Science X Newsletter Wed, Jan 31

Dear ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 31, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Exploring the impact of grid-connected hydrogen production on carbon emissions

Neanderthals and humans lived side by side in Northern Europe 45,000 years ago, genetic analysis finds

Researchers investigate the nature of a recently discovered very-high-energy source

Is hypnotizability related to risk-taking behavior?

Scientists pinpoint growth of brain's cerebellum as key to evolution of bird flight

Astronomers in Chile to scour universe with car-sized mega camera

Australia scientists pluck rare handfish from ocean due to climate risk

New treatment shows promise against fatal neurological disease: Study

Brain changes behind pain sensitivity may affect older women more

Researchers engineer viruses to kill deadly pathogens

Decarbonizing the world's industries is technically possible, say experts

Risk calculator helps personalize care for heart failure patients

Study finds 1 in 10 veterans diagnosed with dementia may instead have cognitive decline from cirrhosis

Surgeons' choice of skin disinfectant impacts infection risk, Canadian-American study shows

Scientists launch ambitious roadmap for circular carbon plastics economy

Nanotechnology news

	Machine learning guides carbon nanotechnology Carbon nanostructures could become easier to design and synthesize thanks to a machine learning method that predicts how they grow on metal surfaces. The new approach, developed by researchers at Japan's Tohoku University and China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University, will make it easier to exploit the unique chemical versatility of carbon nanotechnology. The method was published in the journal Nature Communications.
	Scientists develop antiviral color nanocoating technology Since the onset of COVID-19, we've become accustomed to seeing antiviral films attached to elevator buttons and public transportation handles. However, conventional antiviral films are made by mixing antiviral metal particles with polymers. Due to the manufacturing process, only a very small fraction of these metal particles is exposed on the surface. As a result, contrary to the belief that these films will protect us from viruses, the actual antiviral effect upon contact with the film surface is not significant.
	How to make bright quantum dots even brighter Quantum dots are a kind of artificial atom: just a few nanometers in size and made of semiconductor materials, they can emit light of a specific color or even single photons, which is important for quantum technologies. The discoverers and pioneers of the commercial production of quantum dots were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2023.
	A new way to visualize brain cancer at the nanoscale level Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled unprecedentedly detailed images of brain cancer tissue through the use of a new microscopy technology called decrowding expansion pathology (dExPath).Their findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, provide novel insights into brain cancer development, with potential implications for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of aggressive neurological diseases.
	Novel time-resolved atomic force microscopy technique captures ultrafast light-induced phenomena Despite remarkable progress in science and technology, rapid advancements have exposed limitations in many technological domains. A pressing challenge in semiconductor devices, which underpin ultrahigh-speed communications and artificial intelligence (AI), is the development of high-performance devices with a basic structure of 2 nanometers (nm).

Physics news

	Research team demonstrates robust light propagation in open systems Physicists from the University of Rostock, the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, the Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg and the Indiana University Indianapolis (IUPUI) have shown for the first time that light can propagate without any loss in systems that interact with their environment. Previously, it was assumed that such open systems inevitably would exhibit exponential amplification or damping of light and thus lead to the instability of the system.
	Researchers apply no-core Gamow shell model to investigate first excited state of α particle The α particle, also known as helium-4, consists of two protons and two neutrons. Although it is one of the most extensively studied atomic nuclei, the precise nature of its excited states remains unclear.
	Team shows how uranium ditelluride continues superconducting even in high magnetic fields Superconductivity is well understood in so-called "conventional" superconductors. More recent, however, are unconventional superconductors, and it is as yet unclear how they work.
	Physicists develop novel concept for detecting chiral molecules In contrast to conventional mirrors, light can be reflected on surfaces known as metasurfaces without changing its polarization. This phenomenon has now been proven by physicists at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL). The discovery enables circulating light to be used to reliably detect chiral molecules.
	Researchers discover new ways to excite spin waves with extreme infrared light As demands for computing resources continue to increase rapidly, scientists and engineers are looking for ways to build faster systems for processing information. One possible solution is to use patterns of electron spins, called spin waves, to transfer and process information much more rapidly than in conventional computers. So far, a major challenge has been in manipulating these ultrafast spin waves to do useful work.
	Will electric fields lead the way in developing semiconductors with high power efficiency? In the realm of material science, the phenomena of polarization and polarity have conventionally been associated with insulators. However, envision a scenario where these characteristics could be induced in metals, potentially mitigating power losses attributed to semiconductors and extending the lifespan of batteries integrated into electronic devices.
	New research shows how light propagates in integrated circuits on chips The field of photonic integrated circuits focuses on the miniaturization of photonic elements and their integration in photonic chips—circuits that carry out a range of calculations using photons, rather than electrons as are used in electronic circuits.
	First tetratomic supermolecules realized at nanokelvin temperatures A team of experimentalists at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and theorists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has succeeded for the first time in populating and stabilizing a new type of molecule, so-called field-linked tetratomic molecules. These "supermolecules" are so fragile that they can only exist at ultracold temperatures. Their existence had long been suspected but has never been demonstrated experimentally—until now.
	A new wavelength of scientific exploration with single-photon detectors From the minuscule bindings of molecules to the far reaches of space, we're exploring the universe around us by catching sight of the smallest particles of light.
	When dissipative solitons vanish, breathing dynamics occur: Study Solitons are quasiparticles that propagate along a non-dissipative wave. Put another way, they are waveforms that hold their shape as they move—like a single wave moving across the surface of a pond. They can also show particle-like behavior, such as collision, attraction, and repulsion.

Earth news

	Scientists launch ambitious roadmap for circular carbon plastics economy Researchers from the Oxford Martin Program on the Future of Plastics, University of Oxford, have outlined ambitious targets to help deliver a sustainable and net zero plastic economy. In a paper published in Nature, the authors argue for a rethinking of the technical, economic, and policy paradigms that have entrenched the status-quo, one of rising carbon emissions and uncontrolled pollution.
	New study reports that Greenland is a methane sink rather than a source Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have concluded that the methane uptake in dry landscapes exceeds methane emissions from wet areas across the ice-free part of Greenland. The results of the new study contribute important knowledge to climate models. The researchers are now investigating whether the same finding applies to other polar regions.
	Space lasers have unearthed plethora of climate data over the years A team of scientists has sifted through two decades' worth of climate data collected by NASA laser pulses, and say it both paints a sobering picture and underscores the need for such missions to continue.
	Researchers decode key airflow pattern impacting global climate The Hadley circulation is a key atmospheric circulation pattern in the tropics. It helps even out the temperature between the equator and the poles by moving energy and momentum toward higher latitudes. However, recent studies indicate that the Hadley circulation cells have expanded toward the poles in the 21st century, increasing by several degrees each year. This expansion can have a substantial impact on the global weather and climate, resulting in adverse events like heat waves, droughts, and tropical cyclones
	Death toll shows extreme air pollution events are a growing urban threat New Curtin University-led research has estimated that 1,454 avoidable deaths (one person every five days) occurred in Australian capital cities in the past 20 years because of fine particle air pollution from extreme events such as bushfires and dust storms, wood-heater smoke or industrial accidents.
	Scientists reveal how tar particles from wildfire smoke absorb and refract solar radiation, light in atmosphere Days after a wildfire, a type of smoke can linger in the atmosphere that contains tiny, brown, light-absorbing particles known as tar balls. These particles are believed to have a significant impact on Earth's radiative balance, and as a result, a role in both the warming and cooling of the atmosphere.
	Researchers uncover source rocks of the first real continents Geoscientists have uncovered a missing link in the enigmatic story of how the continents developed—a revised origin story that doesn't require the start of plate tectonics or any external factor to explain their formation. Instead, the findings published last week in Nature Communications rely solely on internal geological forces that occurred within oceanic plateaus that formed during the first few hundred million years of Earth's history.
	Trees struggle to 'breathe' as climate warms, researchers find Trees are struggling to sequester heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) in warmer, drier climates, meaning that they may no longer serve as a solution for offsetting humanity's carbon footprint as the planet continues to warm, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.
	New Zealand to ban 'forever chemicals' in make-up New Zealand is set to become one of the first countries to ban harmful "forever chemicals" from cosmetic products, environment watchdogs said Wednesday.
	Medicinal drugs pollute the St. Lawrence River, presenting possible risk to aquatic organisms: Study A new study shows troubling levels of pharmaceutical pollution in the St. Lawrence River and its largest tributaries, especially near and downstream of urban areas. Some of the compounds detected even pose a moderate-to-high risk to aquatic organisms when there's chronic exposure.
	Q&A: What is an atmospheric river? Hydrologist explains the good and bad of these flood-prone storms A series of atmospheric rivers is bringing the threat of heavy downpours, flooding, mudslides and avalanches to the Pacific Northwest and California this week.
	Climate change: University researchers feel powerless to take action, says survey University researchers in the UK, across all disciplines and at all career stages, are struggling to take action against climate change despite wanting to do so.
	Using artificial intelligence, better pollution predictions are in the air Fueled by increasing temperatures and droughts, severe wildfires are on the rise around the world—as are the smoke-borne contaminants that harm the environment and human health. In 2023, Canada recorded its worst wildfire season ever, with fires releasing more than 290 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere. California also experienced record-setting fire seasons in 2020 and 2021.
	Unprecedented ocean heating shows risks of world 3C warmer Record-high ocean temperatures observed in 2023 could become the norm if the world moved into a climate that is 3°C warmer than pre-industrial levels, according to a new study.
	Researchers report on recent drought in the eastern Hungarian plains Intensive agricultural cultivation and the resulting changes in soil structure cause low humidity in the near-surface air during heat waves in really dry years. As a result, summer cold fronts roar across the Great Hungarian Plain without the usual thunderstorms and precipitation.
	How a 'turn it off' approach to energy conservation could benefit Canada, and the planet The challenge for climate change communicators a couple of decades ago was conveying what the research was showing: that the burning of fossil fuels was altering the planet's climate. That communication played a vital role in facilitating the current widespread understanding that the climate is changing and it is a crisis.
	Oil firms forced to consider full climate effects of new drilling, following landmark Norwegian court ruling Norway's district court in Oslo recently made a decision on fossil fuels that deserves the attention of every person concerned about climate change.
	'Seismic shift' to crowdsourced geospatial data presents promising, complex opportunities The concept of geospatial data, or information related to locations on Earth's surface, has evolved. With the advent of widely available internet and smartphones, directions that were once only available on a paper map are now updated on your phone in real time to account for traffic. That evolution was, and will continue to be, driven by how the data is gathered, according to an international research collaboration representing 18 institutions in four countries.
	High-tech aerial mapping reveals England's hedgerow landscape Scientists have harnessed cutting-edge technology to produce the most comprehensive map of hedgerows across the length and breadth of England. The researchers at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) hope this innovative mapping will guide planting and restoration of these vulnerable habitats to support wildlife and mitigate climate change.
	Underwater unmanned vehicle missing under Doomsday Glacier The unmanned underwater vehicle Ran has gone missing under a glacier in Antarctica. The vehicle, owned by the University of Gothenburg, is one of just three in the world that is used for research and has contributed to important knowledge about the so-called Doomsday Glacier.

Astronomy and Space news

	Researchers investigate the nature of a recently discovered very-high-energy source Using XMM-Newton, Chandra and NuSTAR space telescopes, an international team of astronomers has explored the nature of a recently-detected very-high-energy source designated 2FHL J1745.1–3035. Results of the study, published Jan. 24 on the pre-print server arXiv, suggested that the source may be a pulsar wind nebula.
	Astronomers in Chile to scour universe with car-sized mega camera Surrounded by the desert mountains and clear blue sky of northern Chile, astronomers from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory hope to revolutionize the study of the universe by affixing the world's largest-ever digital camera to a telescope.
	From moon 'dust' to moon 'soil': Graduate student grows chickpeas in amended moondust A love for space exploration led Jessica Atkin, a Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences graduate student in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, to produce the first-ever moondust-grown chickpeas.
	Bright galaxies put dark matter to the test For the past year and a half, the James Webb Space Telescope has delivered astonishing images of distant galaxies formed not long after the Big Bang, giving scientists their first glimpses of the infant universe. Now, a group of astrophysicists has upped the ante: Find the tiniest, brightest galaxies near the beginning of time itself, or scientists will have to totally rethink their theories about dark matter.
	First eROSITA sky-survey data release makes public the largest ever catalog of high-energy cosmic sources The German eROSITA consortium has released the data for its share of the first all-sky survey by the soft X-ray imaging telescope flying aboard the Spectrum-RG (SRG) satellite. With about 900,000 distinct sources, the first eROSITA All-Sky Survey (eRASS1) has yielded the largest X-ray catalog ever published. The work is published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.
	NASA's fission surface power project energizes lunar exploration NASA is wrapping up the initial phase of its Fission Surface Power Project, which focused on developing concept designs for a small, electricity-generating nuclear fission reactor that could be used during a future demonstration on the moon and to inform future designs for Mars.
	Hubble observes galaxy NGC 5427 The galaxy NGC 5427 shines in this new NASA Hubble Space Telescope image. It's part of the galaxy pair Arp 271, and its companion NGC 5426 is located below this galaxy and outside of this image's frame. However, the effects of the pair's gravitational attraction is visible in the galactic distortion and cosmic bridge of stars seen in the lower-right region of the image.
	NASA puts next-gen exoplanet-imaging technology to the test A cutting-edge tool to view planets outside our solar system has passed two key tests ahead of its launch as part of the agency's Roman Space Telescope by 2027.
	The hottest catalog of the year: the most comprehensive list of slow-building solar flares yet Solar flares occur when magnetic energy builds up in the sun's atmosphere and is released as electromagnetic radiation. Lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, flares usually reach temperatures around 10 million degrees Kelvin. Because of their intense electromagnetic energy, solar flares can cause disruptions in radio communications, Earth-orbiting satellites and even result in blackouts.
	A magnetohydrodynamic drive could lead to fuel stations on Mars Within the next 15 years, NASA, China, and SpaceX plan to send the first crewed missions to Mars. In all three cases, these missions are meant to culminate in the creation of surface habitats that will allow for many returns and—quite possibly—permanent human settlements. This presents numerous challenges, one of the greatest of which is the need for plenty of breathable air and propellant. Both can be manufactured through electrolysis, where electromagnetic fields are applied to water (H2O) to create oxygen gas (O2) and liquid hydrogen (LH2).
	Webb directly images two planets orbiting white dwarfs In several billion years, our sun will become a white dwarf. What will happen to Jupiter and Saturn when the sun transitions to become a stellar remnant? Life could go on, though the giant planets will likely drift further away from the sun.

Technology news

	Exploring the impact of grid-connected hydrogen production on carbon emissions Countries worldwide have been introducing new policies aimed at mitigating climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Many of these interventions focus on deploying more sustainable systems to supply electricity on a large scale and introducing new technologies powered by electric power, such as electric vehicles and electrolyzers (i.e., electrically powered devices that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen atoms).
	Decarbonizing the world's industries is technically possible, say experts Harmful emissions from the industrial sector could be reduced by up to 85% across the world, according to new research. The sector, which includes iron and steel, chemicals, cement, and food and drink, emits around a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—planet-warming gases that result in climate change and extreme weather.
	Lifelong learning will power next generation of autonomous devices Look up "lifelong learning" online, and you'll find a laundry list of apps to teach you how to quilt, play chess or even speak a new language. Within the emerging fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous devices, however, "lifelong learning" means something different—and it is a bit more complex. It refers to the ability of a device to continuously operate, interact with and learn from its environment—on its own and in real time.
	Microsoft profit soars 33% on AI, cloud-computing investments Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday that its profit for the October-December quarter soared 33%, powered by its significant investments in artificial intelligence technology. The company said that increase largely reflected growth in its cloud-computing unit, where Microsoft focuses most of its AI investments.
	China overtakes Japan as world's biggest vehicle exporter China's global dominance in electric cars helped it overtake Japan as the world's biggest vehicle exporter last year, official data confirmed Wednesday.
	Germany's mine-to-motor lithium supply chain takes shape Once a byword for environmental disaster due to its heavy industry and mining, the city of Bitterfeld-Wolfen is poised to become a key site for Germany's ambitious green transition.
	Samsung reports sharp drop in operating profits Samsung Electronics on Wednesday reported a 34.57 percent drop in operating profits for the fourth quarter of 2023, as the company struggles with weak demand for consumer devices.
	Microsoft, Google ride AI wave as revenues surge Microsoft and Google delivered solid corporate earnings on Tuesday as the tech giants said demand for artificial intelligence services stoked revenue.
	Google says AI helped it beat profit expectations Google parent Alphabet on Tuesday credited artificial intelligence with helping boost profits in the final quarter of last year.
	Here's why you may still experience spotty cell service Many consumers, telecommunications experts, and even reporters nationwide who have been the questions: Why is my cell service still so bad in 2024? And is it getting worse, or am I just noticing it more?
	Humanoid robot startup Figure AI in funding talks with Microsoft, OpenAI Figure AI Inc., a startup developing humanlike robots, is in talks to raise as much as $500 million in a funding round led by Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
	What you actually need to know about wintertime driving with an electric vehicle As a big winter storm rolled across the United States in mid-January, many news outlets reported on drivers of electric vehicles dealing with dramatically reduced range and multi-hour waits at public charging stations. It's true that driving an EV in freezing weather poses extra challenges compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle. But it's also possible to employ techniques that can make EV winter driving less challenging. The car experts at Edmunds report on what you can do.
	Netherlands fines Uber over data protection Dutch regulators on Wednesday imposed a 10 million euro ($10.8 million) fine on ride-hailing app Uber for lack of transparency in treating the personal data of its drivers.
	Boeing CEO says company focused on safety, won't discuss financial targets Boeing will refrain from commenting on its long-term financial outlook while it focuses on quality control after a near-catastrophic 737 MAX flight earlier this month, the company's CEO said Wednesday.
	Key LiDAR sensor elements for autonomous vehicles made with Korean technology LiDAR sensors are indispensable for the realization of advanced technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving, and AR/VR. In particular, short- and mid-range LiDAR used in AR/VR devices and smartphones requires better distance (depth) resolution to detect the shape of a person or object more accurately, and so a single-photon detector with better timing jitter performance is required.
	Crash tests indicate nation's guardrail system can't handle heavy electric vehicles Electric vehicles that typically weigh more than gasoline-powered cars can easily crash through steel highway guardrails that are not designed to withstand the extra force, raising concerns about the nation's roadside safety system, according to crash test data released Wednesday by the University of Nebraska.
	Why AI can't replace air traffic controllers After hours of routine operations, an air traffic controller gets a radio call from a small aircraft whose cockpit indicators can't confirm that the plane's landing gear is extended for landing. The controller arranges for the pilot to fly low by the tower so the controller can visually check the plane's landing gear. All appears well. "It looks like your gear is down," the controller tells the pilot.
	AI companies are merging or collaborating to even out gap in access to vital datasets Some recent mergers, acquisitions and investments in the business world have highlighted the strategic value of data to companies. These businesses are not just buying assets or market share—they are also acquiring or investing in large, complementary datasets. This process is known in the business world as horizontal integration.
	Teens on social media need both protection and privacy. AI could help get the balance right Meta announced on Jan. 9, 2024, that it will protect teen users by blocking them from viewing content on Instagram and Facebook that the company deems to be harmful, including content related to suicide and eating disorders. The move comes as federal and state governments have increased pressure on social media companies to provide safety measures for teens.
	Research team launches first-of-its-kind mini AI model with three trillion-token punch It's called TinyLlama and it's taken the research world by storm because of how much power it packs.
	Bringing together real-world sensors and VR to improve building maintenance A new system that brings together real-world sensing and virtual reality would make it easier for building maintenance personnel to identify and fix issues in commercial buildings that are in operation. The system was developed by computer scientists at the University of California San Diego and Carnegie Mellon University.
	NASA search and rescue technology saves explorers, enables exploration In 2023, NASA-developed search and rescue technologies aided first responders in locating and saving 350 lives in the United States. Now, NASA is incorporating that same technology in astronaut missions.
	Perspective paper explores the debate over sentient machines A researcher from the New Jersey Institute of Technology has published a perspective paper that examines sentience and its application to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Sentience describes the ability to sense and feel, drawing its meaning from the Latin word sentire which means "to feel." The paper addresses a set of ideological commitments at stake in debates over sentient machines. The author proposes that artificial sentience is both necessary and impossible.
	New strategies for restructuring lithium-ion batteries Lithium-ion batteries have been pivotal in powering modern technology, from mobile devices to electric vehicles. As demand for higher performance batteries grows, the focus has shifted from merely optimizing battery materials to rethinking the entire cell design and architecture.
	Proposed system shows how IoT could reduce household energy costs Mathematicians from RUDN University have proposed a system that helps to use energy more efficiently. It is based on the Internet of Things and the digital twin of the household. The neural network optimally distributes tasks and decides how to divide energy between devices. The study is published in Sensors.
	Research team presents design and technology details for space solar-powered satellite A space solar-powered satellite (SSPS) is a tremendous energy system that collects and converts solar power to electric power in space, and then transmits the electric power to Earth, spacecraft, or moving targets via microwave. It is regarded as one of the most potential ways to solve the problem of energy crisis.
	The use of biofuels may reduce black smoke emissions of cars by 90% The University of Malaga (UMA) has participated in an international study with the Future Power Systems Group of the University of Birmingham (UK) that investigates how to reduce pollutant emissions from vehicles without affecting engine performance.
	Researchers overview recent progress and challenges in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries Research in recent years displays that several chemical modifications (binders, composite materials, and electrolytes) provide superior stability and enhance electrochemical performance in Si-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Thus far, several different chemical interactions on structural alterations to Si-based anode materials have been tried to enhance Li+ kinetics, structural stability, and volume development control throughout the delithiation/lithiation process.
	Matching energy supply and demand in buildings As power grids evolve to incorporate new variable renewable energy sources and adapt to growing peak electricity demands, balancing the grid—scheduling appropriate electricity supply to match demand—will become increasingly challenging.
	Engineers develop hack to make automotive radar hallucinate A black sedan cruises silently down a quiet suburban road, driver humming Christmas carols quietly while the car's autopilot handles the driving. Suddenly, red flashing lights and audible warnings blare to life, snapping the driver from their peaceful reprieve. They look at the dashboard screen and see the outline of a car speeding toward them for a head-on collision, yet the headlights reveal nothing ahead through the windshield.
	Universal Music warns it will pull songs from TikTok Universal Music Group warned Tuesday that it would pull its songs, which include those by Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, from TikTok after a breakdown in talks over issues such as the compensation of artists.
	US judge voids Elon Musk's $56 billion Tesla compensation A judge in the US state of Delaware voided the $56 billion compensation package of Tesla chief executive Elon Musk on Tuesday, siding with a shareholder who claimed the entrepreneur was overpaid.
	US lawmakers win apology from Zuckerberg in tech grilling Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg gave a public apology in US Congress on Wednesday as hostile lawmakers grilled tech chiefs over the dangers that children face on social media platforms.
	Bringing supercomputers and experiments together to accelerate discoveries The seamless integration of DOE's large-scale experimental facilities and powerful computing resources will help researchers keep pace with the ever-increasing influx of scientific data.
	Waiting out Bukele's 'Bitcoin City' on a Salvadoran beach When President Nayib Bukele announced plans to create the world's first "Bitcoin City," a futuristic metropolis financed by cryptocurrency bonds, American Corbin Keegan packed up his life in Chicago and headed for El Salvador.
	The evolution of GPS: What to expect from global navigation satellite systems in the next 50 years More robust and more accurate positioning systems are needed to meet the demands of the global economy—and Australia is set to enjoy the benefits of its very own system.
	Surgical robot developed at Nebraska launches into space A surgeon's hands could stretch 250 miles above Earth, should an upcoming test of a miniaturized surgical robot aboard the International Space Station prove successful.
	Fairly sharing the pains and the gains of energy systems Our energy systems are characterized by two important injustices. First of all, not all people have the same degree of access to these systems (and their advantages). Secondly, the negative consequences of the systems—particularly climate change—are distributed unfairly. TU/e researcher Natascha van Bommel investigated how the current energy transitions can be used to mitigate these injustices.

Chemistry news

	Scientists find a close-loop recycling process for one of the most widely used plastics A pioneering development enables the targeted replication of the chemical structure of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a plastic that has been difficult to imitate until now, and shows great potential for sustainable alternatives in the plastics industry.
	A new nose-like sensor sniffs out toxic ammonia gas Engineers in Australia have developed a small ammonia gas sensor that could enable safer hydrogen storage and specialized medical diagnostic devices.
	Enhancing solid-state phosphorescence in π-electronic molecules Photoluminescent molecules, capable of absorbing and re-emitting light, play an important role in the development of technologies such as light-emitting diodes, sensors, and displays. Among them, ordered arrangements of π-electronic molecules such as crystals of organoplatinum(II) complexes, where a platinum(II) ion is coordinated by organic ligands in a square-planar arrangement, stand out for their applications in energy-efficient flexible displays.
	Green methanol for the circular economy: Researchers develop new catalyst Researchers hope to produce the raw material methanol at the edge of a field or on the farm using renewable energy. In addition to wind or sun, water and CO2 would be needed to produce the raw materials for the green methanol process: carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2), which react catalytically to form methanol.
	Anchoring single Co sites on bipyridine-based covalent triazine frameworks for photocatalytic oxygen evolution Photocatalytic water splitting using semiconductors is regarded as a promising technique for producing hydrogen fuel from solar energy. The oxygen evolution half reaction has proven to be the bottleneck for photocatalytic overall water splitting owing to the high energy barrier and the sluggish kinetics. It is a big challenge to develop efficient photocatalysts for the advancement of water oxidation.

Biology news

	Scientists pinpoint growth of brain's cerebellum as key to evolution of bird flight Evolutionary biologists at Johns Hopkins Medicine report they have combined PET scans of modern pigeons along with studies of dinosaur fossils to help answer an enduring question in biology: How did the brains of birds evolve to enable them to fly?
	Australia scientists pluck rare handfish from ocean due to climate risk Scientists have collected 25 extremely rare red handfish from the ocean off Australia, hoping to protect the struggling species from warming seas, human-caused habitat changes and ravenous urchins.
	Researchers engineer viruses to kill deadly pathogens Northwestern University researchers have successfully coaxed a deadly pathogen to destroy itself from the inside out.
	'Tiny tornadoes' around leaves can spread deadly plant pathogens A new study led by Cornell University is the first to analyze plant spore dispersion at its source, where rain droplets shake flexible leaves to initially disperse pathogens.
	Researcher discovers how to predict movement for animals of all shapes, sizes and speeds A West Virginia University mechanical engineer has developed a way to predict the neuron and muscle patterns controlling locomotion for animals of any size, moving at any speed.
	As sea otters recolonize California estuary, they restore its degraded geology In the several decades since sea otters began to recolonize their former habitat in Elkhorn Slough, a salt marsh-dominated coastal estuary in central California, remarkable changes have occurred in the landscape.
	38% of surveyed Danish dog owners put their dogs on unlicensed cannabinoids In a new study, 38% of dog owners surveyed in Denmark reported giving their pups cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol or CBD. Pernille Holst and colleagues at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on January 31.
	Parrots found to use 'beakiation' to traverse small perches A trio of osteopathic researchers at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine has found that one species of parrot uses its beak in a novel way to traverse small perches. In their project, reported in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the group conducted experiments with rosy-faced lovebirds to learn more about how they use their heads to move around on limbs.
	Nature's DNA traps: Spider webs put new spin on wildlife research Spiders might be silent heroes in helping us understand and keep track of animals, with new Curtin research revealing their webs act like natural traps for tiny bits of environmental DNA (eDNA) from vertebrates, which could change how we learn about wildlife.
	Positive associations revealed as key driver in maintaining soil biodiversity and ecological networks In a study published in PNAS, researchers analyzed 151 ecosystems across six continents, delved into the intricate coexistence network among diverse species including bacteria, fungi, protists, and invertebrates, and for the first time, linked biotic coexistence relationships with global biodiversity maintenance, which offers insights into the understanding of soil biodiversity and its ecological networks.
	Computer-designed proteins allow for tunable hydrogels that can form both inside and outside of cells When researchers want to study how COVID makes us sick, or what diseases such as Alzheimer's do to the body, one approach is to look at what's happening inside individual cells. Researchers sometimes grow the cells in a 3D scaffold called a "hydrogel." This network of proteins or molecules mimics the environment the cells would live in inside the body.
	Study highlights profitability as a key barrier to biodiversity-friendly farming A study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), focused on an intensive grassland-sunflower system in southwest France in order to quantify the ecological, agronomic, and net economic benefits of biodiversity-friendly farming. Such insight is highly needed in the context of experts increasingly advocating for biodiversity-friendly farming, with very little known about its economic profitability for farmers.
	A 365-million-year-old fish with an extreme underbite showcases vertebrate diversity Vertebrates are defined as all animals that possess a vertebral column, or backbone. Most living vertebrates also possess jaws, teeth and paired fins or limbs.
	Sonic restoration: How soundwaves appear to stimulate soil A new study has found fungi respond to noise in soil, unlocking the potential for improved ecosystem recovery.
	Gene expression influences 3D folding of chromosomes by altering structure of the DNA helix, finds study A collaborative study by the UTokyo-KI LINK program, headed by Camilla Björkegren from Karolinska Institutet, Kristian Jeppsson and Katsuhiko Shirahige from The University of Tokyo shows that a protein complex named Smc5/6 binds DNA structures called positive supercoils. These form when the chromosomal DNA double helix folds onto itself due to overtwisting caused by transcription, which is the first step in gene expression.
	New and highly infectious E. coli strain resistant to powerful antibiotics A new type of E. coli that is both highly infectious and resistant to some antibiotics has been discovered.
	Mouse social calls and distress calls are linked to different neurons, new research shows Cornell neuroscientists have identified a group of midbrain neurons essential to social vocalizations produced by mice—but not the squeaks they make when distressed.
	Fungal-rich soil may improve green roof sustainability Green roofs have become increasingly popular thanks to their benefits related to climate adaptation, mitigation, and urban biodiversity management.
	New research brings order to disordered proteins Protein molecules lie at the heart of biology. Our typical understanding of proteins states that each type of protein has a specific three-dimensional shape that enables it to perform its function. This dogma is challenged by intrinsically disordered proteins, which make up one-third of all proteins and have central biological functions even though their shapes are constantly changing.
	Blood cell family trees trace how production changes with aging Blood cells make up the majority of cells in the human body. They perform critical functions and their dysfunction is implicated in many important human diseases, from anemias to blood cancers like leukemia. The many types of blood cells include red blood cells that carry oxygen, platelets that promote clotting, as well as the myriad types of immune cells that protect our bodies from threats such as viruses and bacteria.
	Climate change threatens older elephants most, jeopardizing their future A collaborative team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which runs the world's largest field conservation program, has conducted first-of-its-kind research into how global climate change affects African elephants.
	Microgreens made to order: Scientists tailor iodine and potassium content of radishes, peas, arugula and chard In a significant development for personalized nutrition, researchers in Italy have cultivated microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles to serve individual dietary requirements.
	St. Louis Zoo helps oryx species come back from near-extinction The status of one species has gone from "extinct in the wild" to "endangered," thanks in part to the efforts of the St. Louis Zoo. The scimitar-horned oryx, a member of the antelope family, had stopped existing in its native habitat as of 1991, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. At the time, they only remained in zoos.
	Video: Why we need to preserve maritime forests While collecting cores from oak trees on Fire Island National Park, Nicole Davi, a dendrochronologist who works at the Climate School's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, explains the critical role maritime forests play in protecting our coastal communities from storms. The tree-ring records she builds will help us understand how these ecosystems are responding to climate change.
	What happens when you reintroduce a predator to a conservation area? These quolls were put to the task In the first reintroduction of western quolls to a fenced conservation reserve, researchers from UNSW and Arid Recovery watched closely to measure their impacts on local prey species. While predation by quolls and the impacts of drought caused declines in prey species, quolls did not hunt any species to local extinction.
	Scientists take a close look at Australia's soil profiles Even the most degraded and poor quality soil can be enhanced by improving its smallest components—its fungi, archaea and bacteria microorganisms.
	Why monkeys attack people: A primate expert explains Wildlife tourism thrives on our fascination with animals and primates are particularly attractive animals to tourists. With their human-like faces, complex family dynamics and acrobatic antics, they are a joy to behold.
	Australia once killed 600,000 koalas in a year. Now they're the nation's 'teddy bears.' What changed? Koalas are one of the world's most beloved animal species. They serve as symbols for everything from bushfire destruction to Australian tourism to caramel chocolate bars. These tree-dwelling marsupials get far more attention than many other endangered native species. But Australians haven't always felt this way about our seemingly cuddly teddy-bear lookalikes. Far from it.
	Dog care below freezing: How to keep your pet warm and safe from weather, road salt Time outside with your dog in the spring, summer and fall can be lovely. Visiting your favorite downtown café on a cool spring morning, going to a favorite dog park on a clear summer evening or going on walks along a river when the leaves are changing color are all wonderful when the weather is favorable. But in much of the country, when winter rolls around, previously hospitable conditions can quickly turn chilly and dangerous for people and pups alike.
	Study finds manure control effective in reducing soil antibiotic-resistant bacteria In agroecosystems where manure is applied as organic fertilizer, these antibiotic residues exert strong selective pressure on soil microbial communities. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) from animal manure would increase the concentration of ARB in soils.
	'Jaws' portrayed sharks as monsters 50 years ago, but it also inspired a generation of shark scientists Human fear of sharks has deep roots. Written works and art from the ancient world contain references to sharks preying on sailors as early as the eighth century B.C.E.
	Key management practices to enhance biodiversity in the Western Pyrenees A study in which the FisioKlima-AgroSosT group of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) participated identifies the key management practices needed to generate and maintain biodiversity in the grasslands of the Western Pyrenees of Navarre. The work was carried out in collaboration with the Government of Navarre and the company Gestión Ambiental de Navarra (GAN-NIK).
	Method combines artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to map crop-livestock integration systems Crop-livestock integration (CLI) systems combine the growing of crops in rotation or consortium, especially grain crops such as soybeans, corn and sorghum, and forage plants used to feed cattle and pigs, with the raising of livestock, typically beef cattle. The crops provide most of the cash income, while the livestock has food available during the dry season and facilitates seed management.
	Asian fishing cats caught snacking on chicks from tree-top nests South Asian fishing cats were observed raiding bird nests in tall trees for the first time. This rare and highly unusual behavior was caught on motion cameras set up in tree canopies across northeast Bangladesh to survey bird colonies. Scientists hope this unexpected finding, published in the De Gruyter journal Mammalia, will help piece together the ecology of these elusive felines and contribute to conservation efforts.
	A cholesterol precursor mediates sensitivity to cell death by ferroptosis A team of scientists from the University of Ottawa and researchers from other universities and research centers around the world has discovered that 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) is an endogenous suppressor of ferroptosis, which could have important implications for the treatment of cell death-related diseases.
	AI tool designed to identify olive varieties based on photos of olive pits The development of an app capable of identifying olive varieties using photos of olive pits is the ultimate goal of "OliVaR," a neural network trained with the largest photographic database of olive fruit endocarps, which has been generated by the partners of the GEN4OLIVE European project.
	Fermentation revolution? Trash becomes treasure as bio-waste yields valuable acetone and isopropanol In a major stride towards sustainable industrial fermentation, a team of researchers at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in The Netherlands, has unveiled pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from the fermentation of waste gases. The study, published in the Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, introduces novel processes that promise to elevate the efficiency and viability of large-scale production.
	Researchers reveal cellular architecture, phylogenetic position of protist Meteora sporadica Meteora sporadica is a small, unicellular eukaryote (protist) that was discovered in deep Mediterranean sea sediments in 2002. It differs from known protists by the presence of two lateral arms that swing back and forth. However, the ultrastructure and phylogenetic position of M. sporadica remain unknown.
	Legume model plant study clarifies underlying mechanism of iron acquisition in response to nitrogen Leguminous plants have a mechanism (rhizobial symbiosis) to efficiently acquire nitrogen, which is an essential macronutrient for growth, through the nitrogen-fixing bacteria rhizobia. Root nodules are organs on plant roots that facilitate the symbiotic relationship.
	What's being done to keep avian flu out of the food supply chain? Since the latest bout of avian flu was first detected in a commercial poultry flock two years ago, nearly 82 million chickens, ducks and turkeys have been killed to limit the spread of the virus.
	Assessing endosulfan residues and farmer response post-ban in China's cotton regions Endosulfan, a broad-spectrum organochlorine pesticide, was widely used in agricultural sectors, including cotton farming, due to its effectiveness against pests. However, due to its environmental persistence and potential health risks, its production and use have been banned in China since March 2019.

Medicine and Health news

	Is hypnotizability related to risk-taking behavior? In their daily lives, humans can encounter many situations that can put them at a varying degree of risk, or in other words, situations in which their choices can increase or decrease the possibility that an adverse event will occur. In these situations, different people can be more or less prone to engage in risk-taking behavior, such as gambling or investing large sums of money.
	New treatment shows promise against fatal neurological disease: Study A new treatment shows promise against the deadly neurodegenerative disease ALS, a study based on mice showed Tuesday.
	Brain changes behind pain sensitivity may affect older women more A new study has found that the brain system enabling us to inhibit our own pain changes with age, and that gender-based differences in those changes may lead females to be more sensitive to moderate pain than males as older adults.
	Risk calculator helps personalize care for heart failure patients Late-stage failure of the left side of the heart is an often-fatal condition affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. alone. A mechanical heart pump can be a lifesaving intervention for such patients, but the surgery to implant the pump can be risky.
	Study finds 1 in 10 veterans diagnosed with dementia may instead have cognitive decline from cirrhosis As many as 10% of older U.S. veterans diagnosed with dementia may suffer instead from reversible cognitive decline caused by advanced liver disease, according to an analysis from the Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Medicine and the Richmond VA Medical Center.
	Surgeons' choice of skin disinfectant impacts infection risk, Canadian-American study shows Does the type of solution used by surgeons to disinfect skin before surgery impact the risk of surgical site infection? According to new research from an international trial jointly led by McMaster University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine—yes, it does.
	Exposure to even moderate levels of radon linked to increased risk of stroke Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Now a new study has found exposure to this invisible, odorless gas is also linked to an increased risk of stroke.
	When and how immune cells form 'memories' of pathogen encounters and respond upon reinfection Unexpected findings have emerged about how and when certain infection-killing white blood cells decide to form memories about their encounters with a pathogen.
	Brain protein's virus-like structure may help explain cancer-induced memory loss In a rare but serious complication of cancer, the body's own immune system can start attacking the brain, causing rapid-onset memory loss and cognitive deficits. What triggers this sudden biological civil war was largely unknown.
	Precursor of cholesterol protects cells from ferroptosis, study finds In a groundbreaking study, a team led by Würzburg Professor José Pedro Friedmann Angeli has shown that the cholesterol precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) plays a crucial role as an antioxidant: it integrates into the cell membranes and protects the cells by preventing a certain type of cell death, known as ferroptosis.
	Firing nerve fibers in the brain are supplied with energy on demand, shows study Brain function depends on the swift movement of electrical signals along axons, the long extensions of nerve cells that connect billions of brain cells. The nerve fibers are insulated by a fatty layer called myelin, which is produced by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes. These cells wrap around and insulate nerve fibers ensuring the rapid and efficient transmission of signals that are essential for brain function.
	Trial shows promise in addressing unnecessary cesarean sections Cesarean sections now account for more than 1 in 5 childbirths globally, with the numbers set to rise in the coming decade to one-third of all births, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
	Placenta cells may lower blood pressure Scientists from La Trobe University and the Hudson Institute have demonstrated that cells from placentas could have therapeutic benefits for patients suffering from high blood pressure.
	Combination of photonic sensors and microfluidics could detect cancer markers within 20 minutes Russian scientists have proposed a new promising rapid way to diagnose breast cancer. It will spot the disease based on a blood test that takes between 15 and 20 minutes. The solution can be adapted to spot other diseases, too. Once that is accomplished, it could even enable simultaneous screening for multiple diseases.
	New compounds target and kill brain cancer cells after being energized by low X-ray dose Researchers led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed a new and precise way to treat the most common type of brain cancer using a substantially lower dose of X-rays than existing radiation treatments.
	Meta-analysis study suggests dancing is an effective weight-loss intervention A small team of physical education scientists in China has conducted a meta-analysis of multiple studies that shows that dancing is an effective weight loss intervention. In their study, reported in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, the group analyzed results from studies focused on weight loss interventions.
	New genome editing tools unlock possibilities for precision medicine A team of researchers at the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology Dresden, led by Prof. Frank Buchholz, has achieved a major breakthrough in genome editing technology. They've developed a cutting-edge method that combines the power of designer-recombinases with programmable DNA-binding domains to create precise and adaptable genome editing tools.
	Central inflammation system discovered The most common immune cells in our bodies that form the front line in the immune system's defenses against infections are neutrophilic granulocytes. At the same time, neutrophils are also involved in a number of different inflammatory processes and autoimmune diseases.
	How transcription factors influence insulin-producing beta cells A recent study from the laboratory of Joseph Bass, MD, Ph.D., the Charles F. Kettering Professor of Medicine and chief of Endocrinology in the Department of Medicine, has revealed how transcription factors within individual cells influence the identity and function of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The findings are published in Cell Metabolism.
	New heart treatment could help the body grow a replacement valve Replacement heart valves that grow inside the body are a step closer to reality following studies led by researchers at Imperial. The results are published in Communications Biology.
	Combination drug therapy shows promise for a treatment-resistant cancer A combination of two cancer drugs could be effective against malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs)—soft tissue tumors that are stubbornly resistant to chemotherapy and radiation—according to a laboratory study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
	Using neuroimaging, researchers confirm cumulative, brain-wide effects of ADHD Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Minnesota Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain leveraged a large national dataset and neuroimaging to confirm the brain-wide effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
	Autoimmune disease and pregnancy: Study challenges prevailing wisdom and unveils nuances For many aspiring mothers with autoimmune disease, pregnancy can be daunting and full of unknowns. In some cases, those suffering from specific autoimmune conditions have chosen to forego pregnancy altogether due to concerns about their disease treatments and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
	Researchers find enzyme plays much larger role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases Indiana University researchers in the College of Arts and Sciences in Bloomington have identified a missing link that can help protect the brain from aging.
	Researchers hack neurons' internal clocks to accelerate the study of neurological diseases The neurons that make up our brains and nervous systems mature slowly over many months. And while this may be beneficial from an evolutionary standpoint, the slow pace makes growing cells to study neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases—like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and autism—in the laboratory quite challenging.
	Virtual reality treatment for palliative care shown to help patients 'flourish' during relaxation therapy Palliative care is the interdisciplinary medical specialty of caring for people with serious and often terminal illnesses. Its aim is to improve quality of life for such patients and their families, by relieving symptoms and stress.
	Experts say next UK government should declare a national health and care emergency The government in post after the election should declare a national health and care emergency, calling on all parts of society to help improve health, care, and well-being, say experts in the first report of The BMJ Commission on the Future of the NHS. "The BMJ's NHS commission: an emphatic recommitment to the founding principles" has been published in The BMJ.
	Hepatitis E vaccination campaign launched in South Sudan: MSF Doctors Without Borders announced Wednesday that it had begun a mass vaccination campaign against hepatitis E in South Sudan, where an outbreak of the deadly disease is threatening pregnant women in particular.
	Potential link between high maternal cortisol, unpredicted birth complications A snippet of hair can reveal a pregnant person's stress level and may one day help warn of unexpected birth problems, a study indicates.
	Why TB cases are rising in California after decades of decline Once known as consumption, the disease that killed Eleanor Roosevelt, Frederic Chopin and all five of the sisters Bronte, tuberculosis is often viewed as a bygone threat.
	The US eliminated measles in 2000: Why is it back now? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging health care providers to be "on alert" for patients with symptoms of measles—a virus declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000—after nearly two dozen cases have been reported across the country in the past month.
	Gaps seen in childhood vision screening and vision care Gaps in access to childhood vision screening and vision care are prevalent among historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups and socioeconomically vulnerable families, according to a research letter published online in JAMA Ophthalmology.
	Efficacy of electronic cigarettes found to be noninferior to varenicline For smokers who are motivated to quit, the quit rate is noninferior for electronic cigarettes (ECs) versus varenicline and is higher for ECs than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine gum, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
	Study finds incidence of cervical cancer in certain racial/ethnic groups has increased in recent years The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer increased in specific racial/ethnic groups during recent years, according to a study published online Jan. 17 in the International Journal of Cancer.
	What do you know about pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a long, flat gland that lies horizontally behind your stomach. The pancreas produces enzymes for digestion and hormones that regulate the way your body processes sugar.
	Looking for love? Try finding purpose as well The world of online dating can be overwhelming with the dizzying array of options for attracting a partner but new research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that those looking for love may have more success if they also seek a sense of purpose in life.
	Study shows higher mortality rates for patients on respiratory support in rural intermediate care units A new study finds that patients receiving ventilator life support in the intermediate care units—a potentially less costly alternative for people not sick enough for the intensive care units (ICUs) but too ill for the general ward—of rural hospitals had significantly higher death rates than patients in the same type of unit at urban hospitals.
	Treatment of aggressive breast cancer: Discovery of a new protein involved in the development of metastases A protein found abundantly in breast cancers that are refractory to conventional treatments is thought to cause the development of metastasis. Targeting it would prevent metastatic spread and therefore increase patients' survival.
	Polycystic ovary syndrome tied to memory, thinking problems People with polycystic ovary syndrome may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems in middle age, according to new research published in the January 31, 2024, online issue of Neurology. The study does not prove that polycystic ovary syndrome causes cognitive decline. It only shows an association.
	A prescription for improving medical communication As we approach the four-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, health misinformation continues to be pervasive and negatively impact public health. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that, in 2022, the amount of health misinformation present on social media reached as high as 51% on posts associated with vaccines, COVID-19, and emerging infectious diseases. To turn the tide on the impacts of misinformation, health care providers and public health experts need clear, effective ways to communicate with patients.
	AI tool developed to help grade cancer based on cell divisions Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, scientists are revealing a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to help grade cancer, by analyzing cell division.
	Non-exercise activity thermogenesis detection using a smartwatch A novel smartwatch system clocks your activity more precisely and could offer you a better perspective on your activity levels than simply counting your 10,000 steps or how long you stay in bed.
	New research explores the effects of cannabidiol on general health For 20 years, Laura Stewart, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, at the University of Northern Colorado, has been exploring how exercise improves the immune system. Over the last decade, however, her interests shifted to focus on the relationship between cannabidiol (CBD) and immune function. It's a topic that fascinates the scientist, as she has found that there is a big difference between what the public understands about cannabis (marijuana) and CBD, and what science has proven.
	Biogen pulls controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm A controversial Alzheimer's drug that was trumpeted as the first to ever treat the cognitive decline associated with the devastating brain disorder has been pulled from the market, its maker Biogen announced Wednesday.
	Pacific nations tax unhealthy foods to tackle non-communicable disease crisis Pacific Island governments are increasingly imposing taxes on unhealthy foods as they battle a non-communicable disease crisis, a New Zealand study shows.
	Blood pressure variability is a major predictor of heart attack and stroke risk, finds analysis Changes to blood pressure over time could be used to identify patients at greatest risk of heart attack and stroke. These are the findings of a new analysis from the ASCOT study, led by researchers from Imperial College London and published in the European Heart Journal.
	How do you handle it if a parent is refusing aged care? Four things to consider It's a shock when we realize our parents aren't managing well at home.
	Telehealth makes timely abortions possible for many, research shows Access to telehealth abortion care can determine whether a person can obtain an abortion in the United States. For young people and those living on low incomes, telehealth makes a critical difference in getting timely abortion care.
	Backlash to transgender health care isn't new, but faulty science used to justify it has changed to meet the times In the past century, there have been three waves of opposition to transgender health care.
	Eating disorders are among the most lethal mental health conditions. Reconnecting with internal body sensations can help Did you know that anorexia is the most lethal mental health condition? One person dies from an eating disorder every hour in the U.S. Many of these deaths are not from health consequences related to starvation, but from suicide.
	COVID-19 offers lessons to improve vaccine equity in Global South Emory University's Rebecca Martin urges action to advance health security and health equity by improving access to and pathways for the delivery of vaccines. Martin and co-authors of the BMJ Global Health analysis, "Lessons Learnt from COVID-19 to Reduce Mortality and Morbidity in the Global South: Addressing Global Vaccine Equity for Future Pandemics," detail actions and desired outcomes to improve global vaccine equity in the Global South and beyond before a future pandemic.
	Study finds brain mechanism that may explain how physical exercise improves mood "Only exercise can remove all kinds of doubts," Goethe said. Physical exercise is the lubricant between the body and the mind. Alleviation of anxiety by motor activity forms an integral part of our daily life; whether going for a walk to refresh our mind or running excessively in the park to recuperate from a stressful event, we are all well aware of the beneficial impact.
	Study finds links between prenatal substance exposure and childhood mental health An observational study has found links between prenatal substance exposure and mental health in children aged 10–12 years, but also found that controlling for environment and genetics eliminated many associations. The paper is published in the journal PNAS Nexus.
	Measles is on the rise around the world. We can't let vaccination rates falter In recent weeks a series of measles alerts have been issued around Australia, including in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, after the identification of a small number of cases in travelers returning from overseas.
	Endometriosis takes almost a decade to be diagnosed in the UK. Research reveals some of the reasons why Around 1 in 10 women and people with uteruses in the UK have endometriosis. This disease causes tissue similar to the womb's lining to grow in other places—such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can cause chronic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, organ damage and fatigue.
	Analysis reveals a significant rise in use of complementary health approaches, especially for pain management An analysis conducted by the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reveals a substantial increase in the overall use of complementary health approaches by American adults from 2002 to 2022. The study, published in JAMA, highlights a surge in the adoption of complementary health approaches for pain management over the same period.
	AI can predict brain cancer patients' survival New research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) can predict whether adult patients with brain cancer will survive more than eight months after receiving radiotherapy treatment. The use of the AI to successfully predict patient outcomes would allow clinicians to be better informed for planning the next stage of treatment and refer patients to potentially life-saving treatment quicker.
	New research finds oral leukemia therapy to work as well as intravenous decitabine Researchers at Hackensack Meridian's John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC), are part of a published Phase 3 study reporting on the equivalent safety and effectiveness in the oral treatment of blood cancers–such as myelodysplastic syndrome and/or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia–to its previously inpatient, intravenous treatment counterparts.
	New AI technique significantly boosts Medicare fraud detection Medicare is sporadically compromised by fraudulent insurance claims. These illicit activities often go undetected, allowing full-time criminals and unscrupulous health providers to exploit weaknesses in the system. Last year, the estimated annual fraud topped $100 billion, according to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, but it is likely much higher.
	Sleep can give athletes an edge over competitors, but few recognize how fundamental sleep is to performance In the adrenaline-packed world of professional sports, the power of sleep rarely gets adequate attention.
	BCAS1 defines a heterogeneous cell population in diffuse glioma patients A new research paper titled "BCAS1 defines a heterogeneous cell population in diffuse gliomas" has been published in Oncotarget.
	Drug overdose cardiac arrests involve younger, healthier people than other cardiac arrests An analysis of data for more than 500,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the U.S. found key differences in outcomes between cardiac arrests caused by drug overdoses and cardiac arrests due to other causes, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
	Compounded effects of racism on mental distress, alcohol use, firearm purchases among Asian Americans during pandemic Racism provoked during the COVID-19 pandemic is directly tied to increased firearm purchases among Asian Americans, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.
	Study reveals the economic burden for patients with vitiligo in the US is significant A novel study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, shows that patients with vitiligo incur significantly higher health care costs than people without this skin condition. The findings reveal an unmet need for cost-effective treatments and highlight the importance of fully identifying the drivers of economic burden for patients with vitiligo.
	Pedestrian injuries from falls versus motor vehicle collisions: Are we lacking critical policy and interventions? Using Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data, researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have compared the national burden of pedestrian injuries from motor vehicles to that of pedestrian falls occurring on streets and sidewalks, and found that the probability of a pedestrian suffering a severe injury is higher for motor vehicle collisions as compared to falls. Yet, the public health burden of the number of pedestrians injured from a fall—severe or otherwise—is significantly higher compared to the number of pedestrians injured by a motor vehicle collision. This is particularly true for individuals 50 years of age or older.
	Team creates framework to provide optimal personalized treatment options for esophageal cancer patients A multidisciplinary team of researchers that included 14 graduate students from The University of Texas at Arlington has created a new framework to provide optimal personalized treatment options for individuals with esophageal cancer.
	Molecule can quickly, and briefly, boost white blood cell counts Treatment with a molecule known as A485 can quickly and temporarily increase levels of white blood cells, a critical part of the body's immune system, an effect that is difficult to deliver with currently available pharmaceuticals, a new Yale study finds.
	Research shows effectiveness of new technique to detect ovarian cancer marker peptides A new study led by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that a novel technique is effective at detecting specific biomarkers that are present in the urine of ovarian cancer patients. The research could one day play a role in helping doctors more accurately diagnose ovarian cancer.
	Researchers develop universal risk predictor for cardiovascular disease Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have developed a single universal risk prediction model for cardiovascular disease that, in initial tests, works well for patients who already have cardiovascular disease as well as patients who do not but who may be at risk for developing it. Clinicians currently use two separate risk models to assess patients' chances of having heart attacks, strokes, and other major cardiovascular events.
	Study finds BIPOC individuals bear greater post-COVID burdens A study appearing in Frontiers in Public Health reports that BIPOC individuals who were infected with COVID-19 experienced greater negative aftereffects in health and work loss than did similarly infected white participants.
	Parental warmth during young adulthood found to decrease rates of depression in children Parents with young adult children can still make an impact on their children's mental health, whether those children have left the nest or not. Researchers from the Penn State College of Health and Human Development found that experiences of parental warmth during young adulthood—from 19 to 26 years of age—led to decreased rates of depression.
	New research on health care burdens in the post–Roe v. Wade US New research co-authored by Lori Brown, a distinguished professor of architecture at Syracuse University, was just published by the Journal of Women, Politics and Policy.
	Pioneering link between census data and electronic mental health records King's College London researchers are the first research team in England, to link electronic mental health care records to census data, at an individual level.
	Study finds recipients of e-cigarette coupons 1.5 times more likely to begin using, less likely to quit A new study led by a researcher in the Georgia State University School of Public Health finds that people who receive coupons for e-cigarettes are more than 1.5 times more likely to begin using them and less likely to quit.
	Meat-based and processed foods foods linked to Alzheimer's A study has found a strong link between Alzheimer's disease and the daily consumption of meat-based and processed foods. Researchers at Bond University came to the conclusion after examining the diets of 438 Australians—108 with Alzheimer's and 330 in a healthy control group.
	Vast majority of vaping shops in WA are near schools or in poorer areas, researchers find New research shows that vape stores are densely located around schools and in disadvantaged areas. Public health experts say the alarming data reinforces the pressing need for the Federal Government's planned further regulation to protect children and vulnerable people.
	Study explores barriers to contraceptive use in females with kidney disease The percentage of females with kidney disease who use contraception is much lower than the rate of contraceptive use by females in the general population, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Cincinnati.
	Research finds link between family dog ownership and children's physical activity Researchers have found a clear link between the acquisition or loss of a family dog and the level of physical activity undertaken by children in the family, with the impact most noticeable in girls.
	New paper calls for patient-first regulation of AI in health care Ever wonder if the latest and greatest artificial intelligence (AI) tool you read about in the morning paper is going to save your life? A new study published in JAMA and led by John W. Ayers, Ph.D., of the Qualcomm Institute within the University of California San Diego, finds that question can be difficult to answer since AI products in health care do not universally undergo any externally evaluated approval process assessing how it might benefit patient outcomes before coming to market.
	Researchers identify new biomarker in quality of blood donations A collaborative cohort of researchers, led by University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus professor Angelo D'Alessandro, has identified kynurenine as a critical new biomarker in the quality of stored red blood cells (RBCs), a crucial step in the development of more personalized transfusions. The study results appear in the journal Blood.
	Meta-analysis of ACE inhibitor–induced angioedema identifies novel risk locus in genome Angioedema is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to ACE inhibitors. In a joint analysis of eight European study collectives, researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) for the first time conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with more than 1,000 affected individuals.
	Coverage and determinants of postnatal care in Nigeria: A pediatric investigation study Neonatal deaths are a serious issue in Nigeria. More than a quarter million infants die every year and 700 infants every day in Nigeria. Most of the infant deaths are known to occur during the early neonatal period (first week of life). Some of the major causes behind such high mortality include preterm births, infections, and congenital diseases.
	Epidemiologists assess the effectiveness of contact tracing in controlling a pandemic During the COVID-19 pandemic, Switzerland, like many other countries, relied on contact tracing to identify people likely to have been contaminated by an infected acquaintance. Has this strategy, which is standard in epidemic outbreaks, proved effective in interrupting viral transmission?
	Detecting hepatitis viruses in wastewater Hepatitis E is widespread among the population worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that around 20 million people are infected with it every year.
	A microscopic multi-organ model to study bronchi-vasculature interactions during SARS-CoV-2 infections A recent collaborative study has developed a microphysiological system to study the effects of COVID-19. The model consists of bronchial organoids and vascular beds and reveals the interactions between the bronchi and vasculature upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers also identified novel targets to minimize blood vessel damage, a hallmark feature of severe COVID-19 cases. The study is published in the journal Lab on a Chip.
	Research opens up a new approach for improving personalized treatment of patients with glioblastoma A recent study opens up a novel approach for improving personalized treatments for patients with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive types of cancer in existence today.
	Abnormal proteins found in the spinal fluid of people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia Researchers at the National Institutes of Health detected abnormal proteins in the spinal fluid of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which could help improve diagnosis of these diseases. The findings were published in Science Translational Medicine.
	Research finds autism spectrum disorder prevalence nearly doubled in Israel between 2017 and 2021 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses have increased worldwide over the last decade. Initially, ASD rates in Israel were lower than those reported in the U.S. and western Europe. However, a new collaborative study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Clalit Healthcare, and the Israeli Ministry of Health has found a dramatic increase in the prevalence of ASD in Israel between 2017 and 2021 with a fourfold increase in young 2–3-year-old children and a twofold increase in older ages.
	Scientists develop a new type of anti-cancer agent Many cancer therapies, in addition to producing numerous side effects, fail to achieve complete tumor remission, partly due to the presence of cancer stem cells, which are difficult to eradicate. These cells can self-renew and play a key role in tumor recurrence and metastasis processes, so there is significant interest in developing therapies that target this subset of tumor cells.
	Ketamine has helped many severely depressed veterans, study shows Ketamine has received a lot of attention as a potential treatment for depression, but few studies have revealed how well it works in real-world settings, especially in patients with complex mental health needs.
	Three strategies to break down barriers to breastfeeding and lower women's risk of breast cancer When it comes to encouraging women in California to breastfeed, health care providers, insurance companies and employers need to be doing more, according to recommendations in a new report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.
	Prognostic significance of senescence-related tumor microenvironment genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma A new research paper titled "Prognostic significance of senescence-related tumor microenvironment genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma" has been published in Aging.
	Diabetes medication class tied to lower risk of kidney stones Rates of kidney stones are on the rise in the United States and around the world. Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased risk of kidney stones, but some forms of treatment for this condition may also have the benefit of lowering risk of kidney stones.
	Did the ancient Greeks and Romans experience Alzheimer's? You might think age-related dementia has been with us all along, stretching back to the ancient world.
	Weight-loss drug maker Novo Nordisk's profit surges as sales boom Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk posted bumper profits for 2023 on Wednesday, driven by blockbuster sales of diabetes and obesity treatments that helped it become Europe's most valuable company.
	As Tunisia's economy falters, medical tourism flourishes At a fertility clinic in Tunis, Bintou Yunoussa hopes doctors can finally help her conceive—one of more than two million foreigners who travel to Tunisia annually for medical procedures.
	Four children die in Serbia whooping cough outbreak At least four children have died in a whooping cough outbreak in the Serbian capital Belgrade, state media said Wednesday, with doctors blaming falling vaccinations for the spread.
	What your blood can tell you about your health Blood tests are commonly used to help not only monitor one's health but also to diagnose conditions. A blood sample can reveal a lot about a person's health.
	Powerful video amplifies end-of-life patient voices The End-of-Life Essentials team at Flinders University—part of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences—created The Patient's Perspective video to emphasize that patient input is needed to improve health care, patient and family understanding of end-of-life care.
	Turns out the viral 'Sleepy Girl Mocktail' is backed by science. Should you try it? Many of us wish we could get a better night's sleep. Wouldn't it be great if it was as easy as a mocktail before bed?
	Whole blood transfusion improves survival during traumatic bleeding Significant bleeding due to traumatic injury is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the U.S., with the majority of deaths occurring within six hours. Emerging evidence suggests that the transfusion of whole blood (blood that is not separated into parts) is associated with a survival benefit compared to the traditional use of blood component transfusion (red blood cells, plasma, and platelets) in these patients.
	First Mental Health Metaphor Dictionary to raise awareness of disorders Metaphors are not just literary devices for writers to embellish their texts. They are linguistic tools used in everyday life, in most cases with the aim of better understanding and conveying the reality of the world around us.
	How effective is Indigenous cultural safety and anti-bias training at improving patient experience? Researchers from Unity Health Toronto led a first-of-its kind trial in which Indigenous actors were trained to perform as patients and evaluate health care providers who completed intensive and brief Indigenous cultural safety trainings.
	Expert consensus statement published on management of calcified coronary lesions requiring intervention Coronary artery calcification is increasing in prevalence, leading to greater risks both during procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and adverse events in the short and long term. Along with these challenges, treatment options are expanding, increasingly including calcium modification prior to stent implantation.

Other Sciences news

	Neanderthals and humans lived side by side in Northern Europe 45,000 years ago, genetic analysis finds A genetic analysis of bone fragments unearthed at an archaeological site in central Germany shows conclusively that modern humans—Homo sapiens—had already reached Northern Europe 45,000 years ago, overlapping with Neanderthals for several thousand years before the latter went extinct.
	Archaeological evidence of seasonal vitamin D deficiency discovered in England Evidence from teeth reveals that vitamin D deficiency during childhood was likely a major issue in industrialized England, according to a study published January 31, 2024 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Anne Marie Snoddy of the University of Otago, New Zealand and colleagues.
	90,000-year-old human footprints found on Moroccan beach An international team of archaeologists has found and identified a trackway made by multiple humans approximately 90,000 years ago in what is now Morocco. In their paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, the group describes how they tested for its origins of the tracks.
	Researchers use simulations to tackle finite sphere-packing problem and 'sausage catastrophe' Have you ever wondered about the best way to pack a finite number of identical spheres into a shape-shifting flexible container, like a convex hull?
	Researchers use ancient DNA to map migration during the Roman Empire Throughout the thousand-year reign of the Roman Empire, disparate populations began to connect in new ways—through trade routes, economic and political collaboration, and joint military endeavors. Now, an international team led by Stanford Medicine researchers has used genetic material from ancient skeletons to assemble a detailed picture of travel and migration patterns during the empire's height.
	Intelligence doesn't make you immune to conspiracy theories—it's more about thinking style, says researcher Over the last two decades, and in particular over the last five years, there has been a growing scientific interest in conspiracy theories and people who believe in them. Although, some may think belief in such stories is linked to intelligence, research is beginning to show that how people think could be more important.
	Researchers: Schools have long way to go to offer equitable learning opportunities, especially in French immersion The Ontario Human Rights Commission's Right to Read report, published last February, called for changes in the province's educational system. The commission found shortcomings in how schools support students with special education needs.
	Young dads are painted as feckless or absent, but they're working to change perceptions For young dads—those aged 25 or younger—sharing the news of their fatherhood may be more likely to bring raised eyebrows than congratulations.
	What inner speech is, and why philosophy is waking up to it It is quite rare for philosophers to start investigating a new area, and a lot of the questions they explore have been around since ancient times. However, there is something they have only begun to look at closely in the last 15 years or so, which sits at the intersection of psychology and philosophy: inner speech.
	What Americans can learn from Danish masculinity When a leader cries in public, is it a sign of weakness?
	How Black male college athletes deal with anti-Black stereotypes on campus In an effort to avoid stereotypes about Black male athletes, such as being labeled a "dumb jock," Spike, a college football player, says he wore athletic clothes to class as little as possible.
	New organizational resilience index to improve supply chain resilience Researchers from the University of Sheffield, led by Professor Lenny Koh, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce have unveiled a comprehensive approach to quantifying and enhancing organizational resilience. In a paper, titled "Quantifying Organizational Resilience: An Integrated Resource Efficiency View," published in the International Journal of Production Research, researchers introduce the Organizational Resilience Index (ORI).
	Narcissistic CEOs are bad for share value but good for company inertia, says study Narcissistic leaders are bad for share value, unless they are seen to stimulate innovation and growth at companies suffering from corporate inertia, according to research that analyzed how CEO narcissism affects stock recommendations from securities analysts.
	Examining math anxiety among middle schoolers and how it affects their performance Math anxiety, which can begin as early as kindergarten, negatively affects students' math performance both in the moment and throughout their math education. Most research focuses on the affective or physiological aspects of math anxiety—the feeling of your palms sweating or the sense that your heart is racing. But, as University of Delaware Associate Professor Jessica Namkung has shown, it's much more than that.
	Q&A: For students still feeling pandemic shock the clock is ticking—report shows persistent achievement gaps A new report from the Education Recovery Scorecard, a collaboration between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard and the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University, shows that some states, including Massachusetts, are still struggling to close academic achievement gaps that widened during the pandemic.
	Mathematicians create algorithm that could accelerate IoT by using optimal traffic division Mathematicians from RUDN University have created a new routing algorithm in the Internet of Things network. It optimally splits traffic, which improves network speed and reliability. The results were published in Mathematics.
	When firms internalize political stigma The Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017 stigmatized local employers by creating the impression that strongly anti-diversity attitudes put on display by white supremacists were widespread in the community. Employers sought to counteract this "stigma by association" by dramatically increasing the extent to which they included pro-diversity language in their job advertisements.
	Is a Pennsylvania groundhog's prediction accurate in your neck of the woods? Persuaded by pomp and pageantry, people across the nation are more likely to put faith in a Pennsylvania groundhog's weather predictions than those made by local woodchucks, according to a national survey query made on behalf of a University of Virginia researcher.
	Whether a racial minority or majority at their school, white teachers struggle with race relations White workers' emotions about race and reactions to racial differences in the workplace are triggered by identity threat-induced culture shock, researchers suggest in a new study.
	Strong European backing for Ukraine leaves 'little space' for exploitation of pro-Russian politics, study shows Strong support for Ukraine means there is "little space" for European politicians to exploit pro-Russia foreign policy messages, a new study shows. Researchers have found widespread backing for Ukraine across the continent, and for policies that help the nation, such as imposing sanctions on Russia.
	Here are some dos and don'ts to help tackle ableism When we met each other in Grade 11 in Alberta, we were far from the typical high school success story. Heidi has cerebral palsy and was seen as too disabled for regular schools, and Michelle was a chronic truant and an activist.
	'Looksmaxxing' is the disturbing TikTok trend turning young men into incels A new trend taking over TikTok is targeting vulnerable young men. The "looksmaxxing" phenomenon—to maximize one's looks—is aimed at young men and boys who want to change their appearance to become more attractive and gain social acceptance.
	Opinion: Australia's child workers vulnerable to injury, harassment, exploitation thanks to weak and inconsistent laws Young workers under 18 years of age occupy a unique and poorly understood position in Australia's labor market.
	Study shows how allyship can combat discrimination in STEM for Blacks, Latinos Calling out discriminatory behavior is an effective way for white students to help combat racism against Black and Latino science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students, according to new research from Rice University.
	How hyperpartisan bullying threatens democracy People doing jobs once considered non-controversial—public health workers, librarians, election workers, school board officers—are increasingly bullied online, threatened and swept into the vortex of partisan vitriol.
	Thesis finds that recruitment of Swedish operational police officers needs to be broadened Can scientific methods be used to identify who is best suited for physically and mentally demanding missions? In his doctoral thesis, Peter Tedeholm explores the individual characteristics of Swedish operational police officers.

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