Science X Newsletter Wed, Jan 3

Dear ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 3, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Globular cluster VVV CL002 is falling down to the galactic center, study finds
Going dry in January could reduce risk of some types of cancers
Mouse study shows gut biome plays a role in social anxiety disorder
Magnetic fields in the cosmos: Dark matter could help us discover their origin
'Giant' predator worms more than half a billion years old discovered in North Greenland
What makes urine yellow? Scientists discover the enzyme responsible
New research shows 'juvenile' T. rex fossils are a distinct species of small tyrannosaur
Pathogenic bacteria use molecular 'shuttle services' to fill their injection apparatus with the right product
Newly discovered genetic mutation protects against Parkinson's disease and offers hope for new therapies
Complex, unfamiliar sentences make the brain's language network work harder, study reveals
Novel genetic priority score unveiled to enhance target prioritization in drug development
Study demonstrates potency of synthetic antibiotic against serious chronic infections
Developments in dual-atom catalysts make renewable energy sources more efficient
Researchers release initial dataset for protist genomes project
Researchers create first functional semiconductor made from graphene

Nanotechnology news

	A novel avenue for engineering 2D MXene family via precious metals atomic layer deposition techniques A team of researchers, led by Professor Soo-Hyun Kim in the Graduate School of Semiconductors Materials and Devices Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UNIST has made significant progress in precisely controlling precious metals (Ru, Ir, Pt, Pd) incorporation by atomic layer deposition (ALD).
	On-demand conformation of an artificial cytoskeleton Peptide nanotubes are tubular-shaped structures formed by the controlled stacking of cyclic peptide components. These hollow biomaterials show inner and outer faces, allowing control over their properties.
	Researchers boost signal amplification in perovskite nanosheets Perovskite materials are still attracting a lot of interest in solar cell applications. Now, the nanostructures of perovskite materials are being considered as a new laser medium. Over the years, light amplification in perovskite quantum dots has been reported, but most of the works present inadequate quantitative analysis.
	Enhanced brain delivery of antibodies heightens the potential to treat brain diseases The blood-brain barrier blocks the entry of antibodies into the brain. This limits the potential use of antibody therapeutics to treat brain diseases, such as brain tumors.
	Single-emitter super-resolved imaging of radiative decay rate enhancement in dielectric gap nanoantennas In an era where understanding and manipulating light at the nanoscale is increasingly crucial, a paper in Light: Science & Applications reveals a significant leap forward.

Invisible to our eyes, shortwave infrared (SWIR) light can enable unprecedented reliability, function and performance in high-volume, computer vision first applications in service robotics, automotive and consumer electronics markets.

The use of deep learning for phase recovery

Light, as an electromagnetic field, has two essential components: amplitude and phase. However, optical detectors, usually relying on photon-to-electron conversion (such as charge-coupled device sensors and the human eye), cannot capture the phase of the light field because of their limited sampling frequency.

Earth news

	New research harnesses AI and satellite imagery to reveal the expanding footprint of human activity at sea A new study published today in the journal Nature offers an unprecedented view of previously unmapped industrial use of the ocean and how it is changing.
	Everlasting African wildfires fueled by aerosol feedback Africa is on fire. It has been for thousands of years. The continent contains more than 50% of the total area on Earth that is burning, on average, and there is no sign of it stopping; indeed, the migrating, hemisphere-hopping African wildfire season is steadily increasing.
	The meat and dairy industry is not 'climate neutral,' despite some eye-catching claims Imagine a house is on fire, and someone is actively pouring gas on the fire. They then pour a little less gas and want credit for doing so, despite still feeding the fire. Perhaps they claim they are now "fire neutral."
	When you sit down to build a sandcastle, take a look around you: The beach is already sculpting Arenicola, or lugworms, make some of the most beautiful structures on the beach. Little piles of wet sand are cast in a swirl from their rear end as part of their feeding cycle.
	Re-calibrating the sail plan for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences In Hawaiʻi and across much of Oceania, Pacific Islanders celebrate the connections between their islands and the ocean that surrounds them.
	Sierra Nevada snowpack at lowest level in 10 years: What it means for California's water supply California's statewide Sierra Nevada snowpack—the source of nearly one-third of the state's water supply—is at its lowest level in a decade, a major turnaround from last year when huge storms ended a three-year drought and buried ski resorts in massive amounts of snow.
	First dive survey of Lake Tahoe's lakebed finds high amounts of plastic and other litter Plastic litter is a growing problem around the world, and new research shows that the bottom of Lake Tahoe is no exception. In one of the first studies to utilize scuba divers to collect litter from a lakebed, 673 plastic items were counted from just a small fraction of the lake.
	Scotland's climate changing faster than predicted Scotland's climate is changing faster than scientists predicted, with increasing likelihood of more frequent and more extreme weather events, according to new analysis by The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen.
	Japan's latest earthquake could've been much worse, but the country spends money to 'keep people safe' On the first day of 2024, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Japan, killing at least 57 people and destroying thousands of homes.
	The regulation of air pollution that crosses state borders As many of us were reminded last summer when forest fires in Canada turned New York City's air to the color orange, air pollution is transported by the wind. Fortunately, here in the United States, the Commerce Clause of the Constitution gives the federal government the authority to regulate business practices that cross state lines.
	An emergency brake for the climate: EU advisory board recommends 90%–95% reduction in emissions by 2040 To limit global warming to 1.5°, the EU's Science Advisory Board on Climate Change recommends that Europe reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90%–95% by 2040 compared to 1990. Fossil fuels should be phased out as quickly as possible.
	Fears in Wales over legacy of its coalmining past It was nearly four years ago but the memory of the landslip that sent 60,000 tons of old mining debris sliding down a Welsh hillside still haunts former miner Jeff Coombes.
	Storm Henk causes flooding and travel disruption in UK Hundreds of flood warnings were in place in the UK on Wednesday, after strong winds and rain lashed large parts of the country, hitting travel and cutting power.
	Following mega swell and storms, clean up in Southern California underway The big swells and high tides that battered the region for days have eased—but the aftermath and clean up since have kept crews busy along the coast.
	Monetized evaluation of landscape resources of national parks based on the willingness to pay for market project In China, national parks represent the country's most unique natural landscapes. Scientific evaluation of landscape resources is significant for preserving the authenticity and integrity of national parks.
	Sweden sees coldest weather in 25 years Sweden on Wednesday recorded its coldest January night in 25 years, with a reading of minus 43.6 degrees Celsius in the far north as a cold snap hit the Nordics.

Astronomy and Space news

	Globular cluster VVV CL002 is falling down to the galactic center, study finds Using the Magellan Clay telescope in Chile, astronomers have performed high-resolution spectroscopic observations of a galactic globular cluster known as VVV CL002. They found that the cluster is falling down to the Milky Way's center. The discovery was reported in a research paper published December 26 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	Magnetic fields in the cosmos: Dark matter could help us discover their origin The mini-halos of dark matter scattered throughout the cosmos could function as highly sensitive probes of primordial magnetic fields. This is what emerges from a theoretical study conducted by SISSA and published in Physical Review Letters.
	Iron snow ebb and flow may cause magnetic fields to come and go Just as snow crystals form in the upper atmosphere, then fall to lower, warmer elevations and melt, scientists believe a phenomenon called iron snow happens in the molten iron cores of some planetary bodies. Cooling near the core-mantle boundary creates crystals of iron, which melt as they fall deeper into the hot core. This movement may create magnetic fields in some smaller bodies like Mercury and Jupiter's moon Ganymede, but its dynamics are not well known.
	NASA telescopes start the year with a double bang A colorful, festive image shows different types of light containing the remains of not one, but at least two exploded stars. This supernova remnant is known as 30 Doradus B (30 Dor B for short) and is part of a larger region of space where stars have been continuously forming for the past 8 to 10 million years. It is a complex landscape of dark clouds of gas, young stars, high-energy shocks, and superheated gas, located 160,000 light-years away from Earth in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small satellite galaxy of the Milky Way.
	Privatized moon landings: Two US missions set to open a new era of commercial lunar exploration Two commercial spacecraft are scheduled to launch to the moon early in 2024 under a NASA initiative called the Commercial Lunar Payload Service CLPS. This program is intended to kickstart a commercial transportation service that can deliver NASA experiments and other payloads to the lunar surface.
	Space shuttle Endeavour's giant orange external tank begins final journey At long last, the final journey of the last space shuttle ever built, Endeavour, and its giant orange external tank are expected to begin this month—the capstone to a historic journey to an ambitious museum exhibit in Los Angeles.
	After all of this time searching for aliens, are we stuck with the zoo hypothesis? In 1950, during a lunchtime conversation with colleagues at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, famed physicist Enrico Fermi asked the question that launched a hundred (or more) proposed resolutions. "Where is Everybody?"
	SpaceX soars into 2024 with a burst of color and six special satellites The first SpaceX launch of 2024, which took place Tuesday night, included something that none of the company's prior launches did.
	SpaceX back with 1st Space Coast launch of the year After a record 2023, SpaceX is not slowing down its launch plans for 2024 with the first launch of the year from Florida slated for Wednesday evening.
	Strong solar flare erupts from sun The sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 4:55 p.m. EST, on Dec. 31, 2023. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the sun constantly, captured an image of the event.

Technology news

	Researchers create first functional semiconductor made from graphene Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have created the world's first functional semiconductor made from graphene, a single sheet of carbon atoms held together by the strongest bonds known. Semiconductors, which are materials that conduct electricity under specific conditions, are foundational components of electronic devices. The team's breakthrough throws open the door to a new way of doing electronics.
	New insight into how brain adjusts synaptic connections during learning may inspire more robust AI Researchers from the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit and Oxford University's Department of Computer Science have set out a new principle to explain how the brain adjusts connections between neurons during learning. This new insight may guide further research on learning in brain networks and may inspire faster and more robust learning algorithms in artificial intelligence.
	Better microelectronics from coal Coal is an abundant resource in the United States that has, unfortunately, contributed to climate change through its use as a fossil fuel. As the country transitions to other means of energy production, it will be important to consider and reevaluate coal's economic role.
	AI agents help explain other AI systems Explaining the behavior of trained neural networks remains a compelling puzzle, especially as these models grow in size and sophistication. Like other scientific challenges throughout history, reverse-engineering how artificial intelligence systems work requires a substantial amount of experimentation: making hypotheses, intervening on behavior, and even dissecting large networks to examine individual neurons.
	BYD overtakes Tesla for most EV sales US car maker Tesla has lost its crown for most sales of all-electric vehicles to Chinese firm BYD, which has capitalized on Beijing's strong government support for the burgeoning sector.
	Coach-to-player comms, sideline tablets tested in bowl games, but some schools decided to hold off Billy Edwards Jr. became a test pilot of sorts for the type of helmet communication technology that might soon become commonplace in college football.
	On offshore wind farms, seafood production may be a breeze Off the coasts of Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands dozens of wind farms whir away, helping Europe switch to renewable energy from fossil fuels.
	How to optimize EV charging locations Consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is rising, but the lack of charging stations is a continuing concern to potential customers. No U.S. counties currently have a charging infrastructure that can deliver power equal to gasoline stations; many counties have no public EV charging infrastructure at all.
	AI can now attend a meeting and write code for you. Here's why you should be cautious Microsoft recently launched a new version of all of its software with the addition of an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that can do a variety of tasks for you. Copilot can summarize verbal conversations on Teams online meetings, present arguments for or against a particular point based on verbal discussions and answer a portion of your emails. It can even write computer code.
	Hundreds opposed changes to rooftop solar credits in Idaho: It was approved anyway Changes have arrived to rooftop solar in Idaho, whether its proponents like it or not.
	External drives taking too long to load? This week a reader writes: I have a Mac desktop with two 1 terabyte external SSDs, one used for Time Machine backups and one for my daily files.
	These tech companies eyeing expansion are finding luck in Ireland In 2019, Chicago software company ActiveCampaign decided to open an office in Europe to be closer to international clients. The fast-growing startup did more than half its business internationally, and a new satellite office in Sydney, Australia, was proving to be too far from European markets.
	Unlocking sustainable water treatment: The potential of piezoelectric-activated persulfate In a recent study published in the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, scientists from Jinan University discuss a new, eco-friendly way to clean water. They've discovered a method called "piezoelectric activation of PS."
	Exploring the challenges faced by architectural design practitioners in embracing inclusive design Inclusive design has been widely promoted in the fields of product design, engineering, and user experience design. Despite the educational efforts made by scientists, practitioners, and institutions to raise awareness about accessibility and inclusion, it has not been widely embraced in architectural design practice, where it is often associated with designing for disabilities.
	Researchers develop a new method for path-following performance of autonomous ships The rising popularity of autonomous vehicles has spurred significant research interest in the maritime industry, particularly for developing maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). An essential requirement of MASS is the ability to follow a pre-determined sea path, considering obstacles, water depth, and ship maneuverability.
	Study taps artificial intelligence to streamline the crowdsourcing of ideas Recent research has found a way to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to more efficiently screen out bad ideas to focus on only good ideas in the crowdsourcing process within ideation.
	Researchers test novel drone navigation technology in an active Japanese tunnel construction site For drones to save lives in search and rescue missions, or even reliably deliver our packages, they need to navigate dynamic environments without accident. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have had success steering through open spaces time and time again, but the unpredictability of moving obstacles has been a challenge, especially in indoor environments with no GPS signals. Kenji Shimada and his students leaned into this problem to develop new technology that enables autonomous flights in indoor dynamic environments.
	Securing rare earths for Europe's high-tech industries A group of critical raw materials may help Europe reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities.
	New tool will make math-heavy research papers easier to view online The complex formulas in physics, math and engineering papers might be intimidatingly difficult reading matter for some, but there are many people who have trouble merely seeing them in the first place. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a tool that makes these papers easier on the eyes for those with visual disabilities, and it's about to be adopted in a major way.
	Boosting solar cell performance with a transparent spectral converter Over the past decade, photovoltaic cells (PCs) have garnered much attention worldwide as promising sources of renewable energy. However, PCs still have not achieved light-to-electricity conversion efficiencies high enough to gain widespread adoption, and scientists are on the lookout for new materials and designs with better performance.

Chemistry news

	Study demonstrates potency of synthetic antibiotic against serious chronic infections A new synthetic antibiotic developed by University of Liverpool researchers is shown to be more effective than established drugs against "superbugs" such as MRSA, a new study shows.
	Developments in dual-atom catalysts make renewable energy sources more efficient The rapidly developing field of green energy constantly seeks improvements, and recent advances in dual-atom catalysts hold the potential to revolutionize energy conversion technologies.
	Computational method discovers hundreds of new ceramics for extreme environments If you have a deep-seated, nagging worry over dropping your phone in molten lava, you're in luck. A research team led by materials scientists at Duke University has developed a method for rapidly discovering a new class of materials with heat and electronic tolerances so rugged that they could enable devices to function at lava-like temperatures above several thousands of degrees Fahrenheit.
	In a world run by catalysts, why is optimizing them still so tough? We depend on catalysts to turn our milk into yogurt, to produce Post-It notes from paper pulp, and to unlock renewable energy sources like biofuels. Finding optimal catalyst materials for specific reactions requires laborious experiments and computationally intensive quantum chemistry calculations.
	Greener and feasible production: Enzymatic methods for mono- and diacylglycerol synthesis in the food industry MAGs, predominantly in 1(3)-MAG form, and DAGs, with 1,3-DAGs as the more stable isomer, are crucial in food, cosmetic, and other industries. While MAGs are vital emulsifiers, comprising 75% of global production, DAGs are known as functional cooking oils that can reduce body fat and serum TAGs. However, their natural concentration in oils is low, prompting extensive research into their chemical and environmentally friendly enzymatic production.

Biology news

	'Giant' predator worms more than half a billion years old discovered in North Greenland Fossils of a new group of animal predators have been located in the Early Cambrian Sirius Passet fossil locality in North Greenland. These large worms may be some of the earliest carnivorous animals to have colonized the water column more than 518 million years ago, revealing a past dynasty of predators that scientists didn't know existed.
	What makes urine yellow? Scientists discover the enzyme responsible Researchers at the University of Maryland and National Institutes of Health have identified the microbial enzyme responsible for giving urine its yellow hue, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
	New research shows 'juvenile' T. rex fossils are a distinct species of small tyrannosaur A new analysis of fossils believed to be juveniles of T. rex now shows they were adults of a small tyrannosaur, with narrower jaws, longer legs, and bigger arms than T. rex. The species, Nanotyrannus lancensis, was first named decades ago but later reinterpreted as a young T. rex.
	Pathogenic bacteria use molecular 'shuttle services' to fill their injection apparatus with the right product Disease-causing bacteria of the genus Salmonella or Yersinia can use tiny injection apparatuses to inject harmful proteins into host cells, much to the discomfort of the infected person. However, it is not only with a view to controlling disease that researchers are investigating the injection mechanism of these so-called type III secretion systems also known as "injectisomes."
	Researchers release initial dataset for protist genomes project Protists, single-celled eukaryotic organisms encompassing unicellular algae and protozoans, inhabit aquatic environments. Functioning as primary producers and oxygen generators, they play crucial roles in the carbon cycle and serve as vital sources of human nutrition, bioenergy, and food for aquatic animals. However, they can also pose challenges, causing harmful algal blooms and red tides, acting as both pathogens and beneficial partners in symbiotic relationships.
	Genetic variants underlying male bisexual behavior, risk-taking linked to more children, study suggests Because same-sex sexual behavior does not result in offspring, evolutionary biologists have long wondered how the genes associated with this behavior have persisted in the human genome, and whether they will remain in the future.
	Early primates likely lived in pairs, research suggests Primate social organization is more flexible than previously assumed. According to a new study led by University of Zurich, the first primates probably lived in pairs, while only around 15% of individuals were solitary.
	Microbial awakening restructures high-latitude food webs as permafrost thaws Alaska is on the front lines of climate change, experiencing some of the fastest rates of warming of any place in the world. And when temperatures rise in the state's interior—a vast high-latitude region spanning 113 million acres—permafrost there not only thaws, releasing significant amounts of its stored carbon back into the atmosphere where it further accelerates rising temperatures, but also decays.
	Cracking the secrets of virus 'uncoating' may help fight infections Influenza and other viruses pack their genetic material into a protein shell, which must be disassembled for the viruses to efficiently replicate. But how viruses "uncoat" their genes remains largely unknown. Now, Friedrich Miescher Institute researchers have identified crucial features of this uncoating process—work that may inform the development of new antiviral treatments.
	How cells accurately assemble complex machinery Proteins are the workhorses of the cell, carrying out functions to keep everything running smoothly. Some proteins work on their own, but in other cases many proteins assemble together to create a complex machine. These proteins are able to do more working cooperatively than they could alone, the same way a single motor is powerful but not nearly as useful as a motor combined with other parts to make a car.
	Evolution is not as random as previously thought, finds new study A new study has found that evolution is not as unpredictable as previously thought, which could allow scientists to explore which genes could be useful to tackle real-world issues such as antibiotic resistance, disease, and climate change.
	Chicken whisperers: Humans crack the clucking code A University of Queensland-led study has found humans can tell if chickens are excited or displeased, just by the sound of their clucks.
	One's trash is another's treasure: How landfills support Andean condors The largest landfill in Chile, Loma Los Colorados, hosts the largest known aggregation of Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) at a single site. That's according to a new study published in the Journal of Raptor Research, which highlights several insights from their 17-year-long study of the site.
	Scientists reveal the inner workings of an essential protein trafficking complex Like mail carriers who manage to deliver their parcels through snow, rain, heat and gloom, a critical group of mammalian proteins helps cells function properly even under less-than-ideal conditions.
	Male southern elephant seals are picky eaters, study suggests As one of the top predators roaming Antarctica, the sizeable southern elephant seal has its fair selection of the menu. But it turns out they don't just want to eat anything and everything.
	Exposure to cigarette smoke found to increase cancer risk in dogs Dogs are humans' best friends. Need to quickly locate a bomb? There's a dog for that. Can't see very well? There's a dog for that. Searching for a lost hiker in the mountains or survivors in an earthquake, diagnosing illness, comforting the bereft—there are dogs for every need.
	Researchers improve seed nitrogen content by reducing plant chlorophyll levels Chlorophyll plays a pivotal role in photosynthesis, which is why plants have evolved to have high chlorophyll levels in their leaves. However, making this pigment is expensive because plants invest a significant portion of the available nitrogen in both chlorophyll and the special proteins that bind it.
	Laser scarecrows could offer a sustainable solution for protecting crops from birds Damage to crops caused by birds costs millions of dollars each year. Now, researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Rhode Island in the US are investigating the effectiveness of laser scarecrows—a high-tech solution using light to deter birds.
	Nematode proteins shed light on infertility In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, University of Utah (the U) biologists have developed a method for illuminating the intricate interactions of the synaptonemal complex in the nematode C. elegans.
	Study uncovers the synchrony connecting kelp forests to the beach The Santa Barbara Channel's kelp forests and its sandy beaches are intimately connected. Giant kelp, the foundation species of rocky reefs, serves as a major part of the beach food web as fronds of the giant seaweed break away from the forest and are transported to the beach. But the relationship goes deeper.
	Scientists sequence full genome of sea cucumber inhabiting hydrothermal vent Hydrothermal vents are an unlikely environment for animals to flourish, characterized by rapid changes in temperature and a challenging chemistry: acidic pH, rich in sulfur and methane. Not to mention the high hydrostatic pressure and the darkness of the deep sea.
	Research finds climate-dependent dispersal limitation plays an important role in mountain soil microbiome Microbial communities are highly diverse, yet the mechanisms underlying microbial community assembly are not well understood. In 1967, Daniel Janzen hypothesized that low climatic variability along elevational gradients results in greater constraints on animal migration and plant dispersal for tropical taxa compared to temperate taxa.
	Research shows advisability of replanting conifer forests sooner rather than later after wildfires Warmer and drier climate conditions in western U.S. forests are making it less likely that trees can regenerate after wildfires. Scientists at The University of New Mexico are experimenting and learning about reforestation and the challenges presented by environmental factors in the semi-arid southwestern United States where planted conifer seedling survival is typically low after a wildfire.
	Are catnip and treats like it safe for cats? Here's how they affect their minds and moods Cats kept indoors can live a good life when they get access to a variety of positive experiences. Examples include performing natural behaviors, feeling safe at home and using their full sensory capabilities, including their sense of smell.
	Researchers explore farmers' response to high fertilizer prices In 2022, fertilizer prices reached record high levels due to the Russia-Ukraine war and supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has created a financial strain on farmers as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium—elements found in most synthetic fertilizers—are essential for crop growth and make up a significant portion of a farm's operating cost.
	From dusk to dawn, humans squeeze wildlife into temporal periphery As human densities increase around the world, wildlife species are becoming more nocturnal to compensate. These adaptations allow wildlife to live in human-altered habitats but may result in unseen costs. Researchers at the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences conducted a case study on the conflict between humans and wildlife in East Africa better to understand the impact of human activities on wildlife.
	The avocado debate: A polarizing fruit and its impact on society The avocado has soared to unprecedented heights of popularity, gracing the plates of toast enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals worldwide. But what are the overlooked consequences of our latest food obsession?

Medicine and Health news

	Going dry in January could reduce risk of some types of cancers A large international team of doctors and medical researchers has found evidence that suggests people who stop consuming alcoholic beverages can reduce their risk of developing some types of cancers. In their study, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, the group analyzed the results of multiple prior research efforts to learn more about the impact of alcohol cessation.
	Mouse study shows gut biome plays a role in social anxiety disorder A large team of medical, psychological and social researchers at University College Cork, in Ireland, working with a colleague from University Hospital Frankfurt, in Germany, has found that certain microbes in the gut biome may play a role in social anxiety disorder. In their study reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the group conducted experiments with fecal transplants in mice and tested them for anxiety.
	Newly discovered genetic mutation protects against Parkinson's disease and offers hope for new therapies A previously unidentified genetic mutation in a small protein provides significant protection against Parkinson's disease and offers a new direction for exploring potential treatments, according to a new USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology study.
	Complex, unfamiliar sentences make the brain's language network work harder, study reveals With help from an artificial language network, MIT neuroscientists have discovered what kind of sentences are most likely to fire up the brain's key language processing centers.
	Novel genetic priority score unveiled to enhance target prioritization in drug development Driven by the need for a better way to prioritize targets for drug development, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has led the development of a novel "genetic priority score" (GPS) that will integrate various types of human genetic data into a single easy-to-interpret score.
	Study shows cost of hospital care for COVID-19 patients increased during pandemic The average cost of providing care to hospitalized COVID-19 patients increased five times faster than the rate of medical inflation during the first two years of the pandemic, at least partly because of the application of additional medical technologies over the period, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
	How the brain learns to deal with surprises For children, the world is full of surprises. Adults, on the other hand, are much more difficult to surprise. And there are complex processes behind this apparently straightforward state of affairs. Researchers at the University of Basel have been using mice to decode how reactions to the unexpected develop in the growing brain.
	Study reveals clues to how Eastern equine encephalitis virus invades brain cells An atomic-level investigation of how Eastern equine encephalitis virus binds to a key receptor and gets inside of cells also has enabled the discovery of a decoy molecule that protects against the potentially deadly brain infection, in mice.
	World's first partial heart transplant proves successful in first year The world's first partial heart transplant has achieved what researchers have spent more than a year hoping for—functioning valves and arteries that grow along with the young patient, as hypothesized by the pioneering team behind the procedure at Duke Health.
	Immune cell helps predict skin cancer patients' chances of responding to treatment A type of immune cell can help predict which patients may benefit most from cancer immunotherapies, researchers from King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Trust, and the Francis Crick Institute have found.
	Risk model identifies metastatic cancer patients who may benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used to treat a variety of different cancers. ICIs are antibodies that sensitize the body's own immune system to detect and destroy tumors. However, ICIs are not effective in all patients, and systemic cancer-related inflammation, for example, may influence the efficacy of ICIs.
	Research team establishes framework for improved imaging diagnostics of brain tumors Diffuse gliomas are malignant brain tumors and cannot be optimally examined by conventional imaging using MRI. Amino acid PET can better visualize the activity and spread of gliomas. An international research group (RANO Group) led by MedUni Vienna and LMU Munich has now established the first international criteria for standardized imaging of gliomas using amino acid PET. This groundbreaking work has been published in The Lancet Oncology.
	The 'tripledemic' surge: Study examines impact of flu, RSV and COVID-19 hitting pediatric emergency departments With cases of respiratory illness climbing quickly across the nation, new research from experts at Michigan Medicine offers insight into how respiratory illness surges can negatively impact emergency care for children across a state.
	Scientists show reprogrammed fat cells support tumor growth Mutations of the tumor suppressor p53 not only have a growth-promoting effect on the cancer cells themselves, but also influence the cells in the tumor's microenvironment. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Weizmann Institute in Israel have now shown that p53-mutated mouse breast cancer cells reprogram fat cells. The manipulated fat cells create an inflammatory microenvironment, impairing the immune response against the tumor and thus promoting cancer growth.
	Study finds high-fat diets impair immune, intestinal and brain health A UC Riverside study that could motivate your New Year's resolutions demonstrates that high-fat diets affect genes linked not only to obesity, colon cancer and irritable bowels, but also to the immune system, brain function, and potentially COVID-19 risk.
	Study shows that human beliefs about drugs could have dose-dependent effects on the brain Mount Sinai researchers have shown for the first time that a person's beliefs related to drugs can influence their own brain activity and behavioral responses in a way comparable to the dose-dependent effects of pharmacology.
	Hearing aids may help those with hearing loss live longer, finds analysis Hearing loss affects approximately 40 million American adults, yet only one in 10 people who need hearing aids use them, research shows.
	Researchers identify circulating proteins linked to preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy—which are characterized by high blood pressure with or without organ dysfunction during the second half of pregnancy—carry considerable short- and long-term risks for both the mother and child. Treatment options (other than expedited delivery) remain limited.
	Epilepsy drug shows promise in slowing joint degeneration in osteoarthritis Yale researchers have identified a drug target that may alleviate joint degeneration associated with osteoarthritis, a debilitating condition that afflicts as many as 30 million people in the United States alone, which they report in the journal Nature.
	Shining a light on the hidden damage of mild brain injuries Researchers have created a new brain imaging method that allows mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) to be diagnosed, even when existing imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) don't show any structural abnormalities. The technique involves loading gadolinium, a standard MRI contrast agent, into hydrogel-based micropatches that are attached to immune cells called macrophages.
	Study: Cannabis can make workouts more fun, but it's no performance-enhancer A bit of weed before a workout can boost motivation and make exercise more enjoyable. But if performance is the goal, it may be best to skip that joint.
	Wider access to antivenom in Brazil's Amazon is a worthy investment, study finds Making antivenom more widely available across a network of hospitals and community health centers in Brazil's Amazon region would significantly reduce death and disability from venomous snakebites, a new study has found.
	Q&A: Why are US suicide rates so high? And can more deaths be prevented? Since the turn of the century, US suicide rates have ticked up almost every year. Now, deaths by suicide are at their highest in more than 80 years, according to new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
	French oyster sales clam up as contamination scare spreads When Philippe Le Gal brought his oysters to market this weekend, he expected them to sell quickly. It was, after all, New Year's Eve, a day when the delicacies are a crucial ingredient for champagne-soaked celebrations in French homes and restaurants.
	Scientists solve mystery of how a rare congenital scalp defect forms Children with the condition aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) are born with the absence of skin along the midline of the scalp. Depending on whether mutations are in the KCTD1 or KCTD15 genes, additional characteristics beyond the scalp—such as kidney or heart problems—are also present.
	Knowing how clinicians make real-world decisions about drug-drug interactions can improve patient safety Drug-drug interactions causing adverse effects are common and can cause significant patient harm and even death. A new study is one of the first to examine how clinicians become aware of, and process information about potential interactions and subsequently make their real-world decisions about prescribing. Based on these findings, the research team makes specific recommendations to aid clinician decision-making to improve patient safety.
	Parenting with ADHD: Seven practical tips for success Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often goes undiagnosed in adults—including parents—but it has a significant impact on family life.
	Is cold water bad for you? What about drinking from the hose or tap? The facts behind five water myths We know the importance of staying hydrated, especially in hot weather. But even for something as simple as a drink of water, conflicting advice and urban myths abound.
	Crash diets may work against you, and could have permanent consequences Those trying to kick-start their weight loss or perhaps wanting to lose a few pounds before a big event or holiday may be tempted to try a crash diet. While it's true that in order to lose weight you need to eat fewer calories than your body uses each day, in reality crash diets may actually work against you—and may make weight loss more difficult.
	A brief history of drug-fueled combatants My friend Luke used to drink a pint of beer before a game of rugby. I don't know whether he thought that it might reduce pain or improve performance, but the idea of taking drugs before "going into battle" goes back to the beginning of recorded history.
	Predicting COVID-19 variant waves with AI An AI model can predict which SARS-CoV-2 variants are likely to cause new waves of infection. Current models used to predict the dynamics of viral transmission do not predict variant-specific spread.
	Personalized protocol cuts opioid prescribing after C-section, suggests study A personalized protocol for opioid prescriptions after cesarean delivery reduces the median morphine milligram equivalents prescribed at discharge, according to a study recently published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
	COVID-19 pandemic at a tipping point: Says WHO The pandemic has reached a "transition point," the World Health Organization sais.
	Problem-solving skills training may improve parental psychosocial outcomes For parents of children with chronic health conditions (CHCs), problem-solving skills training (PSST) is associated with improvement in parental, pediatric, and family psychosocial outcomes, according to a review published online Jan. 2 in JAMA Pediatrics.
	Q&A: Are all calories created equal? While a calorie may be a calorie when it comes to the mathematical equation of weight loss, there's more to it. Calories are a unit of energy. The total calories a food or beverage provides depend on the number of grams of carbohydrates, protein, fat and/or alcohol contained. The number of calories, though, does not predict how we'll feel afterward.
	Revolutionary gene therapy may offer new life for patients battling chronic sickle cell disease Lyric Porter wanted her life back. Born with sickle cell disease, she had a fever at age 5 that scarred her lungs and required her to roll an oxygen tank to school. When she was growing up, clogged blood vessels racked her body with stabbing sensations and forced her to be hospitalized again and again.
	Ultrasound can help prevent brain damage in sick newborns and premature babies Ultrasound technology developed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) makes it possible to monitor cerebral blood flow in newborn babies, helping prevent brain damage in premature and sick infants who require surgery.
	States expand health coverage for immigrants as GOP hits Biden over border crossings A growing number of states are opening taxpayer-funded health insurance programs to immigrants, including those living in the U.S. without authorization, even as Republicans assail President Joe Biden over a dramatic increase in illegal crossings of the southern border.
	Q&A from the CEO of the company helping the colorblind enjoy fall foliage hues You have probably seen one of the many viral videos: Someone puts on a pair of normal-looking glasses, and they gasp, or break down in tears. Colorblind, for the first time they are seeing the range of contrasts in the fall foliage, or the true color of a loved one's eyes.
	Is radon linked to health conditions other than lung cancer? Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced when metals like uranium or radium break down in rocks and soil, is a known cause of lung cancer. Now, new research has found exposure to high levels of this indoor air pollutant is associated with an increased risk of another condition in middle-aged to older female participants with ischemic stroke. The study is published in Neurology. Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain and is the most common type of stroke.
	Even in midlife, disrupted sleep tied to memory and thinking problems later on People who have more disrupted sleep in their 30s and 40s may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems a decade later, according to new research published in Neurology. The study does not prove that sleep quality causes cognitive decline. It only shows an association.
	Could artificial sweeteners alter your microbiome? You may think that artificial sweeteners can help you lose some weight, but a new study finds they are no good for your gut's microbiome.
	New clues to origins of lower back pain Some people might be prone to low back pain because of specific cells contained in their spinal disks, a new study suggests.
	Resolve to get a free memory screening in 2024 There are so many New Year's resolutions from which to choose, but an important one could be to schedule a memory screening, experts say.
	A unique patient case inspires research in lipodystrophy syndromes Mallory Mattison is a film student at Western Michigan University, studying in hopes of someday becoming a producer of medical documentaries.
	Ice baths are popular with celebrities, but what are the health benefits, if any—and risks? When it comes to workout cool-downs, some people take the idea seriously by dunking themselves in an ice bath. Celebrities like Kim and Kourtney Kardashian and Drake tried this type of cold water therapy at a luxury wellness club, and you can even buy ice bath tubs for your home.
	Cervical cancer and HPV: What's the connection? January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, which makes this a good time to learn about the connection between HPV and cervical cancer.
	Can artificial intelligence improve musculoskeletal imaging? While musculoskeletal imaging volumes are increasing, there is a relative shortage of subspecialized musculoskeletal radiologists to interpret the studies. Is AI the solution?
	Researchers identify path to prevent cognitive decline after radiation Researchers at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester find that microglia—the brain's immune cells—can trigger cognitive deficits after radiation exposure and may be a key target for preventing these symptoms. These findings, published in the International Journal of Radiation OncologyBiologyBiophysics, build on previous research showing that after radiation exposure microglia damage synapses, the connections between neurons that are important for cognitive behavior and memory.
	Community cancer care linked with poorer outcomes for patients with a common head and neck cancer Care for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related squamous cell cancers of the oropharynx (an area in back of the throat) is shifting toward community cancer centers, but patients treated in this setting may be less likely to survive, according to new research by investigators from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and its Head and Neck Cancer Center.
	Chronic childhood ear infections can delay language development, study finds Ear infections are a common childhood experience, but a new study suggests parents should take these infections seriously to preserve their children's language development. That's because each ear infection can potentially impair hearing with fluid building up behind the eardrum.
	Mobile application helps improve parents' emotional well-being and infants' overall development The arrival of a newborn is a delightful occasion for many parents, but the transition to parenthood can be challenging. Adjusting to new or additional parenting responsibilities often results in increased stress levels and sleep deprivation for both mothers and fathers. This is also exacerbated by the lack of support for the new parents and issues related to the health of the newborn.
	Incidence of pediatric UTI decreased in early pandemic period The incidence of pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI) decreased during the early prepandemic period, with no increase in disease severity, according to a study published online Jan. 3 in JAMA Network Open.
	For black teens, online racial discrimination tied to PTSD symptoms For Black adolescents, individual online racial discrimination is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and these symptoms are associated with suicidal ideation, according to a study published online Jan. 3 in JAMA Psychiatry.
	Older adults with newly diagnosed migraine disorder three times more likely to have motor vehicle crash: Study A new study from researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus finds that older adult drivers who are recently diagnosed with migraines are three times as likely to experience a motor vehicle crash. Older adult drivers who reported having ever had migraines in the past were no more likely to have a motor vehicle crash than those without migraines.
	Mapping of the gene network that regulates glycan clock of aging A new research paper was published in Aging, titled "Mapping of the gene network that regulates glycan clock of aging."
	Pain is a major problem for individuals with traumatic brain injury, researchers say Chronic pain affects approximately 60% of people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), even up to 30 years after injury, according to new research published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.
	Therapeutically harnessing cancer stem cell-derived exosomes A new editorial paper titled "Therapeutically harnessing cancer stem cell-derived exosomes" has been published in Oncotarget.
	Cardiologists publish case series study on heart valve procedure Findings from a published case series research letter by the Henry Ford Health Structural Heart Disease team show that severe mitral stenosis, due to a build-up of calcium deposits in the mitral valve common in elderly patients, can be safely and successfully treated using Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)-enabled percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. However, larger prospective studies in high-risk population are needed to confirm the findings.
	Research reveals promising approach to enhance treatment for sleep apnea-related issues A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine provides new insights into the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its associated health impacts.
	Fitness with no age limit: Program helps older adults exercise in group settings For nearly 20 years, Stephen Ball has been a man on a mission: helping older Missourians stay healthy and get stronger through physical activity.
	Tips for being realistic with New Year's health resolutions Getting in better shape is consistently one of the most common New Year's resolutions people make each year, but many have a hard time following through. Dani Johnson, a wellness physical therapist with the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, offers tips to make it easier to stick to a resolution to get in shape.
	How a diet designed by Australia's national science agency measures up after ten years Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, is celebrating a decade of reducing the population's waistline through its scientifically backed program, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet online.

Other Sciences news

	Survival of the fittest: Words like 'sex' and 'fight' are most likely to stand the test of time New research from the University of Warwick reveals that words like "sex" endure in our language in a "survival of the fittest" way, similar to natural selection.
	How big data transforms the insurance sector In 2022, the insurance industry made a whopping USD 6 trillion globally—more than the entire economy of big countries like Japan and Germany. A recent study, published in The Journal of Finance and Data Science, looked at how technology, especially big data, is shaking things up in insurance.
	Language-related misunderstanding at work: What it is, why it occurs and what organizations can do about it Language is the foundation of human interaction. It plays a central role in facilitating effective communication by allowing people to express their thoughts, share essential information and establish connections with one another.
	How effective is fear as a teaching tool? How and what do we learn when we are scared? Many of us remember vividly being yelled at or feeling threatened by a family member, a teacher, or a boss.
	Dating someone with a different mother tongue? Learning each other's language will enrich your relationship Are you in a relationship with someone who grew up speaking a different language to you? Perhaps you're dating, and wondering about your long-term future. You're far from alone.
	New England stone walls deserve a science of their own The abandoned fieldstone walls of New England are every bit as iconic to the region as lobster pots, town greens, sap buckets and fall foliage. They seem to be everywhere—a latticework of dry, lichen-crusted stone ridges separating a patchwork of otherwise moist soils.
	Women from low socio-economic backgrounds see themselves as less talented, finds study Women from low socio-economic backgrounds consider themselves to be less talented than all other groups—even if they show the same performance levels. This misconception contributes to the pronounced disadvantage in domains such as STEM subjects, where talent is seen as an important success factor.
	When newspapers close, nonprofit executive salaries go up. Way up Local newspapers are key to keeping residents informed about civic affairs, and the threat of negative media coverage keeps nonprofit leadership salaries in check, according to new University at Buffalo School of Management research.
	Job ads with wide pay ranges can deter applicants As more states require employers to list compensation on job ads, a trending strategy to use very wide pay ranges could potentially harm recruitment, according to a Washington State University study.
	Chance find fulfills 110-year mission to give ancient Nubians a voice A biomedical Egyptologist from The University of Manchester has fulfilled the mission of an illustrious Manchester anatomist from 1910, having by chance found his unique anatomical record of how ancient Nubians lived—and died—in Southern Egypt.

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