Science X Newsletter Wed, Jan 24

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 24, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Validating the low-rank hypothesis in complex systems

Astronomers observe accretion outburst of a young variable star

What coffee with cream can teach us about quantum physics

Syphilis-like diseases were already widespread in America before the arrival of Columbus, new study finds

Scientists announce breakthrough in hypersonic heat shield

Simulation observes three distinct phases of superconducting dynamics

With modification, CAR T cells can attack senescent cells, leading to slower aging in mice

World's largest database of weeds lets scientists peer into the past, and future, of global agriculture

Infants born to COVID-infected mothers found to have triple the risk of developing respiratory distress

Cognitive behavioral therapy alters brain activity in children with anxiety, study shows

Live animal transport regulations not 'fit for purpose,' large international study finds

Why do carrots curl? Research reveals the mechanics behind root vegetable aging

Scientists spot previously unknown colonies of emperor penguins in Antarctica

Spicy wine: New study reveals ancient Romans may have had peculiar tastes

Chemists use blockchain to simulate more than 4 billion chemical reactions essential to origins of life

Nanotechnology news

	Overcoming optical loss in a polariton system with synthetic complex frequency waves A collaborative research team co-led by Professor Shuang Zhang, the Interim Head of the Department of Physics, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), along with Professor Qing DAI from National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, has introduced a solution to a prevalent issue in the realm of nanophotonics, which is the study of light at an extremely small scale.
	Organic electronics lead to new ways to sense light The past few decades have seen astonishing advances in imaging technology, from high-speed optical sensors that process over two million frames per second to tiny lensless cameras that record images using a single pixel.
	New wearable sensor accurately tracks tiny changes in the breath process Manchester scientists have developed a new type of wearable sensor that can precisely track your breath, even the slightest changes in the exhaling and inhaling processes. This innovation, described in a study published in Advanced Materials, paves the way for improved monitoring of respiratory health and disease.
	Hacking DNA to make next-gen semiconductor materials Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, Columbia University, and Stony Brook University have developed a universal method for producing a wide variety of designed metallic and semiconductor 3D nanostructures—the potential base materials for next-generation semiconductor devices, neuromorphic computing, and advanced energy applications.
	Nanoparticle spray reduces risk of airborne bacterial infections caused by air filtration systems A novel nanoparticle spray coating process has been shown to all but eliminate the growth of some of the world's most dangerous bacteria in air filtration systems, significantly reducing the risk of airborne bacterial and viral infections.
	Researchers develop nanofiber-based drug delivery system for skin cancer Treating complex diseases such as skin cancer often requires simultaneous administration of multiple anticancer drugs. The delivery of such life-saving therapeutic drugs has evolved with the rise of nanotechnology-based drug carriers. Nanoplatforms offer numerous advantages, including increased bioavailability, lowered dosages, and improved biodistribution.
	Sub-wavelength confinement of light demonstrated in indium phosphide nanocavity As we transition to a new era in computing, there is a need for new devices that integrate electronic and photonic functionalities at the nanoscale while enhancing the interaction between photons and electrons. In an important step toward fulfilling this need, researchers have developed a new III-V semiconductor nanocavity that confines light at levels below the so-called diffraction limit.
	Researchers grow a twisted multilayer crystal structure for next-gen materials Researchers with the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University and the DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) have grown a twisted multilayer crystal structure for the first time and measured the structure's key properties. The twisted structure could help researchers develop next-generation materials for solar cells, quantum computers, lasers and other devices.
	Tiny vibrating bubbles could lead to better water treatment Fresh research into the physics of vibrating nanobubbles reveals that they do not heat up as much as previously thought. The work appears in Nano Letters.
	Researchers uncover molecular mechanisms behind effects of MXene nanoparticles on muscle regeneration Tissue engineering, which involves the use of grafts or scaffolds to aid cell regeneration, is emerging as a key medical practice for treating volumetric muscle loss (VML), a condition where a significant amount of muscle tissue is lost beyond the body's natural regenerative capacity. To improve surgical outcomes, traditional muscle grafts are giving way to artificial scaffold materials, with MXene nanoparticles (NPs) standing out as a promising option.
	Combining two types of molecular boron nitride could create hybrid material for faster, more powerful electronics In chemistry, structure is everything. Compounds with the same chemical formula can have different properties depending on the arrangement of the molecules they're made of. And compounds with a different chemical formula but a similar molecular arrangement can have similar properties.

Physics news

	Validating the low-rank hypothesis in complex systems In a new study, scientists have investigated the pervasive low-rank hypothesis in complex systems, demonstrating that despite high-dimensional nonlinear dynamics, many real networks exhibit rapidly decreasing singular values, supporting the feasibility of effective dimension reduction for understanding and modeling complex system behaviors.
	What coffee with cream can teach us about quantum physics Add a dash of creamer to your morning coffee, and clouds of white liquid will swirl around your cup. But give it a few seconds, and those swirls will disappear, leaving you with an ordinary mug of brown liquid.
	Simulation observes three distinct phases of superconducting dynamics In physics, scientists have been fascinated by the mysterious behavior of superconductors—materials that can conduct electricity with zero resistance when cooled to extremely low temperatures. Within these superconducting systems, electrons team up in "Cooper pairs" because they're attracted to each other due to vibrations in the material called phonons.
	A new approach to monitoring ultrafast excitations in correlated systems An international team of researchers have presented new ideas for ultrafast multi-dimensional spectroscopy of strongly correlated solids. Their work is published in Nature Photonics.
	Scientists reveal mysterious and unique behavior in a quantum magnetic material In the mysterious world of quantum materials, things don't always behave as we expect. These materials have unique properties governed by the rules of quantum mechanics, which often means that they can perform tasks in ways traditional materials cannot—like conducting electricity without loss—or having magnetic properties that may prove useful in advanced technologies.
	Physics of V-shaped flight formations offer insights into energy efficiency Birds have inspired human flight for centuries, but Shabnam Raayai thinks they can also offer lessons in reducing energy consumption.
	Shining a light on the hidden properties of quantum materials Certain materials have desirable properties that are hidden, and just as you would use a flashlight to see in the dark, scientists can use light to uncover these properties.
	New design improves water decontamination via plasma jet Plasma is an ionized gas—that is, a gas containing electrons, ions, atoms, molecules, radicals, and photons. It is often called the fourth state of matter, and surprisingly, it permeates everything. Plasmas, which are artificially generated by transmitting energy to a gas, are found in the fluorescent tubes that light kitchens, but they have also allowed mobile phones to become smaller and smaller.
	Study offers new insights into understanding and controlling tunneling dynamics in complex molecules Tunneling is one of most fundamental processes in quantum mechanics, where the wave packet could traverse a classically insurmountable energy barrier with a certain probability.
	Study presents a paradigm for achieving desirable holographic 3D display Holographic display technology provides an ultimate solution for real 3D display and has great potential in augmented reality and virtual reality. However, the color and viewing angle of holographic 3D display mainly depend on the wavelength of the laser and the pixel size of the current spatial light modulator.

Earth news

	Global groundwater depletion is accelerating but is not inevitable, say researchers Groundwater is rapidly declining across the globe, often at accelerating rates. Writing in the journal Nature, UC Santa Barbara researchers present the largest assessment of groundwater levels around the world, spanning nearly 1,700 aquifers.
	New tool predicts flood risk from hurricanes in a warming climate Coastal cities and communities will face more frequent major hurricanes with climate change in the coming years. To help prepare coastal cities against future storms, MIT scientists have developed a method to predict how much flooding a coastal community is likely to experience as hurricanes evolve over the next decades.
	Global warming found to have a bigger effect on compact, fast-moving typhoons A research group from Nagoya University in Japan has found that larger, slower-moving typhoons are more likely to be resilient against global warming. However, compact, faster-moving storms are more likely to be sensitive. These findings suggest an improved method to project the strength of typhoons under global warming conditions. The report is published in Geophysical Research Letters.
	Global warming was primary cause of unprecedented Amazon drought, study finds Human-induced global warming, and not El Niño, was the primary driver of last year's severe drought in the Amazon that sent rivers to record lows, required deliveries of food and drinking water to hundreds of river communities and killed dozens of endangered dolphins, researchers said Wednesday.
	New research provides a clearer picture of severe hydro hazards Over the last two decades an estimated three billion people have been affected by water-related natural disasters such as droughts and floods. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of these hydro hazards, with some prognosticators estimating there will be upwards of $3.7 trillion in water-related damage over the next 30 years in the U.S. alone. Beyond damaging homes and infrastructure, severe wet and dry spells will also devastate crops and deplete water reservoirs.
	Predicting chaotic weather systems is probability, not certainty What happened to the scorching El Niño summer we were bracing for? Why has the east coast of Australia been drenched while the north and west gets the heat?
	Climate disaster movies resonate in ways that news never will Like many eco-conscious film buffs, I've seen "Don't Look Up" many times, and shown it to my friends and family whenever anyone suggests a movie night. Now I'm looking forward to discussing "The End We Start From," the new 2024 release starring Killing Eve star Jodie Comer. The Liverpudlian actress plays a new mother trying to find refuge with her baby as London is submerged by flood waters.
	Forest fires burn in Colombia amid record heat At least 21 forest fires are burning in Colombia as it endures record temperatures, in some cases prompting wild animals to seek shelter in urban areas, authorities said Wednesday.
	Q&A: Climate scientist reveals how nature can fight climate change, and how it can't Not long ago, the idea that nature could be humanity's ally against climate change was not widely known, to say the least.
	Single-city climate conventions damaging carbon emissions pledges, says study Holding Conference(s) of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP) across multiple continents simultaneously should become the norm to dramatically lower carbon emissions from attendee travel, researchers have argued.
	EU rules have failed to cut car CO2 emissions: report Bigger, more powerful cars have negated the impact of tighter CO2 emissions regulations in the EU, a report by the bloc's internal auditor found Thursday.
	Researchers advocate for sustainable logging to safeguard against global flood risks It's time to recognize the power of healthy forests in managing global growing flood risk, and to shift towards more sustainable forestry practices and policy.
	A large percentage of European plastic sent to Vietnam ends up in nature, finds study Despite strict EU regulations on plastic recycling, there is little oversight on plastic waste shipped from the EU to Vietnam. A large percentage of the exported European plastic cannot be recycled and gets dumped in nature. This is the finding of new research led by Utrecht University's Kaustubh Thapa. and published in Circular Economy and Sustainability.
	Heavens remain shut over Catalonia as three-year drought persists Although Atlantic storms regularly sweep through Spain they always seem to peter out before reaching Catalonia, which is experiencing its worst drought in living memory and may soon have to restrict water use.
	As another cyclone heads for Queensland, residents must be ready for torrential rain and floods We've long known cyclones are heat engines, fueled by hot water. They also pump heat from the hot tropics into cooler areas. But they're starting to behave differently. As the world heats up, the atmosphere can hold more moisture. When cyclones form, they can transfer significantly more water from oceans to land.
	Researchers: Britain is at bursting point and its flood barriers need to be updated Flooding is the top environmental hazard identified in the UK's National Risk Register, after a pandemic. Around one in six homes are currently at risk of flooding—a value likely to increase.

Astronomy and Space news

	Astronomers observe accretion outburst of a young variable star Using various ground-based facilities and space telescopes, astronomers have observed an accretion outburst that recently occurred on a young variable star known as V1741 Sgr. Results of the observations, published January 17 on the pre-print server arXiv, shed more light on the nature of this star.
	Methane pulses on Mars possibly driven by atmospheric pressure changes New research shows that atmospheric pressure fluctuations that pull gases up from underground could be responsible for releasing subsurface methane into Mars's atmosphere; knowing when and where to look for methane can help the Curiosity rover search for signs of life.
	How NASA chases and investigates bright cosmic blips Stephen Lesage's phone started vibrating just after halftime on Oct. 9, 2022, while he was watching a soccer game in Atlanta with a friend. When Lesage saw the incoming messages, the match no longer seemed important. There had been a rare cosmic event, and he needed to get to his computer immediately.
	Image: Hubble glimpses bright galaxy group LEDA 60847 This new NASA Hubble Space Telescope image shows a group of interacting galaxies known as LEDA 60847.
	What could the Extremely Large Telescope see at Proxima Centauri's planet? Proxima Centauri B is the closest exoplanet to Earth. It is an Earth-mass world right in the habitable zone of a red dwarf star just 4 light-years from Earth. It receives about 65% of the energy Earth gets from the sun, and depending on its evolutionary history could have oceans of water and an atmosphere rich with oxygen.
	NASA shares newest results of Moon to Mars Architecture Concept Review NASA released on Tuesday the outcomes of its 2023 Moon to Mars Architecture Concept Review, the agency's process to build a roadmap for exploration of the solar system for the benefit of humanity.
	NASA invests in new nuclear rocket concept for the future of space exploration and astrophysics In the coming years, NASA plans to send several astrobiology missions to Venus and Mars to search for evidence of extraterrestrial life. These will occur alongside crewed missions to the moon (for the first time since the Apollo Era) and the first crewed missions to Mars.
	Planetary size and associated cooling rate may explain why Mars died while Earth survived We know of Mars as the red planet, for its surface and atmosphere is caked in endless swirling dust of rusted iron, the rusting action provided by the always-eager oxygen. But this was not always so.
	Microwave detectors and multiplexing: Researchers help astronomers examine the early universe Perched atop a high plateau in Chile's Atacama Desert, a long-awaited observatory is beginning to take shape: the largest suite of ground-based telescopes devoted to studying the oldest light in the universe: radiation left over from the Big Bang.
	Thirsty? Water is more common than you think Water is abundant throughout the entire universe. What water has going for it is that its constituents, hydrogen and oxygen, are also ridiculously common, and those two elements really enjoy bonding with each other. Oxygen has two open slots in its outmost electron orbital shell, making it very eager to find new friends, and each hydrogen comes with one spare electron, so the triple-bonding is a cinch.

Technology news

	Scientists announce breakthrough in hypersonic heat shield In a giant leap for future hypersonic flight, Chinese scientists have turned to multi-scale technology to develop a revolutionary new material that has achieved record high marks in tests for vital strength and thermal insulation properties.
	Moving humanoid robots outside research labs: The evolution of the fully immersive iCub3 avatar system Over the past four years, a research team at the Artificial and Mechanical Intelligence (AMI) lab at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT-Italian Institute of Technology) in Genova (Italy) has developed advanced avatar technologies, known as the iCub3 system, in continuous testing with real-world scenarios.
	Analyzing microscopic images: New open-source software makes AI models lighter, greener Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable component in the analysis of microscopic data. However, while AI models are becoming better and more complex, the computing power and associated energy consumption are also increasing.
	Balancing the potential and pitfalls of solar-powered groundwater irrigation In a bid to meet growing food production and energy needs in low- and middle-income countries, solar-powered groundwater irrigation is rapidly gaining ground. More than 500,000 solar pumps have been installed in south Asia over the last few years and a major expansion is planned across sub-Saharan Africa.
	Research proposes a self-powered movable seawall for tsunami protection and emergency power generation With over 2,780 fishing ports and 993 commercial and industrial ports, Japan faces the challenge of safeguarding these important coastal assets from the destructive forces of tsunamis. A promising solution lies in the form of a movable barrier system, where gates rising from the seafloor act as barriers, protecting ports against tsunamis, storm surges and high waves. However, during natural disasters, power outages may disrupt the electricity needed to operate the gate.
	Netflix's gains 13M new global 4Q subscribers as it unwraps its best-ever holiday season results Netflix registered its third-consecutive quarter of accelerating subscriber growth in the final three months of 2023, closing out a comeback year that included a crackdown on viewers freeloading on the video-streaming service and a smattering of price hikes.
	ASML profits soar, 'positive' signs for chips despite trade spats Dutch tech giant ASML, which supplies chipmaking machines to the semiconductor industry, reported Wednesday a rise in annual net profit despite a high-tech trade spat between China and the West.
	King coal set to lose crown for electricity production: IEA Renewables are set to displace coal as the top source of energy for electricity production globally in 2025, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday.
	Passengers snub 'expensive' London-Paris Eurostar train for plane Many travelers are opting to take a plane rather than train between London and Paris despite climate concerns and the Eurostar rail service connecting the two capitals in just over two hours.
	Online retailer eBay is cutting 1,000 jobs. It's the latest tech company to reduce its workforce Online retailer eBay Inc. will cut about 1,000 jobs, or an estimated 9% of its full-time workforce, saying its number of employees and costs have exceeded how much the business is growing in a slowing economy. It marks the latest layoffs in the tech industry.
	Suppression of deep-level traps for lead-free perovskite solar cells Tin perovskites have gained tremendous attention in lead-free perovskite solar cells. However, Sn vacancies and undercoordinated Sn ions on the tin perovskite surfaces can create deep-level traps, leading to non-radiative recombination and absorption nucleophilic O2 molecules, impeding further device efficiency and stability.
	Futurists use a Delphi study to highlight top risks from technology that we'll be facing by the year 2040 Bewilderingly rapid changes are happening in the technology and reach of computer systems. There are exciting advances in artificial intelligence, in the masses of tiny interconnected devices we call the
	Research reveals that blockchain technology is probably unnecessary in the majority of cases, despite its popularity In recent years blockchain technology has been making headlines and boomed in popularity, thanks partly to its use in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. But, new research from the University of Birmingham published in Telematics and Informatics Reports has found that in most cases, the use of blockchain may not be needed.
	Misinformation and irresponsible AI: Experts forecast how technology may shape our near future From misinformation and invisible cyber attacks to irresponsible AI that could cause events involving multiple deaths, expert futurists have forecast how rapid technology changes may shape our world by 2040.
	Boeing 757 lost nose wheel preparing for takeoff during a very rough stretch for the plane maker A Boeing 757 jet operated by Delta Air Lines lost a nose wheel while preparing for takeoff from Atlanta.
	Would congestion pricing work in Australia? Most commuters have endured the ordeal of being stuck in peak-hour traffic. Trapped in a seemingly endless queue of cars crawling ever so slowly towards home is a trying part of urban life that is begrudgingly tolerated. But does it have to be this way?
	Why are Apple, Amazon, Google and Meta facing antitrust lawsuits and huge fines? And will it protect consumers? Following a lengthy investigation, the United States Justice Department is set to file a lawsuit against Apple for potentially breaching antitrust laws.
	Who Shakira should collaborate with next: What our AI research suggests A well planned, successful collaboration can transform a musician's career overnight. Just ask Shakira: though already firmly established as a solo artist, her 2006 hit Hips Don't Lie—featuring Fugees rapper Wyclef Jean—catapulted her to global stardom. Her continued knack for finding smart joint releases has since made her an enduring, unstoppable pop music powerhouse.
	Using AI to empower art therapy patients Researchers have created a new AI-assisted digital art tool designed to help art therapy patients better express themselves while maintaining the efficacy of the process.
	Hydrogen: Handle with care When produced and used properly, hydrogen can potentially play many roles in the transition toward clean energy and industrial systems. Hydrogen can directly replace natural gas and coal in industrial and manufacturing processes where high temperatures are needed, replace natural gas and heating oil to keep buildings warm, and replace gasoline and diesel fuel to power cars and trucks.
	Mining the treasures locked away in produced water In an ironic twist, a treasure trove of critical minerals is dumped out with water considered too polluted and expensive to clean.
	Q&A: How combining origami techniques with modern textile science can lead to practical applications Exploring the frontiers of textile design, Randall Kamien of the School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania and long-time collaborator Geneviève Dion, a professor of design at Drexel University, are investigating the mechanics of knitting, an area of research that represents a significant shift in understanding and using fabrics.
	Finding a comfortable temperature through machine learning People who have worked in a large building have likely encountered the experience of being too hot or too cold in their workspace. Regulating temperature in such buildings is essential to both ensuring comfort of those using the space, as well as maximizing the building's energy efficiency.
	Offshore wind farms are vulnerable to cyberattacks, study shows The hurrying pace of societal electrification is encouraging from a climate perspective. But the transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable sources like wind presents new risks that are not yet fully understood.
	Predicting the complex propagation of 3D fractures Fracture propagation is ubiquitous across different temporal and spatial scales. Examples include the breaking of a vase, fatigue cracks in machine parts, and scars left by strong earthquakes. Understanding 3D fracture propagation is challenging due to its rapid occurrence and complex fracture shapes.
	Computer scientists invent simple method to speed cache sifting Computer scientists have invented a highly effective—yet incredibly simple—algorithm to decide which items to toss from a web cache to make room for new ones. Known as SIEVE, the new open-source algorithm holds the potential to transform the management of web traffic on a large scale.
	Amazon tightens police access to Ring camera video Amazon on Wednesday said it will stop letting police directly ask people for video from the company's Ring doorbell or home security cameras.
	Europe's bike industry hits bumps as cycling craze cools At a bicycle trade fair in Stuttgart, steep discounts on brand-new models hint at the turmoil roiling the industry now that a pandemic-fueled cycling craze has faded.
	Alaska Airlines finds many loose bolts on its Boeings as United questions orders Boeing came under renewed pressure Tuesday as the head of Alaska Airlines said inspections carried out after a dangerous incident had found many loose bolts on its 737 MAX 9 aircraft.
	A look at some of the companies in the technology sector that have recently made layoffs A bunch of companies in the technology sector have been laying off some of their employees recently after quickly ramping up hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic while people spent more time and money online.
	Fake Biden robocall to New Hampshire voters highlights how easy it is to make deepfakes An unknown number of New Hampshire voters received a phone call on Jan. 21, 2024, from what sounded like President Joe Biden. A recording contains Biden's voice urging voters inclined to support Biden and the Democratic Party not to participate in New Hampshire's Jan. 23 GOP primary election.
	Software helps unmanned aerial vehicles break records during Arctic test flight Following years of dedicated work with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), NPS and Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) partners have successfully concluded the ultimate test of a nine-year continuum of research and development in one of the world's most challenging environments: the Arctic Circle.

Chemistry news

	Chemists use blockchain to simulate more than 4 billion chemical reactions essential to origins of life Cryptocurrency is usually "mined" through the blockchain by asking a computer to perform a complicated mathematical problem in exchange for tokens of cryptocurrency. But in research appearing in the journal Chem a team of chemists has repurposed this process, asking computers to instead generate the largest network ever created of chemical reactions which may have given rise to prebiotic molecules on early Earth.
	Team expands research of water droplet interfaces that offer the secret ingredient for building life R. Graham Cooks, the Henry B. Hass Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and his postdoctoral researcher Lingqi Qiu have experimental evidence that the key step in protein formation can occur in droplets of pure water, and have recently published these findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	Water self-purification achieved via electron donation: Novel catalyst enables sustainable wastewater treatment Emerging contaminants (ECs) in natural water bodies, including endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic dyes, pose a grave threat to public water safety. Current wastewater treatment technologies, while somewhat effective, fall short of efficiently removing these contaminants due to their hydrophobic nature and low-level concentrations.

Biology news

	World's largest database of weeds lets scientists peer into the past, and future, of global agriculture A new database of weeds that can help scientists understand how traditional agricultural systems were managed throughout history, could provide insights into how global trends like the climate crisis could affect the resilience of our modern-day food systems.
	Live animal transport regulations not 'fit for purpose,' large international study finds A "fitness check" of regulations in five countries, meant to protect animals during transportation, has deemed that they all fall short of fully protecting animals during transport. Findings from this interdisciplinary work involving animal welfare scientists and a law lecturer which compared animal transport rules designed to protect the billions of livestock that are transported on lengthy journeys—within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, EU (including the UK) and the US—highlight serious failures.
	Why do carrots curl? Research reveals the mechanics behind root vegetable aging Chopped carrot pieces are among the most universally enjoyed foods and a snacking staple—a mainstay of school lunchboxes, picnics and party platters year-round.
	Scientists spot previously unknown colonies of emperor penguins in Antarctica Previously unknown colonies of emperor penguins have been spotted in new satellite imagery.
	Galápagos penguin is exposed to and may accumulate microplastics at high rate within its food web, modeling suggests Modeling shows how microplastics may bioaccumulate in the Galápagos Islands' food web, with Galápagos penguins most affected, according to a study published in PLOS ONE by Karly McMullen from the University of British Columbia, Canada, under the supervision of Dr. Juan José Alava and Dr. Evgeny A. Pakhomov of the Institute for the Ocean and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada, and colleagues.
	New tool reveals gene behavior in bacteria Bacterial infections cause millions of deaths each year, with the global threat made worse by the increasing resistance of the microbes to antibiotic treatments. This is due in part to the ability of bacteria to switch genes on and off as they sense environmental changes, including the presence of drugs.
	A virus that infected animals hundreds of millions of years ago has become essential for the development of the embryo All animals have evolved thanks to the fact that certain viruses infected primitive organisms hundreds of millions of years ago. Viral genetic material was integrated into the genome of the first multi-cellular beings and is still in our DNA today.
	Dark black eggs found on ocean floor represent deepest free-living flatworms ever observed A pair of marine scientists at Hokkaido University, in Japan, has found evidence of the deepest free-living flatworms ever observed. In their study, published in the journal Biology Letters, Keiichi Kakui and Aoi Tsuyuki, identified flatworm eggs found on the seafloor at a depth of more than 6,000 meters.
	New method for incorporating structurally unusual amino acids into proteins A team of biochemists at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology at Cambridge has developed a new method to incorporate structurally unusual amino acids into proteins by using bacteria. The method is described in the journal Nature.
	Dung beetles found to work together to drag dung balls over objects in their path A small team of biologists and animal scientists from Lund University in Sweden, working with a colleague from the University of the Witwatersrand, in South Africa, has discovered that pairs of opposite-gender dung beetles work together to carry dung balls up and over objects in their path. The study is published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B,.
	Altered light-harvesting complex in a cyanobacterium allows low-energy light use Researchers have isolated and determined the molecular structure of the light-harvesting antenna that helps some cyanobacteria—formerly referred to as blue-green algae—produce energy through photosynthesis even in lower-energy light.
	New buzz about coffee genes: A more complete genome sequence of world's most popular variety Like its flavor profile, the genome of Arabica coffee is large and complex. This makes breeding and genetic survey work more difficult, but this diverse genetic background may have contributed to bean's popularity, practicality, and commercial success.
	IVF breakthrough could revive nearly extinct rhino species Scientists have carried out the first successful in vitro fertilization of a southern white rhino, a major breakthrough that could pave the way to saving its highly endangered northern cousin.
	Facial recognition app for dogs developed to help in fight against rabies A new mobile phone-based facial recognition application for dogs has the potential to significantly improve rabies vaccination efforts in endemic areas like Africa and Asia, according to a study on the research published in the journal Scientific Reports.
	Ancient brown bear genomes shed light on Ice Age losses and survival The brown bear is one of the largest living terrestrial carnivores, and is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike many other large carnivores that went extinct at the end of the last Ice Age (cave bear, sabretoothed cats, cave hyena), the brown bear is one of the lucky survivors that made it through to the present. The question has puzzled biologists for close to a century: How was this so?
	North China fossils show that eukaryotes first acquired multicellularity 1.63 billion years ago In a study published in Science Advances, researchers led by Prof. Zhu Maoyan from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have reported their recent discovery of 1.63-billion-year-old multicellular fossils from North China.
	Talking tomatoes: How their communication is influenced by enemies and friends Plants produce a range of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds that influence their interactions with the world around them. In a new study, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have investigated how the type and amount of these VOCs change based on different features of tomato plants.
	Researchers engineer bacteria that eat plastic, make multipurpose spider silk Move over Spider-Man: Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a strain of bacteria that can turn plastic waste into a biodegradable spider silk with multiple uses.
	Study finds no evidence for fractal scaling in canopy surfaces across a diverse range of forest types The complexity of forests cannot be explained by simple mathematical rules, a study finds. The way trees grow together do not resemble how branches grow on a single tree, scientists have discovered.
	Wildlife smoke may curb movement, sociability of woodpeckers Human-driven climate change has helped transform many forests into kindling: A 2016 study found that greenhouse-aided warming and drought had more than doubled the area of fire-susceptible forest in the western U.S. since the mid-1980s. And of the California wildfires recorded since the 1930s, the seven largest by area have all occurred since 2018.
	Sparrows uniquely adapted to Bay Area marshes are losing their uniqueness The temperate climate of the San Francisco Bay Area has always attracted immigrants—animals and humans—that have had unpredictable impacts on those already living in the area.
	Humpback whales move daytime singing offshore, research reveals Humpback whale singing dominates the marine soundscape during winter months off Maui. However, despite decades of research, many questions regarding humpback whale behavior and song remain unanswered. New research has revealed a daily pattern wherein whales move their singing away from shore throughout the day and return to the nearshore in the evening.
	Tiny hitchhikers: Scientists uncover new 'mini-satellites' in sea bacteria Microbiologists led by Université de Montréal biologist Frédérique Le Roux have made an underwater breakthrough, discovering what they're calling "mini-satellites" in sea bacteria.
	Team unravels activation mechanism of a protein that combats bacteria The human immune system is constantly fending off a wide range of invaders—a feat that requires a diverse array of cellular troops and molecular weaponry. Although a great deal is already known about immune defense cells and the strategies they employ, many molecular details have remained elusive.
	Researcher discovers critically endangered bats in two new locations The Jamaican flower bat is endangered—so much so that experts believed only a small colony of about 500 existed in a single cave.
	New Ardisia species found in Yunnan Ardisia (coralberry or marlberry) is the largest genus of flowering plants in Myrsinoideae, Primulaceae, distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical Asia. Several revisions based on morphology have attempted to clarify the taxonomy and systematics of Ardisia. However, there are still many unresolved taxonomic and nomenclatural issues, and many characters have varying degrees of transitional expression.
	Research maps potential risks to iconic marine wildlife The areas used by six threatened marine megafauna species overlap with a myriad of human activities in the waters of Australia's north west, a collaborative study led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has revealed.
	Sifting through forest soils to fight climate change It's not just trees that help tackle global warming but also the ground in which they grow.
	Centralized social networks potentially hinder agricultural innovation by making decision-making too similar Social systems where influence is focused around one or a few individuals may create environments where new ideas are ignored, and innovation is hindered.
	Unveiling the high-quality MicroTom genome and its impact on developmental biology Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) has marked its global significance with annual production of approximately 186 million tons in 2020. In addition to its edible and economic value, tomato has become a vital model in developmental biology research, surpassing Arabidopsis thaliana in some cases like fruit development, metabolism, plant-pathogen interactions, and symbiosis studies.
	Innovative microscopy technique reveals secrets of lipid synthesis inside cells South Korean researchers led by Director Cho Minhaeng at the IBS Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics (IBS CMSD) have made a pivotal discovery in the field of cellular microscopy. The team has successfully developed two-color infrared photothermal microscopy (2C-IPM), a novel technology designed to investigate neutral lipids within lipid droplets of living cells.
	Research unveils how plants control the production of reactive oxygen species Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen. These compounds, which are normal byproducts of biological processes in all living organisms such as aerobic respiration as well as photosynthesis, are highly toxic. In most cases, ROS damage cellular machinery and can trigger a harmful stress response if their levels are not kept in tight check; this is why antioxidants are an important part of our diet.
	Food-borne pathogen Listeria may hide from sanitizers in biofilms An estimated 1,600 people in the U.S. contract a serious infection from Listeria bacteria in food each year, and of those individuals, about 260 people die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Penn State researchers may now better understand how the bacteria, called Listeria monocytogenes, survive and persist in fruit-packing plants by evading and surviving sanitizers.
	Scientists identify potential new method for diagnosing male infertility Researchers have discovered a new phenomenon where sperm from mice can induce non-reproductive cells from hamsters to fuse and form a syncytia—a cell with multiple nuclei.
	One in five Colorado bumblebees are endangered, new report says On a cliffside at Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado, a fuzzy bee was industriously gnawing at the red sandstone. Making a loud grinding sound, the insect used its powerful jaws to drill tunnels and holes in rocks, where it would build a nest for raising offspring.
	Beloved mountain lion dies crossing same California highway where her one of her cubs was killed Wildlife and nature enthusiasts are grieving a famous mountain lion after it was hit by a car and killed while crossing a highway in Southern California.
	A new digital ecosystem to boost food safety Trust is a highly valuable asset for food supply chains, especially when it comes to exports. Buyers look for proof that rigorous regulations around food safety and other expectations have been met.
	Analyses provide new insights into the evolution, domestication and ornamental traits of crape myrtle Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), a widely cherished ornamental plant, boasts a rich history, originating in Southeast Asia to Oceania and flourishing in cultivation centers like China for over 1,600 years. Renowned for its unique blooming during the summer peak, it has evolved through extensive hybridization, and now includes more than 200 species.
	Jujube witches' broom phytoplasmas inhibit ZjBRC1-mediated abscisic acid metabolism to induce shoot proliferation Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), an important species in the Rhamnaceae family, has been cultivated in China for over 7,000 years and is vulnerable to Jujube witches' broom (JWB) disease. This disease, caused by the JWB plant pathogen, leads to overgrowth of axillary buds, affecting plant health and yield.

Medicine and Health news

	With modification, CAR T cells can attack senescent cells, leading to slower aging in mice The fountain of youth has eluded explorers for ages. It turns out the magic anti-aging elixir might have been inside us all along.
	Infants born to COVID-infected mothers found to have triple the risk of developing respiratory distress New UCLA-led research finds that infants born full term to mothers who were infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy had three times the risk of having respiratory distress compared with unexposed infants, even though they themselves were not infected with the virus. The risk was significantly lower when the mothers infected during pregnancy were previously vaccinated.
	Cognitive behavioral therapy alters brain activity in children with anxiety, study shows Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found overactivation in many brain regions, including the frontal and parietal lobes and the amygdala, in unmedicated children with anxiety disorders. They also showed that treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) led to improvements in clinical symptoms and brain functioning.
	Gene behind heart defects in Down syndrome identified Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and UCL have identified a gene that causes heart defects in Down syndrome, a condition that results from an additional copy of chromosome 21.
	Brain mechanism teaches mice to avoid bullies: Findings may offer insight into human social disorders Like humans, mice live in complex social groups, fight over territory and mates, and learn when it is safer to avoid certain opponents. After losing even a brief fight, the defeated animals will flee from the mice that hurt them for weeks afterward, a new study shows.
	Study sheds more light on long-term developmental risks of preterm birth Children born moderately preterm (32–33 weeks) or late preterm (34–36 weeks) have higher long-term risks of neurodevelopmental difficulties that can affect their behavior and ability to learn, finds a study of more than 1 million children. The findings are published in The BMJ today.
	Researchers develop machine-learning tool to detect cancer earlier via liquid biopsy Researchers at City of Hope and Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) have developed and tested an innovative machine-learning approach that could one day enable the earlier detection of cancer in patients by using smaller blood draws. The study is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
	Retinal imaging and genetics data used to predict future disease risk The retina is said to provide a window into a person's systemic health. In a new study published January 24 in Science Translational Medicine, physician-researchers from Mass Eye and Ear, a member of Mass General Brigham, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard combined retinal imaging, genetics and big data to estimate how likely a person is to develop eye and systemic diseases in the future.
	Study identifies promising target for treating inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-induced colorectal cancers Inflammation in the gut can trigger a doom loop of sorts. The condition messes with the sensitive relationships between food, digestive acids, microbes and the immune system in ways that can promote further inflammation and, sometimes, the eventual growth of tumors.
	Protein TDP-43 keeps genetic zombies at bay: New insights into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms A new Cell Reports paper from Bing Yao's lab in Emory's Department of Human Genetics provides insights into mechanisms underlying several neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and Alzheimer's.
	Chemotherapy becomes more efficient when senescent cells are eliminated by immunotherapy, shows study Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, in addition to killing a large number of tumor cells, also result in the generation of senescent tumor cells (also called "zombie cells"). While senescent cells do not reproduce, they do, unfortunately, generate a favorable environment for the expansion of tumor cells that may have escaped the effects of the chemotherapy and eventually result in tumor regrowth.
	Detecting bowel cancer without a stool test An international team of researchers from Adelaide and the United States has opened the door to non-stool-based bowel cancer detection by showing that a probiotic bacteria already being used to treat gut disorders can be engineered to reveal the presence of early tumors.
	Gene therapy restores hearing in children with hereditary deafness A new study co-led by investigators from Mass Eye and Ear, a member of Mass General Brigham, demonstrated the effectiveness of a gene therapy in restoring hearing function for children suffering from hereditary deafness.
	Study unlocks new immunological pathway for treating breast cancer bone metastases Researchers in the lab of chemist Han Xiao at Rice University have identified a promising new immunological pathway to treat stubborn bone tumors, one of most prevalent forms of metastases in breast cancer patients.
	Researchers uncover new signaling pathway in the development of atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the inner walls of blood vessels, is responsible for many cardiovascular conditions. Dendritic cells, which act to recognize foreign substances in the body and mount an immune response, play an important role in the disease. They produce the signaling protein CCL17, a chemokine, which influences the activity and mobility of T cells, which track down infected cells in the body and attack the pathogens. However, CCL17 can also promote cardiovascular pathologies.
	How a timekeeping gene affects tumor growth depends entirely on context A new study has found that the circadian clock—which synchronizes physiological and cellular activities with the day-night cycle and is generally thought to be tumor suppressive—in fact has a contextually variable role in cancer.
	Research team identifies 'protective switches' in SARS-CoV-2 protein that defend against immune system Over 700 million people were infected and almost seven million died, making SARS-CoV-2 the most devastating pandemic of the 21st century. Vaccines and medication against COVID-19 have been able to mitigate the course of the disease in many people and contain the pandemic. However, the danger of further outbreaks has not been averted. The virus is constantly mutating, which enables it to infect human cells and multiply more and more effectively. In addition, it is developing a variety of strategies against the human immune system in a "molecular arms race."
	Researchers find that a standard biomarker can measure the impact of early development disparities in infants While multiple studies have shown a relationship between adversity in early childhood and negative lifelong health effects on groups of people, no reliable measures exist to measure the impact of early adversity on the risk of individual children.
	New research shows mosquitoes can spread the flesh-eating Buruli ulcer from possums to humans Each year, more and more Victorians become sick with a flesh-eating bacteria known as Buruli ulcer. Last year, 363 people presented with the infection, the highest number since 2004.
	New model predicts how shoe properties affect a runner's performance A good shoe can make a huge difference for runners, from career marathoners to couch-to-5K first-timers. But every runner is unique, and a shoe that works for one might trip up another. Outside of trying on a rack of different designs, there's no quick and easy way to know which shoe best suits a person's particular running style.
	Harnessing skin cancer genes to heal hearts Biomedical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated that one of the most dangerous mutations found in skin cancers might moonlight as a pathway to mending a broken heart.
	Study in mice uncovers new protective benefit of breast milk An immune component of breast milk known as the complement system shapes the gut environment of infant mice in ways that make them less susceptible to certain disease-causing bacteria, according to a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
	New study highlights varied risk of persistent COVID-19 infection among immunocompromised patients Individuals who are immunocompromised are at risk of worse COVID-19 outcomes and may have a less robust response to vaccination compared to non-immunocompromised individuals. But the term "immunocompromised" refers to a wide range of conditions, and not all patients in this category may be at equal risk.
	How does HIV get into the cell's center to kickstart infection? UNSW medical researcher Dr. David Jacques and his team have discovered how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) breaches the cell nucleus to establish infection, a finding that has implications beyond HIV biology.
	Research explains why protein-poor diet during pregnancy increases risk of prostate cancer in offspring Experiments with rats conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil increase our understanding of why descendants of women who were malnourished during pregnancy tend to face a higher risk of prostate cancer in adulthood.
	AA attendance lower among African American, Hispanic and young populations: Study Alcoholics Anonymous has long been a cornerstone of treating alcohol use disorders in the United States. But even today, Americans are not accessing it equally, according to a new study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
	COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy seems safe for infant neurodevelopment, finds study COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy seems safe in terms of neurodevelopment through 18 months of age, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in JAMA Pediatrics.
	Study finds that 2015 to 2021 saw an increase in gabapentinoid use Use of gabapentinoids has increased since 2015, particularly for chronic pain, according to a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine.
	Wastewater tests show COVID infections surging, but pandemic fatigue limits precautions Although it's spotty and inconsistent in many places, wastewater testing is pointing to a new wave of COVID-19 infections, with as many as one-third of Americans expected to contract the disease by late February.
	Insurance doesn't always cover hearing aids for kids Joyce Shen was devastated when doctors said her firstborn, Emory, hadn't passed her newborn hearing screening. Emory was diagnosed with profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears as an infant, meaning sounds are extremely muffled.
	Risk of death during heat waves in Brazil linked to socioeconomic factors A new study suggests that heat waves are exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities in Brazil, with people who are female, elderly, Black, Brown, or who have lower educational levels potentially facing greater risk of death during heat waves. Djacinto Monteiro dos Santos of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and colleagues present these findings in PLOS ONE.
	Study finds obesity spiked in children during COVID-19 lockdowns, only the youngest bounced back Obesity among primary school children in the UK spiked during the COVID-19 lockdown, with a 45% increase between 2019/20 and 2020/21 among 4–5-year-olds, according to a study published in PLOS ONE by Iván Ochoa-Moreno from the University of Southampton, UK, and colleagues. The authors estimated that without reversals, increased obesity rates in Year 6 children alone will cost society an additional £800 million in health care.
	New study assesses long-term risk of invasive breast cancer after pre-invasive disease Women who are diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) outside the NHS breast screening program are around four times as likely to develop invasive breast cancer and to die from breast cancer than women in the general population, finds a study published by The BMJ.
	Imaging after one week on pembrolizumab may predict treatment response in advanced melanoma Imaging the tumors of patients with advanced melanoma receiving pembrolizumab (Keytruda) after only one week—rather than the standard of around three months—identified metabolic changes that corresponded with treatment response and progression-free survival (PFS). These study results were published in Clinical Cancer Research on Jan. 24.
	Mood interventions may reduce inflammation in Crohn's and colitis New King's College London research reveals that interventions that improve mood can reduce levels of inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease by 18%, compared to having no mood intervention.
	Study looks at ways to predict when a migraine attack will occur Migraine is often under-diagnosed and untreated, and even when it is treated, it can be difficult to treat early enough as well as find strategies to prevent attacks. A new study looks at ways to more accurately predict when a migraine will occur—through the use of mobile apps to track sleep, energy, emotions and stress—to enhance the ability to prevent attacks. The study is published in the online issue of Neurology.
	Why attention spans seem to be shrinking and what we can do about it No, the average human attention span is not shorter than a goldfish's.
	Predicting brace adherence could change the game in scoliosis treatment When it comes to preventing scoliosis progression, is it possible to make bracing more effective? For decades, spine specialists focused on improving the braces themselves, making them lighter, less obtrusive, and easier to put on and take off. (The Boston Brace, developed at Boston Children's Hospital in the early 1970s, is one example.)
	Lockdown air quality boost in Oxford helped 41% reduction in adult asthma hospital stays Oxford residents with asthma had fewer hospital stays during 2020 compared to the previous five-year average largely due to reductions in air pollution, new research has found.
	Non-COVID-19 deaths among people with diabetes jumped during pandemic, global study reveals Non-COVID-19-related deaths among people with diabetes increased during the pandemic, as did the diabetes complication of sight loss, according to a global study review led by a University of Massachusetts Amherst public health researcher that examined the impacts of pandemic-related disruptions on this vulnerable population.
	Preterm birth may later impact cardiovascular and muscular health Adults born very preterm have poorer cardiorespiratory health than those born at term, suggests a new study led by Université de Montréal professors Thuy Mai Luu and Anne-Monique Nuyt, researchers at CHU Sainte-Justine.
	How the brain handles the complexity of chewing You bite into an apple, you chew, the flavors flood your mouth, you swallow, and then you do it all over again. Eating is so effortless that you can do it while chatting, reading, watching TV, walking, working…
	Some Australian Open matches run extremely late: How it impacts player sleep and recovery For many Australians, January is synonymous with late nights spent watching the Australian Open tennis tournament. These night matches are a great spectacle, and many players consider the prime time slot on center court as a privilege and reward for their hard work.
	Strep A explainer: Why invasive cases are increasing, how it spreads and what symptoms to look for A jump in the number of people with serious illness caused by group A Streptococcus—also referred to as Streptococcus pyogenes or Strep A—has made headlines recently. There has also been a higher than usual number of deaths from group A Streptococcus infections, including in children, leaving people with questions about why and how these infections are spreading, and what symptoms to be aware of.
	AI in health care presents big opportunities for Brazil—but further public debate and legislation are needed now Medicine and health care are already so immersed in new digital technologies that we need to consider what is happening now. Terms such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and open health, which a few years ago might have seemed like something from science fiction, have become part of our daily lives.
	Medical student with inflammatory bowel disease helps pediatricians understand the power of their words Catalina Berenblum Tobi had her first colonoscopy when she was just 10 years old. For more than a year she had been suffering from severe abdominal pain and diarrhea for which there was no apparent cause. While terrified and confused, Berenblum Tobi was ready for an answer. The diagnostic test confirmed she had Crohn's disease, an autoimmune condition that would require lifelong management.
	Healing from child sexual abuse is often difficult but not impossible A mayor, a karate instructor, a former cop, an award-winning journalist and a pastor. All five of these individuals in positions of authority or trust made headlines within the past year in connection with childhood sexual abuse.
	Veganuary's impact has been huge: Here are the stats to prove it Since launching in 2014, Veganuary has boasted increasing sign-ups year on year. But what's the evidence that the campaign that encourages people to adopt a vegan diet during January is really taking a bite out of the meat market?
	mRNA therapeutic successfully combats ovarian cancer in mice Each year, several thousand women in Germany die from ovarian cancer. In many cases, the disease is only detected when it is very advanced and metastases have already formed—usually in the intestines, abdomen or lymph nodes. At such a late stage, only 20% to 30% of all those affected survive the next five years.
	Heart disease still America's top killer, although the death rate has declined Heart disease remains the top cause of death in the United States, but progress is being made and more lives are being saved, a new report finds.
	Exposure to flame retardants linked to premature birth, higher birth weight In the largest study of its kind, researchers at UC Davis Health found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, especially among females. The chemicals were also linked to higher birth weight, a concern for increased obesity risk. The major new research study was published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
	Addressing coercion in mental health care Finding a common goal for action to address coercion in mental health care is the goal of a new Griffith University paper that identifies what the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Psychiatry Association (WPA) agree on.
	Self-reported walking limitation increases five-year fracture risk Walking limitation is significantly associated with five-year fracture risk, according to a study published online Jan. 23 in JAMA Network Open.
	FDA warns of rare secondary cancer risk with CAR-T therapies The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has told drugmakers to add a boxed warning to a type of cancer treatment called CAR-T therapy, saying the treatment itself may sometimes cause a secondary cancer.
	No sign latest COVID variant leads to worse symptoms JN.1, the COVID variant sweeping the country this winter, is not prompting more severe disease than earlier variants did, early U.S. government data suggests.
	Abortion and miscarriage care in New York State significantly delayed during COVID-19 pandemic: Study A study by CUNY SPH researchers found that those seeking abortion and miscarriage care in New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced considerable delays.
	Prostate cancer treatment guided by new tool According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Unfortunately for American men, prostate cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers.
	The power of marketing in health care: A way to narrow the disparities in health outcomes for First Nations communities Researchers from Wiradjuri Land, Edith Cowan University, University of Wollongong, University of Melbourne, University of Tasmania, and University of South Australia published a Journal of Marketing study that explores the role of marketing in decolonizing health care by examining the "Birthing on Country" policy, an initiative led by First Nations Australians that encourages women to give birth on their ancestral lands by adopting traditional birthing practices.
	Study investigates perceived barriers to cancer care in rural South Dakota Cancer rates across the United States are falling, but in South Dakota, cancer remains the leading cause of death. What unique challenges does South Dakota have when it comes to cancer care that is causing the state to fall behind the rest of the country?
	Study finds veterans of color and female veterans reported more stress during COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic led to illness and death, significant economic and employment problems, severe social restrictions and substantially altered family life—the effects of which researchers are beginning to understand.
	Study finds mortality rates among rural US residents vary based on race, ethnicity, region Rural Black residents of the South have higher mortality, or death, rates than rural Black residents elsewhere, and so did Hispanic residents of the rural South and West, according to a new study by two researchers in the Penn State College of Health and Human Development.
	Functional seizures have long been misunderstood and may be more serious than previously thought, study suggests The death rate for patients with functional, non-epileptic seizures is higher than expected, with a rate comparable to epilepsy and severe mental illness, a Michigan Medicine-led study finds.
	Simple steps can cut snakebite deaths Scientists have called for simple, effective steps to cut the number of people bitten by venomous snakes.
	Finding the optimal combination of anticancer drug administration for the conditioning of cord blood transplantation Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) can cure hematopoietic diseases, such as acute myeloid leukemia. Cord blood transplantation (CBT), which accounts for more than one-third of allo-HSCTs in Japan, uses hematopoietic stem cells contained in the blood in the umbilical cord and placenta. Moreover, it is a valuable option for patients lacking suitable HLA-matched donors.
	Research shows irregular sleep rhythm challenges the health of middle-aged people According to recent research, an irregular sleep rhythm is associated with poorer cardiovascular health in middle-aged people. Inconsistent bedtimes appear to particularly increase waist circumference. The results are revealed in a joint study by the University of Oulu and Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Department of Sports, and Exercise Medicine.
	Post-hysterectomy care: Sugammadex's role in reducing urinary retention A study titled "Sugammadex and urinary retention after hysterectomy: A propensity-matched cohort study," conducted by Mariana L. De Lima Laporta Miranda and colleagues from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, U.S., addresses a common postoperative challenge: postoperative urinary retention (POUR). The findings have been published in Biomolecules and Biomedicine.
	Community-acquired pneumonia: Machine learning enhances early risk prediction in hospitalized patients Pneumonia remains one of the most significant health challenges globally, being a primary cause of hospitalization and leading to severe respiratory failure. Traditional tools for assessing the severity of pneumonia, such as the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), primarily focus on mortality risks. However, these tools often fall short in predicting the need for advanced respiratory support, leaving a crucial gap in patient care.
	Are fitness watches motivating users to stick to fitness goals? Here's what the research says For many years, wearable fitness trackers, also called activity trackers or fitness watches, have ranked among the hottest holiday gifts. And as the new year arrives, consumers make resolutions to get fit by using the devices made by Fitbit, Apple, Garmin and other brands to monitor movements, log workouts, count calories burned, and more.
	WHO says AI risks in global health 'must be accounted for' Health care providers need to be aware of the risks of using AI—especially in low- and middle-income countries—the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
	Study finds significant disparities in diagnosis and treatment of dementia A new study from UC Davis Health and Oregon Health & Science University reveals significant disparities in dementia care. The researchers found that people living with dementia from minoritized racial and ethnic populations are less likely to receive an accurate and timely dementia diagnosis compared to non-Hispanic whites. They were also less likely to be prescribed anti-dementia medication or use hospice care. Minoritized populations are those marginalized due to systemic oppression.
	Ultrasound can help predict the risk of preterm births, research shows Researchers have developed a way to use ultrasound to predict whether a pregnant person is at risk of delivering a baby prematurely, which occurs in upward of 10% of pregnancies in the U.S.
	Peer counseling programs found to positively impact rates of breastfeeding among rural WIC participants A new study from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, published in Women's Health Issues, is the first of its kind to assess whether Minnesota's peer breastfeeding support program directly causes increases in breastfeeding and by how much. The peer counseling effort is part of the federal supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, known as WIC, that primarily serves low-income individuals.
	New methodological approach allows more precise summary of study results Before new drugs are launched on the market they are tested in clinical studies in which one group of study participants often receives the new treatment and another group receives the current standard treatment. The results of these studies are needed for regulatory approval and later for so-called benefit assessments, which compare the advantages and disadvantages of the new and previous treatment: Is the new treatment more effective, does it have milder or more severe side effects, how do patients do afterwards, and so on. If the new treatment is better overall, it has an "added benefit."
	Research suggests chronic pain is different for males and females A University of Alberta research team has uncovered differences in the way male and female mice develop and resolve chronic pain, pointing to potential pathways for future targeted treatments for humans.
	Post-pandemic, US cardiovascular death rate continues upward trajectory New research confirms what public health leaders have been fearing: The significant uptick in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) death rate that began in 2020 has continued. The continuing trend reverses improvements achieved in the decade before the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce mortalities from heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States. The findings are reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
	Study finds women farm owners more apt to binge drink A study from the University of Georgia reveals a concerning pattern of binge drinking among women who own or manage farms.
	No knowledge gap here: Medical students who were taught remotely achieve good exam results during the pandemic From March 2020 to the beginning of 2022, medical students were taught theoretical subjects digitally, to a large extent. The question was whether four exams in physiology during this period would show that students had gaps in their knowledge and achieved poorer results than those who studied medicine before the pandemic. A total of 1,095 medical students were included in a study on this topic, published in BMC Medical Education.
	How people with suicidal thoughts can help each other through tough times Discussing suicidal thoughts is a difficult task, often hindered by the reluctance to burden family or friends with worries. At the same time, people may not always receive the necessary support from existing social and mental health care structures.
	Lazarus effect in a patient treated with osimertinib for non-small cell lung cancer with leptomeningeal disease A new case report titled "Lazarus effect in a patient initially empirically treated with osimertinib for EGFR L858R mutant non-small cell lung cancer with leptomeningeal disease: a case report" has been published in Oncotarget.
	Targeting FSP1 regulates iron homeostasis in drug-tolerant persister head and neck cancer cells A new research paper titled "Targeting of FSP1 regulates iron homeostasis in drug-tolerant persister head and neck cancer cells via lipid-metabolism-driven ferroptosis" has been published in Aging.
	Researchers suggest changing gold standard of spine surgery from operative microscope to 3D exoscope While surgeons have more commonly used the exoscope in various intracranial procedures, its use in spinal surgery has been underreported.
	Finding the right diagnosis with liver biopsy The popularity of noninvasive options to diagnose liver disease has been growing, but are there times when more traditional methods like liver biopsy are still needed for a precise diagnosis?
	Research shows online interventions with social support help middle-aged adults with obesity lose weight Obesity is a problem in the United States. In fact, 42.5% of U.S. adults aged 20 and over have the disease. Not only is obesity the nation's second leading cause of preventable death (behind only smoking cigarettes), it also leads to other serious health issues, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, sleep apnea and liver disease. The disease and its side effects impose a significant financial burden on America's health care system.
	New study links biomarkers and chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms A study led by University of California, Irvine researchers has revealed a connection between blood levels of omega-3 and the inflammatory biomarker interleukin-8 and greater chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms in breast cancer patients. These predictors may offer new targets for pre-treatment therapeutic approaches to preventing or mitigating symptoms.
	Study: This protein may be the 'glue' that helps COVID virus stick When SARS-CoV-2 enters the human body, the virus' spike protein binds to a cell, allowing the virus to infiltrate and begin replicating.
	How does climate change affect eczema? In an analysis of all relevant published studies that assessed atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) associated with trends in climate-related hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions, investigators found that impacts include direct effects on eczema, like particulate matter-induced inflammation from wildfires; and indirect effects, such as stress resulting from drought-induced food insecurity.
	Do different plant-based diets affect pregnancy and birth outcomes? Women who follow vegan diets during pregnancy may face higher risks of developing preeclampsia and of giving birth to newborns with lower birth weight, suggests a recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.
	Can genetics affect the need for surgery in patients with thumb osteoarthritis? Rhizarthrosis, also known as trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the thumb, and treatments range from splints to surgery. Investigators have uncovered various genetic differences between individuals with rhizarthrosis who undergo surgery for their condition versus those who opt for nonsurgical treatments.
	Rising suicide rate among Hispanics worries community leaders A group from teens to seniors gathered in an office inside a grocery store, where Spanish-language food signs cater to the large Hispanic population in this northwestern Georgia city dominated by the carpet industry.
	Helping aspiring clinicians understand a virtual heart before they work with a real one Jonathan Awori, MD, MS, MFA, isn't embarrassed to say it took him a long time to completely understand the intricate workings of the heart. He says he isn't alone; many aspiring doctors and nurses don't immediately grasp the heart's complexity from two-dimensional textbooks or even 3D-printed models.
	Video: Aging and the benefits of exercising Exercising as you age can be challenging. Sometimes it can feel like your body is breaking down. One possible reason for this could be senescent cells, which build up in your body as you get older and contribute to age-related disorders.
	For Australia's new vape laws to succeed, these three things need to happen—or users may look to the illicit market This year, the Australian government will progressively ban the retail sale of all e-cigarettes, known as vapes. Vapers will only be allowed to use nicotine vapes that comply with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) product requirements—and only to help them quit or manage their nicotine dependence, if prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy.
	Zambia further delays school reopening over cholera Zambia postponed the start of the school year for the second time on Wednesday due to a cholera outbreak that has claimed more than 500 lives.
	Red Cross cross repeats call for blood donors as shortage continues Reiterating a plea it made earlier this month, the American Red Cross is urging people to roll up their sleeves and give blood.
	'No added sugar' rule is a good step, but the job's not done Australia's food regulators must develop a comprehensive definition for added sugars in processed foods to enable consumers to make healthy choices, according to new research from The George Institute for Global Health, published today (Jan. 24) in Current Developments in Nutrition.
	Q&A: What can we learn from elite athletes about fitness and longevity? Thirty-nine-year-old LeBron James is the oldest active NBA player but still one of the top players in the league.
	Higher prevalence of asthma linked to unhealthy living conditions in Dublin South Inner City community New research has found that residents of Oliver Bond House flats in Dublin's south inner city are 2.4 times as likely to have asthma in their medical records, compared to other patients attending the same general practice living locally.
	Gluten-free food guide helps put good nutrition on the plate for kids When Lisa Rigney's daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease six years ago, one word sprang to mind. "Overwhelmed," Rigney recalls. "It was a very, very overwhelming experience."
	Ban on disposable vapes would affect one in seven young adults in Great Britain A ban on disposable vapes, currently being considered by the U.K. Government, would affect 1 in 7 young adults (aged 18–24) in Great Britain, and 1 in 20 adults overall, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.
	Why you should feed both a cold and a fever Respiratory viruses like rhinovirus (the cause of the common cold), flu and SARS-CoV-2 make the rounds during the winter season, and many people claim to have a remedy to help illness pass quicker. But how much merit do these cures have? An expert with Baylor College of Medicine explains why the coldest time of the year brings sickness and how to prevent and power through some seasonal illnesses.

Other Sciences news

	Syphilis-like diseases were already widespread in America before the arrival of Columbus, new study finds Researchers at the Universities of Basel and Zurich have discovered the genetic material of the pathogen Treponema pallidum in the bones of people who died in Brazil 2,000 years ago. This is the oldest verified discovery of this pathogen thus far, and it proves that humans were suffering from diseases akin to syphilis—known as treponematoses—long before Columbus's discovery of America.
	Spicy wine: New study reveals ancient Romans may have had peculiar tastes It's no secret that the ancient Romans were lovers of wine. So gripped by the grape were they, that they even worshiped a god—Bacchus—devoted to wine and merriment.
	New research challenges hunter-gatherer narrative The oft-used description of early humans as "hunter-gatherers" should be changed to "gatherer-hunters," at least in the Andes of South America, according to groundbreaking research led by a University of Wyoming archaeologist.
	DNA from preserved feces reveals ancient Japanese gut environment DNA from ancient feces can offer archaeologists new clues about the life and health of Japanese people who lived thousands of years ago, according to a study published in PLOS ONE by Luca Nishimura and Ituro Inoue from the National Institute of Genetics, Japan, Hiroki Oota from The University of Tokyo, Mayumi Ajimoto from Wakasa History Museum, and colleagues.
	Bronze jewelry sheds light on prehistoric ritual Excavation at the dried-out lake site of Papowo Biskupie in north-central Poland has revealed more than 550 bronze artifacts, providing the most telling evidence of ritual deposition of metal by the occupants of the region from 1200–450 BC, known as the Chełmno group.
	Prehistoric chefs retained strong cooking traditions, ancient pottery and DNA analysis reveals Archaeologists have combined DNA analysis with the study of pottery to examine the spread of broomcorn millet across Eurasia, revealing how regional culinary traditions persisted even as new crops were introduced.
	Study: The more people know about pregnancy, the more likely they are to support access to abortion A new study on public attitudes toward abortion laws finds that the more people know about pregnancy, the more likely they are to oppose legislation that limits women's access to abortions—regardless of political ideology. The study also found that laws that limit access to abortion after 12 weeks did not have greater support than laws that limit access to abortion after six weeks.
	Property rights 'laws' historically manipulated by businesses, research finds Within most countries, businesses operate under the notion that their property rights are stable. A set of operational rules and a political system that protects those rules are firmly entrenched, right?
	Expanded child tax credit would ultimately save money, reduce poverty, says expert A plan to expand the child tax credit would go a long way in reducing childhood poverty in America, saving billions in future costs, says an expert on poverty and inequality at Washington University in St. Louis.
	Study looks at delivery drivers becoming salespeople to increase revenue Online shopping and home delivery have displaced the traditional trip to the shops for many people. This has been an ongoing process in retail that has seen the closure of high-street shops and many of the big department store chains as customers turn to shopping online. The process was somewhat accelerated during the pandemic when many people simply could not go shopping because of the prevalence of the disease and lockdown restrictions.
	The green-eyed monster: How embracing jealousy at work can make you more productive Instances of negative emotions, such as jealousy, are frequent in the workplace. Perhaps your boss just complimented your co-worker on a job well done while ignoring your contributions to a project. Or maybe your new mentee asked to transfer to another supervisor.
	What drives us to be anonymous online? University of Queensland researchers have found there are two key reasons people choose to be anonymous online—self-expression or toxic behavior.
	AI in HR: Are you cool with being recruited by a robot? Studies reveal job candidates' true feelings Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the human resource management (HRM) industry faster than we notice. Sixty-five percent of organizations are already using AI-enabled tools in the hiring process, but only a third of job candidates are aware of the practice.
	Dating apps: Marketing experts' research reveals pitfalls to look out for, and tactics for success Dating can come with new and sometimes frustrating challenges. In the past, relationships were often arranged by families and guided by societal norms, limiting individual choice but sparing us the agony of endless decisions. Nowadays, those who are single have endless potential partners at their fingertips. A 2019 Pew Research Center study showed that couples who met online are more diverse, be it in terms of income, education, political orientation and ethnicity.
	New methods to improve the accuracy of cross-national surveys Research by Social Statistics has highlighted new methods to improve the accuracy of cross-national surveys. Cross-national surveys run the risk of differential survey errors, where data collected vary in quality from country to country. The study is published in the Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology.
	Is AI killing the social media star? How companies are cashing in on virtual influencers Instagram's rising stars are a new breed of social media influencer. In fact, many of them aren't even technically human.
	Disinformation may reinforce polarization in society With over 4 billion people eligible to vote in elections, 2024 is the largest election year ever. At the same time, disinformation and polarization on social media pose unprecedented challenges to the democratic process.
	Italian study reveals exposure to images of mafia violence increases trust in the state The number of homicides in Italy today is one-third of those 20 years ago, yet Italians believe they have increased by 26.6%, with a 17.3% rise in mafia-related murders. Moreover, when exposed to images of mafia violence from newspapers, Italians do not tend to lose trust in the state, as studies in other countries would suggest. Instead, they tend to have more trust in institutions and offer a more positive judgment of their quality and performance.
	Deciphering the patterns of human settlements on the Ordos Plateau The Ordos Plateau, a distinctive geomorphic entity in China, has been a cradle of human civilization since the late Paleolithic era. Its unique geographical and climatic conditions have fostered a rich tapestry of human history, reflected in the settlement patterns that have evolved over thousands of years.
	The costly, unintended consequences produced by the US National Flood Insurance Program Since the creation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968, the U.S. government has paid over $51 billion to cover flood losses. Almost half of these payouts went to just 25 counties, among the fastest-growing counties by population.
	Women and people of color remain 'invisible' as most people pick white men as their heroes, researchers say Women and people of color remain invisible to many people in Britain and the U.S. as people pick white men as their heroes instead, a study shows. Their achievements are often forgotten or not recognized when people are choosing who inspires them, researchers have found.
	Do couples' wages differ based on interracial versus intraracial marriage? In a study published in Economic Inquiry, investigators have compared wages of Black and white interracially married individuals with those of intraracially married individuals in the United States.
	AI meets citizen science to unlock the nature of storytelling A new project led by McGill University researchers seeks to understand one of humanity's oldest practices and most powerful tools—storytelling. From ancient oral traditions to modern-day literature and digital narratives, storytelling is an essential part of the lived experience that is not yet fully understood.
	Works of poetry, fiction and nonfiction receive $10,000 "Science + Literature" awards A poetry collection, a coming-of-age novel and a history of deep sea exploration are unlikely to be found in the same section of your favorite bookstore. But they all have enough in common to be this year's winners of Science + Literature awards, $10,000 prizes administered by the National Book Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
	Travelers with disability often face discrimination: What should change and how to complain Australia's former disability discrimination commissioner, Graeme Innes, has settled his dispute with Adelaide Airport. His complaint to the Human Rights Commission was lodged after being denied access to a body scanner with his assistance dog in May 2022.
	Learning to read in another language is tough: How Namibian teachers can help kids In a classroom in Namibia's northern Oshikoto region, a teacher has written English vocabulary words on the chalkboard. She asks her learners to read them aloud. When they stumble with pronunciation, she corrects them. She also helps the youngsters to sound out words. At another school nearby, an English teacher is showing her class cartoon strips on her cellphone to help them create mental images while reading—an approach that's proven to enhance comprehension.

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