deepest seas to the atmosphere and human bodies.
	Ancient system could bring water to dry areas Some of Africa's dry areas face serious water shortages due to minimal rainfall. An ancient system of drawing water from aquifers, the "qanat system," could help. Gaathier Mahed, an environmental scientist and expert on the management of groundwater, has studied the feasibility of these systems. He tells us more.
	A path to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas economy Anew report co-authored by 68 scientists from more than a dozen institutions—including the University of Pennsylvania—offers a first-of-its-kind high-resolution assessment of carbon dioxide (CO2) removal (CDR) in the United States.
	Manned submersible finds a fault scarp of the 2011 Tohoku-oki megaquake in the Japan Trench On September 4, 2022, Hayato Ueda, a geologist at Niigata University, boarded a submarine vehicle with pilot, Chris May, and took a dive into the Japan Trench within the epicenter area of the 2011 Tohoku-oki megaquake, which caused the devastating tsunami disaster.
	Co-amplification in atmospheric fluctuations caused heavy rainfall over Japan in August 2021, finds study In Japan, the summer season is characterized by stagnant rain fronts, causing persistent heavy rainfall. This phenomenon is reportedly associated with global-scale atmospheric and oceanic anomalies. Remote influences from the tropical and extratropical regions have been identified as the main causes, respectively. However, the link between the two causes remains unclear.
	Pioneering model for urban carbon reduction through urban greening Researchers have introduced an innovative framework for achieving carbon neutrality in urban areas in an article published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology. The study, which focuses on Wuyishan, a service-oriented city in Southern China, highlights the importance of inclusive strategies that consider both internal and external greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to effectively mitigate carbon.
	Researchers use stalagmite to reconstruct regional and global climate history When combined with data from tree-ring records, stalagmites can open up a unique archive to study natural climate fluctuations across hundreds of years, a research team including geoscientists from Heidelberg University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have demonstrated.
	US in deep freeze while much of the world is extra toasty? Yet again, it's climate change Much of the United States is shivering through brutal cold as most of the rest of the world is feeling unusually warm weather. However strange it sounds, that contradiction fits snugly in explanations of what climate change is doing to Earth, scientists said.
	New game theory model taps power of cooperation to promote sustainable palm oil production in Indonesia "Tropical forests are a critical resource," says Xavier Warnes, Ph.D. '21, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford Graduate School of Business. "They store huge amounts of carbon, they affect weather patterns and water systems, and they contain around 80% of the world's biodiversity."
	Heavy snow, freezing rain hobble European travel Severe winter weather in northern Europe prompted the cancellation of hundreds of flights Wednesday at Frankfurt airport, Germany's busiest, while heavy snow in Scandinavia shut down air travel in Oslo for several hours.
	Snow-capped mountains at risk from climate change Humans store water in huge metal towers and deep concrete reservoirs. But nature's water storage is much more scenic—the snowpack that tops majestic mountains. Even if we don't realize it, humans rely on those natural water towers just as much if not more than the ones we build. When the spring rains and summer sun melt this snowpack, it flows downhill to thirsty landscapes and humans. It provides water when precipitation is at its lowest and refills natural and built reservoirs. About a quarter of the world relies on the water stored in mountains.
	Global collaboration of scientists needed to solve polycrisis, say researchers Heightened global interconnectivity and human pressures on planetary boundaries generate increasingly harmful and extensive crisis interactions that make it impossible to solve any one problem alone, findings published in Global Sustainability reveal.

Astronomy and Space news

	Astronomers detect oldest black hole ever observed Researchers have discovered the oldest black hole ever observed, dating from the dawn of the universe, and found that it is 'eating' its host galaxy to death.
	TESS discovers nine new 'hot Jupiters' Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers has discovered nine new "hot Jupiter" exoplanets. One of the newly detected alien worlds is almost four times more massive than Jupiter. The finding was presented in a paper published January 11 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	High hopes for Japan's 'Moon Sniper' mission Japan's "Moon Sniper" spacecraft will attempt a historic touchdown on the lunar surface this weekend using pinpoint technology the country hopes will lead to success where many have failed.
	Origin of intense light in supermassive black holes and tidal disruption events revealed A significant breakthrough in understanding Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs) involving supermassive black holes has been discovered. The new simulations, for the first time ever, accurately replicate the entire sequence of a TDE from stellar disruption to the peak luminosity of the resulting flare.
	Study delivers detailed photos of galaxies' inner structures For the first time, high-resolution images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope are offering powerful insights into the complex dust patterns of nearby star-forming galaxies.
	NASA's IXPE helps researchers maximize 'microquasar' findings The powerful gravity fields of black holes can devour whole planets' worth of matter—often so violently that they expel streams of particles traveling near the speed of light in formations known as jets. Scientists understand that these high-speed jets can accelerate these particles, called cosmic rays, but little is definitively known about that process.
	Searching for dark matter in gaps between stars Although dark matter makes up about 27% of the universe, astronomers have been unable to observe it directly.
	Webb data suggest many early galaxies were long and thin, not disk-like or spherical Columbia researchers analyzing images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have found that galaxies in the early universe are often flat and elongated, like breadsticks—and are rarely round, like balls of pizza dough.
	Moon age daydream: modern lunar exploration Japan, whose unmanned "sniper" probe will attempt a lunar landing on Saturday, is one of many countries and private companies launching new missions to the moon.
	Citizen scientists needed to discover elusive black holes Could you help scientists uncover the mysterious world of invisible black holes? Become a Black Hole Hunter and you'll be taking part in scientific research that has the potential to reveal more about one of space's most intriguing aspects.
	For All Mankind's Happy Valley: Why a Martian city could well extend below the surface Apple TV+'s alternate space race, "For All Mankind," imagines what would have have happened if USSR cosmonauts, and not NASA's astronauts, had been the first to land on the moon. Rather than the waning of interest in space that followed the moon landings in our reality, over the four seasons of the show to date, the race has continued towards lunar and then Martian settlement.
	Space travel taxes astronauts' brains. But microbes on the menu could help in unexpected ways Feeding astronauts on a long mission to Mars goes well beyond ensuring they have enough nutrients and calories to survive their multi-year journey.
	A primordial dark matter galaxy found without stars There's a galaxy out there without apparent stars but largely chock full of dark matter. What's that you say? A galaxy without stars? Isn't that an impossibility? Not necessarily, according to the astronomers who found it and are trying to explain why it appears starless. "What we do know is that it's an incredibly gas-rich galaxy," said Green Bank Observatory's Karen O'Neil, an astronomer studying this primordial galactic object. "It's not demonstrating star formation like we'd expect, probably because its gas is too diffuse."
	Machine learning could help find Martian caves for future human explorers The surface of Mars is hostile and unforgiving. But put a few meters of regolith between you and the Martian sky, and the place becomes a little more habitable. Cave entrances from collapsed lava tubes could be some of the most interesting places to explore on Mars, since not only would they provide shelter for future human explorers, but they could also be a great place to find biosignatures of microbial life on Mars.
	Astronomers rule out one explanation for the Hubble tension Perhaps the greatest and most frustrating mystery in cosmology is the Hubble tension problem. Put simply, all the observational evidence we have points to a universe that began in a hot, dense state, and then expanded at an ever-increasing rate to become the universe we see today. Every measurement of that expansion agrees with this, but where they don't agree is on what that rate exactly is.
	Is K2-18b covered in oceans of water or oceans of lava? In the search for potentially life-supporting exoplanets, liquid water is the key indicator. Life on Earth requires liquid water, and scientists strongly believe the same is true elsewhere. But from a great distance, it's difficult to tell what worlds have oceans of water. Some of them can have lava oceans instead, and getting the two confused is a barrier to understanding exoplanets, water, and habitability more clearly.
	Astronomers identify 164 promising targets for the habitable worlds observatory Planning large astronomical missions is a long process. In some cases, such as the now functional James Webb Space Telescope, it can literally take decades. Part of that learning process is understanding what the mission will be designed to look for. Coming up with a list of what it should look for is a process, and on larger missions, teams of scientists work together to determine what they think will be best for the mission.
	Twenty years after landing: How NASA's twin rovers changed Mars science This month marks the 20th anniversary of Spirit and Opportunity's landing on Mars, part of a mission whose legacy will extend far into the future.
	Scientists develop high-power optic fiber laser to power nano satellites The use of lasers in space is a reality. Even though radio waves have been the backbone of space communications for ages, the demand to convey more data, in a faster way, made these lighter, more flexible, and more secure infrared rays (invisible to the human eye) the future of space communications.
	European crew poised for private mission to International Space Station An all-European crew including Turkey's first astronaut are poised to blast off to the International Space Station in a mission with Axiom Space, as countries hungry for a taste of space turn increasingly to the private sector.
	Space solar power project ends first in-space mission with successes and lessons One year ago, Caltech's Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD-1) launched into space to demonstrate and test three technological innovations that are among those necessary to make space solar power a reality.

Technology news

	The solution space of the spherical negative perceptron model is star-shaped, researchers find Recent numerical studies investigating neural networks have found that solutions typically found by modern machine learning algorithms lie in complex extended regions of the loss landscape. In these regions, zero-energy paths between pairs of distant solutions can be established.
	Using AI to develop a battery that uses less lithium A team of AI researchers at Microsoft working with colleagues from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has used AI to develop a battery that uses less lithium. Together, they have published a paper describing their work on the arXiv preprint server.
	New tech addresses augmented reality's privacy problem An emergency room doctor using augmented reality could save precious seconds by quickly checking a patient's vitals or records. But the doctor could also unintentionally pull information for someone else in the room, breaching privacy and health care laws.
	Smart devices' ambient light sensors pose imaging privacy risk In George Orwell's novel "1984," Big Brother watches citizens through two-way, TV-like telescreens to surveil citizens without any cameras. In a similar fashion, our current smart devices contain ambient light sensors, which open the door to a different threat: Hackers.
	Artificial 'power plants' harness energy from wind and rain Fake plants are moving into the 21st century. Researchers developed literal "power plants"—tiny, leaf-shaped generators that create electricity from a blowing breeze or falling raindrops—and described them in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. The team tested the energy harvesters by incorporating them into artificial plants.
	Stratospheric safety standards: How aviation could steer regulation of AI in health What is the likelihood of dying in a plane crash? According to a 2022 report released by the International Air Transport Association, the industry fatality risk is 0.11. In other words, on average, a person would need to take a flight every day for 25,214 years to have a 100 percent chance of experiencing a fatal accident. Long touted as one of the safest modes of transportation, the highly regulated aviation industry has MIT scientists thinking that it may hold the key to regulating artificial intelligence in health care.
	Google eliminates hundreds of jobs in ad team tweak Google on Tuesday confirmed it is eliminating "a few hundred" positions from its global ad team, amid a push to use artificial intelligence for efficiency and creativity.
	Your fingerprint is actually 3D—research into holograms could improve forensic fingerprint analysis When you use your fingerprint to unlock your smartphone, your phone is looking at a two-dimensional pattern to determine whether it's the correct fingerprint before it unlocks for you. But the imprint your finger leaves on the surface of the button is actually a 3D structure called a fingermark.
	How to prevent America's aging buildings from collapsing: Four high-profile disasters send a warning Four recent catastrophic building collapses and a near miss are raising concerns about the state of America's aging buildings and questions about who, if anyone, is checking their safety.
	Design and implementation of railway green performance basic data collection system Railway transportation plays a crucial role in China's comprehensive transportation system. In 2020, the China National Railway Group issued the "Outline of Railway Leading Planning for Building a Transport Power in the New Era," clearly stating the goal of completing a national railway network of approximately 200,000 kilometers and a high-speed railway network of about 70,000 kilometers by 2035.
	Algorithm offers encryption boost for cross-border e-commerce Writing in the International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, a team from China has revealed a novel approach to boost privacy for cross-border e-commerce users. Na Wang, Feng Gao, and Ji Zhang of Changchun University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Changchun introduce an encryption algorithm based on social network analysis. The new approach could help users remain secure when transferring sensitive information during international transactions.
	Researchers create framework for large-scale geospatial exploration When combating complex problems like illegal poaching and human trafficking, efficient yet broad geospatial search tools can provide critical assistance in finding and stopping the activity. A visual active search (VAS) framework for geospatial exploration developed by researchers in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis uses a novel visual reasoning model and aerial imagery to learn how to search for objects more effectively.
	Samsung vies to make AI more mainstream by baking in more of the technology in its new Galaxy phones Smartphones could get much smarter this year as the next wave of artificial intelligence seeps into the devices that accompany people almost everywhere they go.
	Researchers release solar power data software to increase clean energy generation A lot can happen to solar panels that are mounted on a roof—from tree branches casting shade over them to a neighbor's baseball cracking one.
	A non-proliferation solution: Using antineutrinos to surveil nuclear reactors Nuclear power constitutes an essential source of energy in many countries worldwide, including France, U.S., China, and Japan, among others. While nuclear power plants have less environmental impact than coal power plants with regards to climate change, the technology employed in them can be used for undesirable purposes, namely the production of materials for nuclear weapons.
	Apple hit again with US ban in watch patent feud A federal appeals court on Wednesday ordered Apple to halt the US sale of its latest smartwatch models in a feud over patents with health company Masimo.
	Frigid weather can cut electric vehicle range and make charging tough. Here's what you need to know For nearly a week, frigid temperatures from Chicago to northern Texas have made life painful for electric-vehicle owners, with reduced driving range and hours of waiting at charging stations.
	Trade barriers can slow energy transition: IEA chief Trade barriers can slow the world's energy transition but commerce also needs to be fair, International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol said Wednesday, as world powers tussle over the technologies key to fighting climate change.
	Amazon doubles down on live sports in US rights deal Amazon is investing in US local TV network Diamond Sports Group, a major sports rights holder as the streaming giants push further into offering live sport.
	Electrostatic generator to produce renewable energy from flexible structures To shapeshift into the yoga pose called "destroyer of the universe," a human must gumby a leg behind their neck to point their toes directly at the sky. For non-gumbys, that feat might seem superhuman or even metahuman—is that a person or a pretzel? Now, an ultraflexible metamaterial could perform equally super feats to generate clean energy from the abundant but often overlooked energy that vibrates through our world.

Chemistry news

	The pros and cons of oxygen mediating the performance of nickel catalysts in dry reforming of methane Catalysis is one of the key technologies in the chemical industry and has a wide-reaching impact on various aspects of our daily lives, including plastics manufacturing, drug synthesis, and production of both fertilizers and fuels. It is estimated that over 90% of chemical products are nowadays manufactured with the involvement of catalysis in at least one stage. Catalysis is a complex process that relies on the precise structural control of several elements at the crossroads of phase (in-)stabilities.
	Researchers address formulation, manufacturing challenges in obesity, diabetes drugs Medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are composed of molecules called acylated peptides that are designed to circulate in the body and regulate insulin production. This enables adults with type 2 diabetes to take a weekly injection instead of monitoring their insulin levels every few hours. With slight modification, this class of therapeutics is also approved for weight-loss use in the treatment of obesity.
	Glowing COVID-19 diagnostic test prototype produces results in one minute Cold, flu and COVID-19 season brings that now-familiar ritual: swab, wait, look at the result. But what if, instead of taking 15 minutes or more, a test could quickly determine whether you have COVID-19 with a glowing chemical? Now, in ACS Central Science, researchers describe a potential COVID-19 test inspired by bioluminescence. Using a molecule found in crustaceans, they have developed a rapid approach that detects SARS-CoV-2 protein comparably to one used in vaccine research.
	Researchers optimize the performance of novel organic electrochemical transistors Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have recently received a lot of interest and attention in the research community, not only for their biocompatibility but also for other novel characteristics like the amplification of ionic–electronic signals and the detection of ions and molecules.
	Scientists develop luminescent sensor to detect 'forever chemicals' in water Researchers have created a new way to detect 'forever chemical' pollution in water, via a luminescent sensor.
	Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting with a donor-acceptor polyimide Polyimide (PI) has emerged as a promising organic photocatalyst owing to its distinct advantages of high visible-light response, facile synthesis, molecularly tunable donor-acceptor structure, and excellent physicochemical stability. However, the synthesis of high-quality PI photoelectrode remains a challenge, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for PI has been less studied.
	Innovative methods for removing radioactive cesium from wastewater after nuclear disasters In a recent comprehensive review published in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering on 5 December 2023, researchers from Tsinghua University delve into various innovative methods in the removal of radioactive cesium from wastewater.
	Researchers design novel hollow-fiber Cu penetration electrode for efficient CO₂ electroreduction Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into value-added chemical fuels driven by renewable electrical energy has roles in reducing net CO2 emission and in addressing energy consumption.
	Researchers develop a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to create hydrogen and oxygen molecules from water. The use of proton exchange membrane (PEM) and renewable energy for water electrolysis is widely regarded as a sustainable method for hydrogen production. However, a challenge in advancing PEM water electrolysis technology is the lack of efficient, low-cost, and stable catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic solutions during PEM water electrolysis.

Biology news

	The differing olfactory worlds of female and male silk moths A team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, together with colleagues from the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, has studied olfaction in female silk moths. Using electrophysiological methods, they discovered that the antenna, which is specialized in males to detect female pheromones, is particularly sensitive to the scent of silkworm excrement in females.
	Big dogs vs. small dogs: Which sizes face higher risks of which diseases? A study of more than 25,000 U.S. dogs and 238 breeds has linked dog size to varying patterns of risk for health conditions over the course of a dog's lifespan. Yunbi Nam of the University of Washington, U.S., and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
	Stem cell study throws our understanding of gene regulation for a loop The blueprint for human life lies within the DNA in the nucleus of each of our cells. In human cells, around six and a half feet of this genetic material must be condensed to fit inside the nucleus. DNA condensation is not random. To function properly, the genetic material is highly organized into loop structures that often bring together widely separated sections of the genome critical to the regulation of gene activity.
	Ancient DNA study finds Iberian lynx hybridized with Eurasian lynx over the last few thousand years Cross-species hybridization is a more frequent phenomenon than previously thought. In the past, it happened with modern humans; it is estimated that our genome contains about 2% Neanderthal DNA.
	AI-enabled bio-loggers capture rare bird behavior For centuries, naturalists have braved trackless forests, windy clifftops, and the cramped confines of blinds and submarines, hoping to capture rare behaviors that might reveal important aspects of animal biology and ecology. Takuya Maekawa and colleagues sought to deploy wearable trackers, which have become common in animal biology, to capture rare behaviors for study.
	Predicting others' preference-based choices is cross-cultural and uniquely human, suggests study Children across cultures can anticipate other individuals' choices based on their preferences, according to a study published in PLOS ONE by Juliane Kaminski at the University of Portsmouth and colleagues. However, non-human great apes appear to lack this ability.
	New technology for conducting deep-sea research on fragile organisms A University of Rhode Island professor of Ocean Engineering and Oceanography, along with a multidisciplinary research team from multiple institutions, successfully demonstrated new technologies that can obtain preserved tissue and high-resolution 3D images within minutes of encountering some of the most fragile animals in the deep ocean.
	Molecular sensor enables water bear hardiness by triggering dormancy, study finds Tardigrades—hardy, microscopic animals commonly known as "water bears"—use a molecular sensor that detects harmful conditions in their environment, telling them when to go dormant and when to resume normal life. A team led by Derrick R. J. Kolling of Marshall University and Leslie M. Hicks of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill report these findings in a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
	Wooly mammoth movements tied to earliest Alaska hunting camps Researchers have linked the travels of a 14,000-year-old wooly mammoth with the oldest known human settlements in Alaska, providing clues about the relationship between the iconic species and some of the earliest people to travel across the Bering Land Bridge.
	Machine learning reveals sources of heterogeneity among cells in our bodies A team of South Korean scientists led by Professor Kim Jae Kyoung of the Biomedical Mathematics Group within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS-BIMAG) discovered the secrets of cell variability in our bodies. The findings of this research are expected to have far-reaching effects, such as improvement in the efficacy of chemotherapy treatments, or the development of a new paradigm in the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
	Meta-analysis seeks to explain why dogs wag their tails A team of biologists, life scientists and animal researchers affiliated with several institutions across Europe and one in the U.S., has conducted a meta-analysis of dog tail wagging to find out if the combined efforts of multiple research efforts might explain the behavior. In their paper published in the journal Biology Letters, the group describes several theories that have been developed and which they see as the most likely possibilities.
	Study uncovers mechanics of machete-like 'tail-whipping' in thresher sharks Like Indiana Jones, thresher sharks (Alopias spp.) have mastered the art of the whip using their tails. With incredible speed, their long, machete-like tails can slap and stun their prey, allowing them to swallow multiple fish in one fell swoop. Their exceptionally elongated tail, which can often be as long as their entire body, not only makes this particular shark unique but also a formidable hunter.
	Surprise discovery: For most animals, sperm quality does not reduce with age In humans, male fertility and sperm fitness decline with age, but scientists have made the surprising discovery that this pattern is not consistent in other animals. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
	We are losing tetrapod species at a faster rate than we are rediscovering them, researchers say Lost species are those that have not been observed in the wild for over 10 years, despite searches to find them. Lost tetrapod species (four-limbed vertebrate animals including amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles) are a global phenomenon—there are more than 800 of them, and they are broadly distributed worldwide.
	Translating nuclear waste site data into microbial ecosystem insights A flagship seven-year study led by the University of Oklahoma that explores how environmental stresses influence different ecological processes shaping the composition and structure of microbial communities in groundwater, has been published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
	Insect populations flourish in the restored habitats of solar energy facilities Bumblebees buzz from flower to flower, stopping for a moment under a clear blue Minnesota sky. Birds chirp, and tall grasses blow in the breeze. This isn't a scene from a pristine nature preserve or national park. It is nestled between photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays on rehabilitated farmland.
	Modeling framework finds fungal 'bouncers' patrol plant-microbe relationship A new computational framework created by Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers is accelerating their understanding of who's in, who's out, who's hot and who's not in the soil microbiome, where fungi often act as bodyguards for plants, keeping friends close and foes at bay.
	Researchers warn of global threat to crops as insecticide resistance emerges in bluegreen aphids For the first time, researchers in Australia have documented insecticide resistance in field-collected populations of bluegreen aphids, Acyrthosiphon kondoi—a worldwide pest of pulses and other legume crops.
	The keys to plant aging are hidden in the leaves Scientists have known about a particular organelle in plant cells for over a century. However, UC Riverside scientists have only now discovered that organelle's key role in aging.
	Dampened desire: Wolf spiders change their mating strategy after it rains If you hate the rain, you have something in common with wolf spiders.
	Scientists discover southern Africa's temps will rise past rhinos' tolerance Southern Africa contains the vast majority of the world's remaining populations of both black and white rhinoceroses (80% and 92%, respectively). The region's climate is changing rapidly as a result global warming. Traditional conservation efforts aimed at protecting rhinos have focused on poaching, but until now, there has been no analysis of the impact that climate change may have on the animals.
	Illumina and the San Diego Zoo are sequencing koala genomes to investigate disease Two world-class institutions that call San Diego home have joined forces on an investigation into the DNA of koalas.
	Marine heat waves affecting little penguin population Research led by The University of Western Australia has found marine heat waves are affecting the breeding, diet and population size of little penguins along Western Australia's coast.
	Fowl language: AI is learning to analyze chicken communications Have you ever wondered what chickens are talking about? Chickens are quite the communicators—their clucks, squawks and purrs are not just random sounds but a complex language system. These sounds are their way of interacting with the world and expressing joy, fear and social cues to one another.
	Chromatin modifier-centered pathway points to higher crop yield A team led by Prof. Song Xianjun from the Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, while researching a ternary protein complex in rice nuclei that affects grain size, has shown that the transcription factor bZIP23—a protein that regulates the transcription of genetic DNA information into RNA and is part of the ternary complex—recruits the chromatin-modifying histone acetyltransferase HHC4 to specific promoters on the DNA.
	Surprising trend in global fishing industries: Study finds decline in catch per fisher since the 1990s A new study, titled "Diminishing Returns in Labour in the Global Marine Food System" and recently published in Nature Sustainability, uncovers significant challenges concerning labor in marine food production systems. Led by researchers from the University of Bergen and an international team, the study offers insights into global changes in the number of fishers from 1950 to 2015.
	South Florida's nearshore reefs less vulnerable to ocean acidification, study finds Researchers studying South Florida's coral reefs found that the region's nearshore reefs and more sheltered inshore areas are less vulnerable to ocean acidification than previously thought—a major climate-related threat to coral reefs as ocean waters absorb more atmospheric CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels.
	A deep learning–based method for high-precision stomata detection and conductance analysis Stomata are vital for regulating water and carbon dioxide in plants, affecting photosynthesis. Traditional stomata analysis was manual and error-prone, but deep learning (DL) methods, such as DCNN, have been introduced for enhanced detection and measurement. However, these advanced techniques still face challenges in accurately calculating stomatal traits due to the random orientation of stomata, requiring additional image processing.
	An AI-driven approach to enhancing rice yield prediction and selection Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food for many people, but rice production is challenged by climate change, making it critical to improve yield traits such as panicle number per unit area (PNpM2).
	Deciphering crosstalk between bFGF and integrin signaling in maintaining properties of hiPSCs A research team led by Junior Associate Professor Masato Nakagawa (Department of Life Science Frontiers) investigated the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and its interactions with fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and integrins on the maintenance of primed human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) properties.
	Status update in evolutionary race between humans and resistant bacteria: Two steps forward for us In the span of one week, two researchers from Leiden are receiving their Ph.D.s, each of them on an important step in the battle against bacteria that are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
	Unlocking tree genetic diversity: Advanced hyperspectral phenotyping for enhanced Scots pine selection Hyperspectral reflectance reveals critical leaf functional traits indicative of a plant's physiological status, providing a powerful tool for distinguishing seedlings adapted to specific environments.
	Illuminating plant water dynamics: The role of light in leaf hydraulic regulation A recent study led by Prof. Menachem Moshelion from The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at The Hebrew University, along with Dr. Yael Grunwald and Dr. Adi Yaara from the same institute, has unveiled the intricate relationship between light conditions, particularly the Blue-Light (BL) to Red-Light (RL) ratio, and leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) across various canopy areas has been revealed.
	New species of lamprey fish documented in California Two potential new species of lamprey fish have been discovered in California waters, according to a University of California, Davis, study. The research is part of a special section on native lampreys published this week in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management.
	As abandoned boats pile up in California waters: Who is responsible for the environmental damage? On Jan. 2, a 27-foot sailboat sank off the southern coast of Alameda in stormy weather. Rescue crews saved the man on board, but the ship landed beside a long rock wall jutting from the island.
	The politics of alternative proteins studied through notions of competition, definitions, labeling A study by QUT researchers has looked at the politics of alternative proteins (new meat alternatives) in Australia as lawmakers grapple with notions of competition, definitions and labeling.
	Miami residents believe Biscayne Bay is 'healthy,' despite big declines in water quality, biodiversity Residents of Miami-Dade County appreciate Biscayne Bay for its ecological, cultural, recreational and economic offerings, but they see the estuary as "moderately healthy"—despite a significant decline in water quality and habitat health in recent decades.
	WheatNet: Precision farming with advanced spike detection across maturity stages In the quest for precision farming, accurately detecting wheat spikes through phenotyping is critical, with deep learning models emerging as a promising tool.
	Research sheds light on molecular regulation mechanism of graft incompatibility in cucumber/pumpkin seedlings Grafting is one of the key technologies to overcome the obstacles of continuous cropping, and improve crop yield and quality. However, the symbiotic incompatibility between rootstock and scion affects the normal growth and development of grafted seedlings after survival.
	Enhancing crop resilience: A novel approach to quantifying and predicting frost damage in winter wheat Abiotic stresses such as heat and frost severely limit plant growth, particularly affecting winter crops like wheat through senescence and leaf area reduction. Modern phenotyping methods, particularly high-throughput field phenotyping (HTFP), have made significant advances in monitoring and analyzing these effects.
	A method for classifying the ripeness of peppers using hyperspectral imaging A UGR research team has developed a method for classifying the ripeness of peppers using hyperspectral imaging, which is a non-invasive technique, and machine learning.
	Bangladeshi fish farms 'need climate data support' Bangladesh's aquaculture sector lost US$140 million in a decade due to climate change, reveals new analysis, highlighting the need for better climate data services.

Medicine and Health news

	Transforming clinical recording of deep brain activity with a new take on sensor manufacturing Sensors built with a new manufacturing approach are capable of recording activity deep within the brain from large populations of individual neurons—with a resolution of as few as one or two neurons—in humans as well as a range of animal models, according to a study published in the Jan. 17, 2024 issue of the journal Nature Communications.
	Role of inherited genetic variants in rare blood cancer uncovered Large-scale genetic analysis has helped researchers uncover the interplay between cancer-driving genetic mutations and inherited genetic variants in a rare type of blood cancer.
	Trial shows gamified at-home exercises can help prevent falls in older people A large randomized control trial conducted by a team of Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW researchers found that at-home 'gamified' step exercises were effective at preventing falls in people over the age of 65, reducing the number of falls by 26% when compared to a control group.
	New technology offers promising treatment for ischemic retinopathy A technology with the potential to treat ischemic retinopathy in premature infants and diabetic patients has been developed by Professor Byoung Heon Kang and his research team in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNIST, in collaboration with Professor Dong Ho Park's team at Kyungpook National University Hospital.
	A new targeted treatment calms the cytokine storm Cytokines are chemical messengers that help the body get rid of invading bacteria and viruses, and control inflammation. The body carefully balances cytokines because they help keep the immune system healthy. However, this balance is upset if the immune system overreacts. A serious infection or a severe burn can unleash a cytokine storm in the body. During the storm—also called cytokine release syndrome (CRS)—the body produces too many cytokines, leading to life-threatening inflammation.
	Novel protein interactions may serve as biomarker for heart disease Investigators led by Elizabeth McNally, MD, Ph.D., the Elizabeth J. Ward Professor of Genetic Medicine and director of the Center for Genetic Medicine, have discovered previously unknown protein interactions in the heart's atrium that are critical for normal heart function, according to findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	Analysis claims statistical proof of the COVID-19 seafood market hypothesis is false The well-known study by Worobey et al (2022) claims that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in the Chinese city of Wuhan is the only possible place of origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Worldwide, we are living longer and the male-female longevity gap is shrinking, study finds When it comes to trends in mortality over the last thirty years, countries around the world can be grouped into five clusters, roughly representing the five continents, according to a new study published January 17, 2024, in PLOS ONE by David Atance of Universidad de Alcalá, Spain, and colleagues.
	Streamlining cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia A combination of cognitive and behavioral strategies, ideally delivered in person by a therapist, maximizes the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), according to new research. CBT-I is a form of talk therapy, which can be delivered in person or through self-help guides.
	New research tool seeks to accelerate hunt for cancer immunotherapy targets An innovative computational tool dubbed "SNAF" may help the research world bring the emerging promise of cancer immunotherapy to a wider range of patients, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine.
	Genetic information can improve colorectal cancer screening, shows study Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in worldwide, with approximately 3,000 Finns diagnosed every year. Although hereditary predisposition is one of the most important risk factors for colorectal cancer, risk assessment for the disease currently only considers family history and certain individual genetic variants in selected patients.
	'Mini-placentas' help scientists understand the causes of pre-eclampsia and pregnancy disorders Scientists have grown 'mini-placentas' in the lab and used them to shed light on how the placenta develops and interacts with the inner lining of the womb—findings that could help scientists better understand and, in future, potentially treat pre-eclampsia.
	AI-based algorithm enables better genetic diagnoses A team from the Institute of Human Genetics at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), the Faculty of Medicine at Kiel University and the University of Lübeck has developed an algorithm that uses machine learning to predict whether gene variants can be responsible for certain diseases. This enables better diagnoses for rare congenital diseases.
	Research links progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to disruption of mitochondria-associated membranes Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have discovered a relationship between the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and the disruption of mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM), the contact point between the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the cell.
	Researchers identify key characteristics associated with improved CAR T outcomes in large B cell lymphoma Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, or CAR T, has dramatically improved the treatment of certain blood cancers. Initially approved for patients who had failed multiple lines of therapy, clinical trials have shown CAR T can be used as an earlier treatment option.
	Wireless drug patch shows promise as chronic disease treatment delivery system University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scientists have created a new drug delivery system, called the Spatiotemporal On-Demand Patch (SOP), which can receive commands wirelessly from a smartphone or computer to schedule and trigger the release of drugs from individual microneedles. The patch's thin, soft platform resembles a Band-Aid and was designed to enhance user comfort and convenience, since wearability is a crucial factor for chronically ill patients.
	Study demonstrates benefit of precision medicine based on race/ethnicity "Precision medicine," an emerging approach to health care in which a patient's genetics, diseased tissue and other factors guide clinicians to personalize treatment strategies, can dramatically improve health outcomes for people with various diseases, notably cancer.
	SARS-CoV-2 can infect dopamine neurons causing senescence A new study reported that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, can infect dopamine neurons in the brain and trigger senescence—when a cell loses the ability to grow and divide. The researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons suggest that further research on this finding may shed light on the neurological symptoms associated with long COVID, such as brain fog, lethargy, and depression.
	Using natural language processing to detect mental health crises Mental health needs are on the rise. Today one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition, and suicide rates over the last two decades have increased by more than 30%. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which offers free support for those experiencing a crisis, saw a 60% increase in help-seekers between 2019 and 2021.
	Storm damage to residences linked to higher malaria prevalence in Mozambique Though malaria has been eliminated in several countries, the mosquito-borne disease remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Mozambique has the fourth-highest prevalence of malaria in the region and is vulnerable due to a range of factors, including inadequate health care infrastructure, limited access to prevention measures, and climatic conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.
	HIV antibodies protect animals in proof-of-concept study Three different HIV antibodies each independently protected monkeys from acquiring simian-HIV (SHIV) in a placebo-controlled proof-of-concept study intended to inform development of a preventive HIV vaccine for people. The antibodies—a human broadly neutralizing antibody and two antibodies isolated from previously vaccinated monkeys—target the fusion peptide, a site on an HIV surface protein that helps the virus fuse with and enter cells.
	Genotyping study shows how COVID variants can be detected more rapidly Genotyping technology detects COVID variants more quickly and cheaply than ever before—according to research from the University of East Anglia and the UK Health Security Agency. The new study published in The Lancet Microbe reveals that the technique detects new variants almost a week more quickly than traditional whole genome sequencing methods.
	New vaccine design uses immunity against influenza to offer faster protection against emerging pathogens After COVID vaccination, it usually takes weeks for our bodies to develop protective antibody responses. Imagine, however, a vaccine that speeds up the production of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that spreads COVID-19.
	Ultrafast ultrasound: First successful contrast agent-free imaging of complex structure of kidneys A research team at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has investigated kidney diseases using ultrafast ultrasound that captures 1,000 images in just one second.
	Researchers find that anti-HIV drugs may prevent complications from bacterial sepsis Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of abscesses—pockets of dead cells and debris surrounded by inflammatory immune cells. Bacteria multiply within abscesses, causing more inflammation and further damage to surrounding tissues. In severe cases, these immune reactions spread across the body, resulting in life-threatening organ failure, or sepsis. But how these abscesses form and what can be done to prevent them was previously not well understood.
	Childhood stress linked to higher risk of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes in adults Young adults who reported higher stress during their teenage years to adulthood were more likely to have high blood pressure, obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors than their peers who reported less stress, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
	E-cigarettes help pregnant smokers quit without risks to pregnancy, trial finds A new analysis of trial data on pregnant smokers, led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, finds that the regular use of nicotine-replacement products during pregnancy is not associated with adverse pregnancy events or poor pregnancy outcomes.
	Study suggests different species may rely on a shared principle for neural network formation In all species, brain function relies on an intricate network of connections that allows neurons to send information back and forth between one another, commanding thought and physical activity. But within those networks a small number of neurons share much stronger connections to one another than all the others. These abnormally strong connections—known as "heavy-tailed" based on the shape of their distribution—are thought to play an outsized role in brain function.
	AI model predicts death, complications for patients undergoing angioplasty, stents When a person has one or more blocked arteries, providers may choose to conduct a minimally invasive procedure known as percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI. By inflating a balloon and potentially placing a stent, they can help blood flow more freely from the heart.
	Spider venom-based heart drug is a step closer A spider venom molecule being investigated by a University of Queensland team has met critical benchmarks towards becoming a treatment for heart attack and stroke.
	Implantable tactile sensing system shows promise for neuroprosthetics Tactile mechanoreceptors are essential for environmental interaction and movement. Traditional tactile sensors in wearables and robotics often fall short, especially in restoring touch in cases of paralysis.
	Bolivian toymaker restores limbs, dignity with 3D-printing As a kid growing up in poverty in rural Bolivia, Roly Mamani built his own toys. Now a 34-year-old engineer, he 3D prints limbs for Indigenous compatriots scarred by life-changing accidents.
	Women's health gap costs $1 trillion worldwide: Report The huge gap between how women and men's health are treated costs $1 trillion a year worldwide, the World Economic Forum said on Wednesday.
	1975 to 2019 saw 58% decrease in breast cancer mortality In the United States, breast cancer screening and treatment were associated with a 58% reduction in breast cancer mortality in 2019 compared with 1975, according to a study published in the Jan. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
	Does more outdoor light at night help cause macular degeneration? As levels of nighttime artificial outdoor light rise, so do the odds for a leading cause of vision loss, age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
	Updated guidelines issued for assessing prosthetic heart valves In guidelines issued by the American Society of Echocardiography and published online in the January issue of the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, updated recommendations are presented for evaluating prosthetic valve function in patients with prosthetic heart valves (PHVs).
	American Nurses Association urges children, adults to get vaccinated "The American Nurses Association (ANA) continues to urge all eligible adults and children to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV), the flu, and if eligible, to receive a booster," the association announced in a news release. "The CDC reports that, while respiratory illness activity and the circulation of new variants is increasing across the United States, vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV remain low."
	Weight-loss medications alone are not a quick fix, says obesity expert One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to lose weight. Many may be wondering if weight-loss medications can help them reach their goal. Medications called semaglutides—better known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy—have been shown to help people lose about 15% of their body weight. But as Dr. Andres Acosta explains in this Mayo Clinic Minute, these medications alone are not a quick solution.
	Diets rich in plant protein may help women stay healthy as they age Women who consume higher amounts of protein, especially protein from plant-based sources, develop fewer chronic diseases and are more likely to be healthier overall as they age, according to a study led by researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University and published Jan. 17 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
	Therapy vs. medication: Comparing treatments for depression in heart disease patients New research by investigators from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai shows that behavioral activation therapy is as effective as antidepressant medications in treating symptoms of depression in patients with heart failure.
	Expert explains how shift work affects your sleep All life on Earth is affected by the day-night cycle resulting from the planet's rotation. In line with this, humans are naturally awake during daylight hours, and sleep at night when it is dark. Being awake during the day means that staying awake at night is directly against our internal clock, producing a similar effect to jetlag in people who work night shift.
	New database to aid development of algorithms, predictive tools to improve surgical outcomes A team of researchers from UCLA and UC Irvine have created a unique repository of electronic health record data and high-fidelity physiological waveform data from tens of thousands of surgeries that will integrate artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes.
	Early breast cancer detection: Further TOSYMA analysis underpins advantages of DBT+SM use Early detection of disease is considered positive—but what if it finds "too much?" While early diagnosis can improve the chances of recovery, early detection can also have a downside. After all, not everything that is found would have become life-threatening in the course of the disease.
	Nose breathing lowers blood pressure, may help reduce risk factors for heart disease More than half of adults living in the U.S. label themselves as "mouth breathers"—breathing primarily through an open mouth. However, according to new research published in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, breathing through the nose leads to several benefits, including lower blood pressure and other factors that could predict heart disease risk. The study was chosen as an APSselect article for January.
	Can DNA revelations change your views on race? Ancestry: Does it influence people's views on race when they learn about their own DNA roots? Not much, according to a new research project.
	Stroke therapy shoe empowers patients' recovery In a rural village near Guadalajara, Mexico, Maria Magdalena Valencia Juares, known as Elena, has to climb 120 stairs to get to her home on the top of a hill. It's a source of exercise for the 70-year-old and the connection to her longtime community below. But a stroke in 2021 left her isolated in her 1,000-square-foot home. Her feet, too unsteady for stairs; her state of mind, declining with the compounded loneliness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
	What happens to your liver when you quit alcohol According to Greek mythology, Zeus punished Prometheus for giving fire to humans. He chained Prometheus up and set an eagle to feast on his liver. Each night, the liver grew back and each day, the eagle returned for his feast. In reality, can a liver really grow back?
	Cases of chikungunya and Zika fall in Brazil, but most risk clusters exhibit an upward trend: Study Analysis of occurrence and co-occurrence patterns shows the highest-risk clusters of chikungunya and Zika in Brazil spreading from the Northeast to the Center-West and coastal areas of São Paulo state and Rio de Janeiro state in the Southeast between 2018 and 2021 and increasing again in the Northeast between 2019 and 2021.
	A new year means new fitness goals. But options for people with disability are few and far between Around 4.4 million Australians, or 18% of our population, live with disability. This number is likely to rise as our population ages.
	What is frostbite, what are the signs and how should we treat it? As countries in the northern hemisphere face a bitterly cold snap, there is serious risk of injury—and even death—from freezing weather.
	Your body has a built-in system that works like weight loss meds: Food and your gut microbiome Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro are weight loss and diabetes drugs that have made quite a splash in health news. They target regulatory pathways involved in both obesity and diabetes and are widely considered breakthroughs for weight loss and blood sugar control.
	Researcher: COVID barely gets a mention these days—here's why that's a dangerous situation The United States experienced its second largest COVID wave of the pandemic in January 2024. For the year to December 2023, in England COVID rates peaked at around one in 24 people. During the same month, Singapore also experienced record COVID cases and a spike in hospitalizations.
	Caffeine: How quitting can benefit your health Caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive compound in the world. Even if you don't drink coffee or tea, you probably still regularly consume caffeine since it's found in everything from fizzy drinks and cold remedies to decaf coffee and chocolate.
	Is our sense of fairness driven by selfishness? Researchers are studying the brain to find out We've all been there. You're dying to grab that last piece of cake on the table during an office meeting, but you are not alone. Perhaps you just cut off a small piece—leaving something behind for your colleagues, who do exactly the same thing. And so you all watch the piece of cake getting smaller and smaller—with nobody wanting to take the last piece.
	Toothbrushing and hospital infection prevention Q&A Rupak Datta, MD, Ph.D., MPH, is an assistant professor of medicine (infectious diseases) at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and an assistant hospital epidemiologist in the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System. His research focuses on improving clinical outcomes and reducing adverse events among older adults through antimicrobial stewardship.
	The anterior chamber of the eye as a servant to medical research To mechanistically understand what happens in the living body under physiological and pathological conditions, requires a non-invasive high spatiotemporal resolution research tool. It has been challenging to create such a tool and tremendous time and effort have been committed to solving this difficult task.
	How to avoid hypothermia and frostbite as Arctic temps chill the US Subfreezing temperatures will continue to plague much of the country this week, putting outdoor sports enthusiasts, football fans, unsheltered people and stranded motorists at increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
	New research finds half-cardio, half-strength training reduces cardiovascular disease risks Approximately one in three deaths in the U.S. is caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A robust body of evidence shows aerobic exercise can reduce risks, especially for people who are overweight or obese.
	Study shows weightlifting before basketball practice does not affect shooting accuracy Research from the University of Kansas could help settle a question among basketball coaches and athletes on when to incorporate weightlifting during practice.
	Hepatic TRPC3: An emerging regulator of alcohol-associated liver disease Excessive alcohol intake is strongly associated with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) which accounts for 25% and 30% of deaths from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Impairment of Ca2+ influx and Ca2+-mediated signaling in ALD suggests that Ca2+ channels are important in ALD pathological progression.
	Study finds survival rates have improved among heart patients with Down syndrome Since 1990, the mortality rate for children born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect has more than halved. This has been shown in a study by the University of Gothenburg. However, the mortality rate in this group is still 85% higher, compared to others who have a congenital heart defect but were not born with Down syndrome.
	Drinking camel milk can lead to significant reduction in cholesterol levels among diabetics A new study has hailed camel milk for its ability to lower heart disease risk among diabetics and help in the treatment of dyslipidemia.
	Research highlights unprecedented targeted approach to treating triple-negative breast cancer Cleveland Clinic researchers have successfully developed a therapeutic peptide that blocks aggressive cancer cells from multiplying rapidly. The results highlight a potential new strategy for developing targeted treatments for triple-negative breast cancer, which currently has no approved options.
	On the move: Medical imaging goes mobile for better health care Researchers are developing portable ultrasound devices that promise improved treatments for millions of patients.
	How emotions influence what adolescents eat A new study by the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS has investigated how emotional states influence the eating habits of children and adolescents and which interventions help to change unhealthy eating habits. The research focuses on the role of stress and impulsivity in food choices, particularly in relation to sweet and fatty foods. It has now been published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
	Older adults who exercise with their spouse may be less active than those exercising individually A study by researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) found that older adults who exercise with their spouse achieve lower physical activity levels than older adults without their spouse.
	Kidney and heart diseases found to reduce survival rate after severe burns Despite enormous medical advances, severe burns are still potentially life-threatening injuries. Clinical scores, which take relevant parameters into account, are available to doctors as a decision-making aid for therapeutic measures and to assess the probability of patient survival. Pre-existing diseases were not previously included in these models.
	Concerns over new laws that could end use of WhatsApp in the NHS UK law changes pose a threat to the security of messaging apps—and therefore their use in the NHS. In The BMJ today, doctors warn that patient care will suffer if they can no longer use apps such as WhatsApp and Signal to share information.
	For people with migraine, feelings of stigma may impact disability, quality of life Migraine can impact many aspects of a person's life, but less is known about how feelings of stigma about the disease affect quality of life. For people with migraine, these feelings of stigma were linked to more disability, increased disease burden and reduced quality of life, according to new research published in the January 17, 2024, online issue of Neurology.
	How do controllable risk factors for dementia vary by race, ethnicity? Approximately 23% of people diagnosed in their 60s and later with Alzheimer's disease or another related dementia have cases that can be explained by controllable risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity, and too little or too much sleep, and that percentage varies depending on race and ethnicity, according to a new study published in Neurology.
	No benefit of physiotherapy over general advice after dislocated shoulder: Clinical trial Routinely referring patients to a tailored program of physiotherapy after a dislocated shoulder is no better than a single session of advice, supporting materials and the option to self-refer to physiotherapy, finds a clinical trial published by The BMJ today. The findings should help clinicians and patients have informed discussions about the best approach to non-operative rehabilitation, say the researchers.
	Pediatric care for non-white children is worse across US: Researchers urge policy reform to address disparities A review of recent evidence reveals widespread patterns of inequitable care across pediatric specialties, including neonatal care, emergency medicine, surgery, developmental disabilities, mental health care, and palliative care, regardless of health insurance status.
	Obsessive-compulsive disorder linked to heightened risk of death People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes than those without the disorder, finds a study from Sweden published in The BMJ today.
	FDA approves exagamglogene autotemcel to treat beta-thalassemia After approving Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel) in December to treat sickle cell disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that the therapy has now been approved to treat patients older than 12 years with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia.
	Factors ID'd that affect medical decision-making in hidradenitis suppurativa Factors that affect medical decision-making among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) include suffering threshold, perceptions of treatment risk, treatment fatigue, understanding of the disease, and sources of information, according to a study published online Jan. 10 in JAMA Dermatology.
	US cancer death rates are falling, but news isn't all good Cancer deaths continue to decline in the United States, with more than 4 million deaths prevented since 1991, a new report shows.
	Study identifies new findings on implant positioning and stability during robotic-assisted knee revision surgery An innovative study at Marshall University published in ArthroplastyToday explores the use of robotic-assisted joint replacement in revision knee scenarios, comparing the pre- and post-revision implant positions in a series of revision total knee arthroplasties (TKA) using a state-of-the-art robotic arm system.
	ATR inhibition using gartisertib in patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines A new research paper titled "ATR inhibition using gartisertib enhances cell death and synergises with temozolomide and radiation in patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines" has been published in Oncotarget.
	Aberrant RBMX expression relevant for cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response A new research paper titled "Aberrant RBMX expression is relevant for cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response" has been published in Aging.
	Perfecting 3D-printed blood vessels with pores Due to the substantial clinical demand for artificial small-diameter vessels (SDVs), numerous commercial products have emerged. However, most existing artificial SDVs lack an endothelial layer, leading to thrombosis. Fabricating artificial SDVs with a consistently uniform endothelial layer and adequate mechanical properties has proven exceptionally challenging.
	A hip-assist robot to advance fitness in the elderly The natural aging process often results in a notable reduction of muscle mass, particularly in the lower limbs. This decline, in turn, leads to a gradual decrease in physical activity among older adults, as the weakening of lower-limb muscles heightens the risk of falls. Fortunately, a strategic blend of aerobic and balancing exercises has the potential to not only enhance physical function but also mitigate the risk of falls in the elderly.
	Healing heel pain: Researchers explore the use of local vibration in plantar fasciitis treatment Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common musculoskeletal, inflammatory condition, characterized by severe pain in the heel of the foot, to the extent that it limits day-to-day activities. The plantar fascia ligament, a fibrous connective tissue, supports the arch of the foot and functions as a shock absorber, similar to modern-day car suspension systems. With increased activity, the ligament can experience tears and damage, leading to the development of PF.
	From dawn of time to dusk—our evolutionary ability to perceive time in art Scientists have shown that people are able to tell apart morning from evening depictions in paintings using simple and subtle color clues in the image.
	The fallacy of the local bar: Do individuals opt to travel farther than the neighborhood watering hole? Individuals travel beyond their residential neighborhood and area of work to bars, but tend to travel to liquor stores closer to home, according to a new study at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. The findings are published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review.
	Lipoprotein(a): What to know about elevated levels If you've listened to the radio or opened a webpage in the past year, you may have seen or heard ads promoting lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), testing to help people identify risks for heart disease.
	Researchers identify novel factor in HIV transmission University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have found long-sought answers to questions about HIV transmission, and those findings could lead to new ways to prevent the disease's spread.
	Neuroscientific study paves the way for improving the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's The prevailing theory on the causes of Alzheimer's disease indicates that they are related to the abnormal accumulation of two proteins, amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau, in neuronal tissues, but there are still many unknowns concerning the processes that trigger this neurodegenerative disease. To date, most scientific studies have analyzed the effect of one of these proteins, amyloid-beta, on neuronal dynamics, but without looking in depth at its complex interaction with tau in patients with Alzheimer's.
	Higher infant mortality rates associated with restrictive abortion laws Contrary to professed intent, the states where abortion access was most restricted experienced the highest levels of infant mortality in the United States from 2014–2018, according to recent research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The findings showed that states with the most restrictive laws (11-12 laws) had a 16% increased infant mortality rate (IMR) compared to states with the least number of restrictive abortion laws (1-5 laws).
	Study: Autologous bone marrow nuclear cell infusion in children with severe traumatic brain injury is safe, feasible After children experienced severe traumatic brain injury, the infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells derived from the patient's own bones led to less time spent in intensive care, less intense therapy, and, significantly, the structural preservation of white matter, which constitutes about half the total volume of the brain, according to new research from UTHealth Houston.
	An RSV vaccine has been approved for people over 60 in Australia, but what about young children? The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Australia for the first time. The shot, called Arexvy and manufactured by GSK, will be available by prescription to adults over 60.
	Zambia reels from a cholera outbreak with more than 400 dead and 10,000 cases. All schools are shut Zambia is reeling from a major cholera outbreak that has killed more than 400 people and infected more than 10,000, leading authorities to order schools across the country to remain shut after the end-of-year holidays.
	Video: Measles remains a menace You don't hear much about the measles anymore, but health officials in Philadelphia are keeping an eye on an outbreak in that city. To date, there have been eight confirmed since the investigation began in December.
	Ketamine fueled actor Matthew Perry's death, but new study says it may help others Ketamine has been in the headlines recently, implicated in the high-profile death of "Friends" actor Matthew Perry in October. But can the powerful drug also be helpful to those suffering from opioid addiction?
	How vaccines that target specific forms of cancer are showing great promise One of the great promises in the field of cancer immunotherapy is the emergence of cancer vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines that are tailored to infectious diseases, cancer vaccines work by teaching the immune system to recognize and respond to cancer cells, which often elude the body's natural defenses and remain persistent even after surgeries and other interventions.
	Brush biopsy could enable early detection of oral cancer without surgery A new test invented by University of Illinois Chicago researchers allows dentists to screen for the most common form of oral cancer with a simple and familiar tool: the brush.
	The front line of cancer warfare: CAR-T vs. CAR-macrophage therapies In the exploration of cancer treatment modalities, an article published in Biomolecules and Biomedicine titled "CAR-macrophage versus CAR-T for solid tumors: The race between a rising star and a superstar," offers an examination of the evolving landscape in oncological therapeutics.
	Artificial intelligence can help coronary CT angiography and accelerate the development of precision medicine With the continuous progress of science and technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important driving force for a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial change. It aims to mimic human consciousness and thought processes, continuously learn and improve, and show a response close to or even beyond a real person.
	Independent dispute resolution of No Surprises Act is financially unviable for radiology, says research According to new research in theAmerican Journal of Roentgenology (AJR), the No Surprises Act (NSA)'s independent dispute resolution (IDR) process would be financially unfeasible for a large portion of out-of-network (OON) claims for hospital-based specialties—more so for radiologists than other specialists.

Other Sciences news

	Study unveils emotional hubs that exist across languages Emotions exert a profound influence on human behavior, prompting extensive explorations in the realms of psychology and linguistics. Understanding central emotions also has practical utility since it can help organizations create messages that resonate better with people. For instance, businesses can enhance their connection with their customers, and non-profits can prompt quicker action by skillfully leveraging the salient emotions in humans.
	Certain personality traits linked to college students' sense of belonging In a study of nearly 5,000 North American first-year college students, those who were more extroverted, more agreeable, or less neurotic were more likely to feel a greater sense of belonging at school. Alexandria Stubblebine, an independent researcher in Ocala, Florida, U.S., and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
	What's stopping US climate policies from working effectively? In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb global warming, the U.S. has enacted several ambitious federal laws, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed in 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021.
	Slight male navigational advantage likely due to cultural differences, researchers find A team of psychologists, social scientists, philosophers and evolutionary researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.S. has found evidence suggesting that the slight advantage males have in navigation ability is likely due to differences in the ways male and female children are raised.
	Q&A: Experts discuss the inequity problem with patents Patents and the protection of inventor rights have occupied a key place in American law and policy since the earliest days of the country. When the United States Constitution was ratified in 1788, it included what's now known as the Intellectual Property Clause, and for centuries the ostensible driver of patent law has been to foster innovation. But what happens when inequities in patent law and standard industry practices impede that fundamental purpose?
	Wrongly-enforced rules over 'digital surrogates' by museums censors research and creative use, study warns Cultural institutions are censoring research, learning and creativity because of the way they police the reuse of digital copies of out-of-copyright artworks and artifacts, a new study warns.
	Research sheds light on evolving and multifaceted demand for children's social care services Research led by Kingston University and the National Children's Bureau has uncovered an unprecedented picture of national demand for children's social care services in England.
	Valley of lost cities found in the Amazon. Technological advances in archaeology are just the beginning A valley of lost cities has been discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon. When you hear of such a discovery you might think of archaeologists with chisels and brushes or explorers in pith helmets stumbling across sites deep in the forest. Instead, without needing to brave the hazards of the forest, Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) has revealed networks of buried roads and earthen mounds.
	Six questions you should be ready to answer to smash that job interview With the new year underway employers are beginning to resume normal business activities and restart their hiring process. Similarly, many school and university graduates are beginning their job search after a well-earned break.
	Why dancers are better workers, according to research Breakdancing in the break room might not seem like the best way to get ahead at work, but research shows recreational dance can actually improve productivity performance in the workplace.
	3D scanning: Researchers recreate a sacred South African site in a way that captures its spirit These days, if you want to visit remarkable archaeological sites such as Great Zimbabwe or Petra in Jordan you don't even need to leave your house.
	What social robots can teach America's students How would you feel if your child were being tutored by a robot?
	For online food delivery, researcher explores how the three-sided relationship affects pricing and service Amid rising demand for convenience and bolstered by the pandemic, online food delivery platforms like DoorDash and UberEats have become key players in the dining scene. As these three-way relationships—connecting consumers, restaurants and gig drivers—have grown, a new study co-authored by a Virginia Commonwealth University researcher is shedding light on how pricing, service quality and the relationships themselves are evolving in the OFD universe.
	Sustainable development goal-washing found among Canada's top companies Canada's biggest companies often speak of their plans to be more sustainable, but a new study found corporations aren't fully backing up those commitments.
	Women farmers quantitatively linked to better community well-being Having more women in agriculture is associated with greater community well-being, according to researchers at Penn State and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their work is the first to quantitatively assess this link, and their findings suggest that women farmers approach their operations in ways that positively impact their communities.
	Democratic decline is a global phenomenon, even in wealthy nations Democratic backsliding is occurring in an unprecedented number of wealthy countries once thought immune to such forces—the United States among them, finds a new analysis led by Cornell political scientists and published in World Politics.
	New research calls for action to better protect workers in Liverpool facing food insecurity The University of Liverpool Law School will today (Wednesday 17 January) host an event to call for action to advance the recommendations of a research report to better protect workers experiencing food insecurity.
	Why South Korea is banning the sale of dog meat The South Korean dog meat trade will officially end in 2027 after a bill was passed making the slaughter of dogs and the sale of dog meat for human consumption illegal in the country (though the consumption of dog meat will still be legal). People who violate this new law could be fined up to 30 million won (about £18,000) and be jailed for three years.
	It takes more than good cycle paths to get people cycling, says researcher Getting people to cycle isn't just about building more and better cycle lanes, to include more demographics, urban planners need to consider factors other than infrastructure, says a Malmö University researcher.
	US voters' climate change opinions swing elections, analysis finds When voters cast their ballots in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, many were driven by their concern for climate change, according to new research out of CU Boulder's Center for Environmental Futures (C-SEF). The new report determined that views on climate change played a significant role in whom people voted for, concluding that the climate issue very likely cost Republicans the 2020 election, all else equal.

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