Science X Newsletter Mon, Feb 5

Dear ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for February 5, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Exploring new physics arising from electron interactions in semiconductor moiré superlattices

A strategy to design lithium anode interlayer for all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries

Astronomers inspect a peculiar pulsating variable white dwarf

A neural mechanism that could underlie fasting-mediated immune regulation

Mapping Australia's marine estate: Seafloor surveillance for biodiversity management

The surprising reason insects circle lights at night: They lose track of the sky

Alzheimer's may have once spread from person to person, but the risk of that happening today is incredibly low

Study finds Black adults are losing sleep over killings of unarmed Black individuals by police

Researchers uncover the architecture of poxvirus cores

Immune response, not acute viral infections, responsible for neurological damage, researchers discover

AI helps reveal the ancient origin story of floral colors

Saturday Citations: A dog regenerates a body part that may surprise you; plus microbes, neurons and climate change

Study finds new treatment to reverse inflammation and arterial blockages in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers identify protein linked to metastasis in pancreatic cancer

US patient 'happy again' after brain implant treats epilepsy and OCD

Nanotechnology news

	Ultra-sensitive lead detector could significantly improve water quality monitoring Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed an ultra-sensitive sensor made with graphene that can detect extraordinarily low concentrations of lead ions in water. The device achieves a record limit of detection of lead down to the femtomolar range, which is one million times more sensitive than previous sensing technologies.
	Researchers develop thermal radiation controllable epsilon-near-zero material that can withstand extreme environments Thermal radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted by all objects with temperature and most representatively, there is the solar radiation spectrum that enters the Earth and causes the greenhouse effect.
	Team observes third-order exceptional line in nitrogen-vacancy spin system Researchers have systematically studied the relations between symmetries and high-order non-Hermitian exceptional points (EPs), and observed the third-order exceptional line (EL) in a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) spin system. The work is published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
	Magnesium protects tantalum, a promising material for making qubits Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered that adding a layer of magnesium improves the properties of tantalum, a superconducting material that shows great promise for building qubits, the basis of quantum computers.

Physics news

	Exploring new physics arising from electron interactions in semiconductor moiré superlattices Semiconductor moiré superlattices are fascinating material structures that have been found to be promising for studying correlated electron states and quantum physics phenomena. These structures, made up of artificial atom arrays arranged in a so-called moiré configuration, are highly tunable and characterized by strong electron interactions.
	Key innovation in photonic components could transform supercomputing technology Programmable photonic integrated circuits (PPICs) process light waves for computation, sensing, and signaling in ways that can be programmed to suit diverse requirements. Researchers at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), in South Korea, with collaborators at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), have achieved a major advance in incorporating microelectromechanical systems into PPICs.
	Machine learning techniques enhance the discovery of excited nuclear levels in sulfur-38 Fixed numbers of protons and neutrons—the building blocks of nuclei—can rearrange themselves within a single nucleus. The products of this reshuffling include electromagnetic (gamma ray) transitions. These transitions connect excited energy levels called quantum levels, and the pattern in these connections provide a unique "fingerprint" for each isotope.
	Image denoising using a diffractive material While image denoising algorithms have undergone extensive research and advancements in the past decades, classical denoising techniques often necessitate numerous iterations for their inference, making them less suitable for real-time applications.
	Scientists mix and match properties to make new superconductor with chiral structure Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new superconductor with a chiral crystalline structure by mixing two materials, one with superconductivity but no chirality, another with chirality but no superconductivity.
	Plan for Europe's huge new particle collider takes shape Europe's CERN laboratory revealed more details Monday about its plans for a huge new particle accelerator that would dwarf the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), ramping up efforts to uncover the underlying secrets of the universe.
	Solvent sieve method sets new record for perovskite light-emitting diodes Using a simple solvent sieve method, researchers from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have taken the lead in developing highly efficient and stable perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with record performance.
	Research offer direct view of tantalum oxidation that impedes qubit coherence Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have used a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and computational modeling to get a closer look and deeper understanding of tantalum oxide. When this amorphous oxide layer forms on the surface of tantalum—a superconductor that shows great promise for making the "qubit" building blocks of a quantum computer—it can impede the material's ability to retain quantum information.
	Scientists create effective 'spark plug' for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments Scientists from the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) led experiments to demonstrate an effective "spark plug" for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF). In two studies published in Nature Physics, the authors discuss their results and outline how they can be applied at bigger scales with the hopes of eventually producing fusion at a future facility.
	Quantum cutting, upconversion, and temperature sensing help with thermal management in silicon-based solar cells Introducing light conversion materials into silicon-based photovoltaic devices is an effective way to improve their photoelectric conversion efficiency. Light conversion materials include quantum cutting materials and upconversion materials.

Earth news

	Heat wave risk hovers over Paris Olympics Scorching summer heat is hard to imagine now in mid-winter Paris, but in six months when the world's athletes arrive for the Olympics, another pounding heat wave would spell trouble for organizers.
	Earth's billion-year balancing act Branding seems like it's everywhere today. And it's not just the swoosh on your Nikes or the bitten apple icon on your laptop anymore. Social media influencers craft their personal brands. But is there even branding in science? You bet there is.
	Study challenges classical view of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current origin and warns of its vulnerability The Circumpolar Current works as a regulator of the planet's climate. Its origins were thought to have caused the formation of the permanent ice in Antarctica about 34 million years ago. Now, a study led by the University of Barcelona, the Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC) and the Imperial College London (United Kingdom) has cast doubt on this theory, and has changed the understanding of how the ice sheet in Antarctic developed in the past, and what this could mean in the future as the planet's climate changes.
	Ocean sponges suggest Earth has warmed longer, more than thought; some scientists dubious A handful of centuries-old sponges from deep in the Caribbean are causing some scientists to think human-caused climate change began sooner and has heated the world more than they thought.
	Currently stable parts of East Antarctica may be closer to melting than anyone has realized In a warming climate, meltwater from Antarctica is expected to contribute significantly to rising seas. For the most part, though, research has been focused on West Antarctica, in places like the Thwaites Glacier, which has seen significant melt in recent decades.
	In a warming world, climate scientists consider category 6 hurricanes For more than 50 years, the National Hurricane Center has used the Saffir-Simpson Windscale to communicate the risk of property damage; it labels a hurricane on a scale from Category 1 (wind speeds between 74–95 mph) to Category 5 (wind speeds of 158 mph or greater).
	Governments spend US$22 billion a year helping the fishing industry empty our oceans. This injustice must end Overfishing has dire consequences for ocean health and for the millions of people who depend on fish for food and well-being. Globally, catch has been steadily declining since the 1990s. It's a trend that's likely to continue if we fail to act now.
	How can I get ice off my car? An engineer who studies airborne particles shares quick, easy techniques If you live somewhere that gets cold in the winter, you've probably seen cars parked outdoors covered in a thin layer of ice on a chilly morning. But what causes this frost, and how can you get rid of it quickly?
	West's 'hot drought' is unprecedented in more than 500 years There's no precedent in at least five centuries for how hot and dry the West has been in the last two decades, new research asserts using analysis of tree rings.
	Washington state drinking water, hydropower at risk as Pacific Northwest snowpack shrinks At Diablo Lake, North Cascades National Park the clouds lift by noon and wind screams down the mountainsides. Temperatures sunk to zero as Jon Riedel, a retired geologist with the National Park Service, stood on a ridge above the blue-green reservoir, which holds water that will later be released to spin the turbines at the dam and help power Seattle.
	Powerful California storm brings record rain, flooding Millions of people faced dangerous flooding in California Monday after a storm brought record rains and gusting winds, leaving at least one person dead.
	Transport of volatile organic compounds found to cause worsening of regional ozone pollution The increasing concentration of ozone (O3) is a key factor contributing to the deterioration of air quality in China. O3 and its precursors, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs), could be transported by air masses, leading to interactions of O3 precursors from biogenic and anthropogenic sources.
	10 feared dead in Chile forest fires Chilean firefighters were battling rapidly expanding wildfires Saturday that officials fear have claimed around 10 lives and are threatening hundreds of homes, prompting the president to declare a state of emergency.
	Oklahoma rattled by shallow 5.1 magnitude earthquake A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook an area near Oklahoma City late Friday, followed by smaller quakes during the next several hours, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
	Parisians vote in anti-SUV parking and pollution referendum Polling stations opened in Paris on Sunday for a referendum on tripling parking costs for hefty SUV-style cars, a campaign that has drivers' groups up in arms against city hall.
	Chile wildfires kill at least 51 in 'unprecedented catastrophe' Wildfires blazing across Chile have killed at least 51 people, leaving bodies in the street and homes gutted, with flames continuing to spread on Sunday and the toll expected to rise.
	Wildfires scorch central Chile, death toll tops 110 The death toll from central Chile's blazing wildfires climbed to at least 112 people on Sunday, after President Gabriel Boric warned the number would rise "significantly" as teams search gutted neighborhoods.
	Artists and environmentalists seek creative ways to keep plastics out of landfills In high school, Jordan Parker wrote a paper on plastic pollution titled: "Is our country doomed to be buried beneath its own garbage?" Decades later, that question continues to galvanize Parker.
	Miami-Dade dumps sewage into the ocean: Overhaul will reduce the foul flow Miami-Dade's biggest—and most vulnerable—sewage treatment plant is getting a big upgrade, which could help the county stop dumping tens of millions of gallons of wastewater into the ocean in the next few years.
	NYC's community composting cuts are putting its curbside plan at risk On a chilly day in December, a crowd gathered in the shadow of City Hall in lower Manhattan to chant, listen to speeches and wave signs crafted for the occasion. "No cuts to compost!" read one held by a man with shoulder-length gray hair. "Compost Adams" read another, with a picture of the New York City mayor. One sign featured a rat-faced Statue of Liberty.
	EU walks farming minefield with new climate goals The EU's climate goals for 2040 are set to further dial up the pressure on a farm sector that has yet to get tough on greenhouse gas emissions—but is already up in arms over existing environmental rules.
	The limits of weather forecasting: How far into the future can we look? Weather-related disasters and climatological extremes, including rivers bursting their banks and flooding as well as heat waves and droughts, cause tragic loss of life and cost billions of dollars in property damage each year.
	How socially and culturally diverse Minnesotans value water Understanding how different communities value water and prioritize its protection is critical to effective policy and governance.
	Chile mourns 122 killed in wildfire inferno, searches for missing Chile began two days of national mourning Monday for at least 122 victims of a raging wildfire, as the search continued for the missing and survivors picked through the scorched remains of their lives.
	What to know about Chile's voracious wildfires Coming in the middle of a fierce heat wave, Chile's forest fires engulfed communities with a destructive speed that has stunned the nation.
	How climate change contributes to wildfires like Chile's At least 112 people have been killed by wildfires in central Chile, leading its president to declare two days of national mourning. The devastation comes soon after Colombia declared a disaster over wildfires. Scientists say climate change makes the heat waves and drought now hitting South America more likely—and both contribute to wildfires by drying out the plants that feed the blazes.

Astronomy and Space news

	Astronomers inspect a peculiar pulsating variable white dwarf Astronomers have conducted spectroscopic and photometric observations of a peculiar pulsating variable white dwarf known as TMTS J17184064+2524314. Results of the observational campaign, published January 26 on the preprint server arXiv, provide essential information regarding the properties and behavior of this object.
	New research finds that young planets are flattened structures rather than spherical Astrophysicists from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have found that planets have flattened shapes like smarties just after they form rather than being spherical as previously thought.
	Scientists use AI to investigate structure and long-term behavior of galaxies Bayreuth scientists are investigating the structure and long-term behavior of galaxies using mathematical models based on Einstein's theory of relativity. Their innovative approach uses a deep neural network to quickly predict the stability of galaxy models. This artificial intelligence-based method enables efficient verification or falsification of astrophysical hypotheses in seconds.
	New method spots cosmic threats by extracting 3D direction of plasma ejections from sun's 2D ultraviolet images A team of scientists has unveiled a novel method for the early estimation of coronal mass ejection (CME) direction in 3D space. The groundbreaking technique, named DIRECD—"Dimming InfeRred Estimate of CME Direction"—will provide crucial data to mitigate potential adverse impacts on various industries and technological systems both in space and on Earth.
	Orbital resonance: The striking gravitational dance done by planets with aligning orbits Planets orbit their parent stars while separated by enormous distances—in our solar system, planets are like grains of sand in a region the size of a football field. The time that planets take to orbit their suns have no specific relationship to each other.
	A Russian cosmonaut sets a new record for the most time in space Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has broken the world record for the most cumulative time spent in space, Russia's space agency Roscosmos reported Sunday.
	Why you shouldn't look at a solar eclipse without eye protection When a total solar eclipse comes to the Dallas-Fort Worth area on April 8, and the moon starts to cover the sun in the sky, it may feel safe to sneak a peek without eclipse glasses. But experts say that staring at the sun for as little as five seconds can damage your eyes. Look longer, and that damage could become permanent.
	NASA is looking for commercial Mars missions. Do people still want to go to Mars? Mars has been a source of myth, lore and inspiration since antiquity. It is also an interesting place to research—a legitimate candidate for us to find some form of alien life.
	Why now is the time to address humanity's impact on the moon Humans have always looked at the sky, using the stars as navigation guides or for spiritual storytelling. Every human civilization has looked to the stars and used celestial movements to measure time and find meaning.
	How dangerous are kilonovae? When we look up at the sky on a particularly dark night, there is a sense of timelessness. We might see the flash of a meteor, and occasionally a comet is visible to the naked eye, but the cold and distant stars are unchanging. Or so it seems. There can also be a sense of calm, that despite all the uncertainty of the world, the stars will always watch over us.
	A super-Earth (and possible Earth-sized) exoplanet found in the habitable zone Astronomers have found a new Super-Earth orbiting an M-dwarf (red dwarf) star about 137 light-years away. The planet is named TOI-715b, and it's about 1.55 Earth's radius and is inside the star's habitable zone. There's also another planetary candidate in the system. It's Earth-sized, and if it's confirmed, it will be the smallest habitable zone planet TESS has discovered so far.
	Atmospheres in the TRAPPIST-1 system should be long gone Trappist-1 is a fascinating exoplanetary system. Seven worlds orbiting a red dwarf star just 40 light-years away. All of the worlds are similar to Earth in mass and size, and three or four of them are potentially habitable. Imagine exploring a system of life-rich worlds within easy traveling distance of each other. It's a wonderful dream, but as a new study shows it isn't likely that life exists in the system. It's more likely the planets are barren and stripped of their atmospheres.
	How could laser-driven lightsails remain stable? It's a long way to the nearest star, which means conventional rockets won't get us there. The fuel requirements would make our ship prohibitively heavy. So an alternative is to travel light. Literally. Rather than carrying your fuel with you, simply attach your tiny starship to a large reflective sail, and shine a powerful laser at it.
	Hubble views dim but distinct spiral galaxy UGC 11105 This image of the softly luminous spiral galaxy UGC 11105 is from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. It lies about 110 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Hercules.
	Tiny NASA cameras to picture interaction between lander, moon's surface Say cheese, moon. We're coming in for a close-up. As Intuitive Machines' Nova-C lander descends toward the moon, four tiny NASA cameras will be trained on the lunar surface, collecting imagery of how the surface changes from interactions with the spacecraft's engine plume.
	An astronaut controls a robotic dog from orbit Swedish astronaut Marcus Wandt took control of a series of robots in Germany while on board the International Space Station, zipping around the Earth at 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 mph.) Researchers want to understand how time delays can affect the remote control of robots from an orbiting platform. Future astronauts could control rovers on the moon or Mars from a spacecraft in orbit. Until now, only wheeled rovers have been part of the tests, but now they have added a dog-like robot called Bert.
	Asteroid that impacted near Berlin identified as a rare aubrite An official classification now aligns with what many suspected from merely looking at the images of the strange meteorites that fell near Berlin on January 21, 2024. They belong to a rare group called "aubrites."

Technology news

	A strategy to design lithium anode interlayer for all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries Over the past decades, engineers and chemists have been working to develop increasingly advanced battery technologies that could help to meet the rising demands of the electronics industry. This has led to the emergence of new types of batteries, including all-solid-state batteries.
	County-by-county study maps the energy transition's effects on jobs A new analysis by MIT researchers shows the places in the U.S. where jobs are most linked to fossil fuels. The research could help policymakers better identify and support areas affected over time by a switch to renewable energy.
	A robot that can pick up objects and drop them in a desired location in an unfamiliar house A team of roboticists at New York University, working with a colleague from AI at Meta, has developed a robot that is capable of picking up designated objects in an unfamiliar room and placing them in a new designated location. In their paper posted on the arXiv preprint server, the team describes how the robot was programmed and how well it performed when tested in multiple real-word environments.
	One person can supervise 'swarm' of 100 unmanned autonomous vehicles, research shows Research involving Oregon State University has shown that a "swarm" of more than 100 autonomous ground and aerial robots can be supervised by one person without subjecting the individual to an undue workload.
	How symmetry can come to the aid of machine learning Behrooz Tahmasebi—an MIT Ph.D. student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and an affiliate of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)—was taking a mathematics course on differential equations in late 2021 when a glimmer of inspiration struck. In that class, he learned for the first time about Weyl's law, which had been formulated 110 years earlier by the German mathematician Hermann Weyl.
	New kinds of padding could make football gear, bike helmets safer than ever Football players (and anyone else who takes hard hits) may want to breathe a sigh of relief. In recent research, engineers at the University of Colorado of Boulder and Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new design for padding that can withstand big impacts. The team's innovations, which can be printed on commercially available 3D printers, could one day wind up in everything from shipping crates to football pads—anything that helps to protect fragile objects, or bodies, from the bumps of life.
	E-scooters are linked with injuries and hospital visits, but we can't say they are riskier than bikes yet E-scooters are a popular new feature of urban mobility, offering an eco-friendly solution with zero exhaust emissions and agility in city spaces. They make an attractive option for "last-mile" commuting—bridging the gap between public transport and final destinations.
	Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella caps a decade of change and tremendous growth Satya Nadella marks his tenth year as Microsoft CEO on Sunday, capping a decade of stunning growth as he pivoted the slow-moving software giant into a laser focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
	Airlines learn patience in constrained Airbus-Boeing duopoly With the latest Boeing crisis, airlines are staring down more delays, a familiar problem in a market in which both the US giant and rival Airbus face supply chain constraints.
	Swiss watchmaker says it's time to make luxury sustainable Vegetal leather and recycled stainless steel melted in a solar oven are among the materials a Geneva watch brand is using in its quest to make sustainable luxury timepieces.
	EU states give green light to artificial intelligence law Representatives of the EU member states voted in favor of a proposal in Brussels on Friday which should soon make artificial intelligence (AI) subject to stricter rules.
	Compressed air energy storage systems could replace conventional batteries as energy providers, say scientists A group of scientists have found compressed air energy storage systems to have the potential of replacing conventional electrochemical batteries as a cheaper alternative, and with better storage capacity that is even sufficient to keep AC gadgets running.
	UK trial opens into bitcoin 'inventor' claims The trial of an alleged bitcoin creator opened in London on Monday, seeking to determine whether an Australian computer scientist invented the world's most popular cryptocurrency.
	Non-solvating electrolytes enhance performance of organic electrode-based batteries In a recent study, researchers have pioneered a method to significantly enhance the performance and lifespan of organic electrode-based batteries. The findings promise to accelerate the commercialization of eco-friendly batteries and pave the way for further advancements in the field.
	Q&A: To like or not to like—Facebook at 20 Those who are old enough might remember when "The Facebook" was a more exclusive club—one where only American college kids could post raucous party pix, browse through a crush's public photo albums or track down childhood friends with a few clicks. Twenty years after the social media juggernaut's launch, Facebook users can still do all that—except now they're 40% of the world's population.
	Space reflectors could ensure bright future for solar power farms Reflectors placed in orbit around the Earth that reflect sunlight toward future solar power farms at dawn and dusk could help accelerate the transition to net-zero, researchers say.
	Study of the impact of parking time on delivery optimization Parking stinks in the big city, especially if you're driving a delivery truck and already running behind schedule.
	Eco-friendly, self-regenerative fiber material recovers valuable metals from industrial wastewater Technology to recover valuable metals from wastewater generated in various industries such as plating, semiconductors, automobiles, batteries, and renewable energy is important not only for environmental protection but also for economic reasons.
	Researchers map decision-making processes of victims of ransomware University of Twente has investigated the decision-making processes of victims forced to pay ransom following ransomware attacks. UT researcher Tom Meurs and his colleagues analyzed data provided by the Dutch National Police and a Dutch incident response organization on 481 ransomware attacks.
	Researchers develop AI-powered 'eye' for visually impaired people to 'see' objects Shopping for groceries is a common activity for many of us, but for visually impaired people, identifying grocery items can be daunting. A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore's School of Computing (NUS Computing) have introduced AiSee, an affordable wearable assistive device that helps people with visual impairment "see" objects around them with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).
	Snap, the owner of Snapchat, is laying off about 10% of its global workforce The owner of Snapchat is cutting approximately 10% of its worldwide workforce, or about 530 employees, the latest tech company to announce layoffs.
	Eight tech firms vow to build 'more ethical' AI with UN Eight global technology companies including Microsoft and Mastercard on Monday pledged at a forum in Slovenia to build 'more ethical' AI in accordance with UNESCO's framework of principles.
	Ammonia attracts the shipping industry, but researchers warn of its risks Switching to ammonia as a marine fuel, with the goal of decarbonization, can instead create entirely new problems. This is shown in a study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, where researchers carried out life cycle analyses for batteries and for three electrofuels including ammonia. Eutrophication and acidification are some of the environmental problems that can be traced to the use of ammonia—as well as emissions of laughing gas, which is a very potent greenhouse gas.
	New method monitors grid stability with hydropower project signals Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have developed an algorithm to predict electric grid stability using signals from pumped storage hydropower projects. The method provides critical situational awareness as the grid increasingly shifts to intermittent renewable power.
	Why Apple is pushing the term 'spatial computing' along with its new Vision Pro headset With Apple's hotly anticipated Vision Pro headset hitting store shelves Friday, you're probably going to start to see more people wearing the futuristic googles that are supposed to usher in the age of "spatial computing."
	China's Tencent fires more than 120 workers for fraud Chinese tech giant Tencent said it last year dismissed more than 120 employees for violating its anti-fraud rules, including for corruption and embezzlement.
	Biden robocall: Audio deepfake fuels election disinformation fears The 2024 White House race faces the prospect of a firehose of AI-enabled disinformation, with a robocall impersonating US President Joe Biden already stoking particular alarm about audio deepfakes.
	Parisians vote in anti-SUV parking price referendum Paris voters on Sunday backed a proposal from the capital's socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo to triple parking charges on hefty SUV-style cars, according to official results from city hall.
	S. Korean court acquits Samsung chief over 2015 merger case A South Korean court acquitted Samsung Electronics chief Lee Jae-yong on Monday of a raft of crimes linked to a controversial 2015 merger, Lee's lawyers said.
	Biofuel is poised to usurp crude oil refining in the Bay Area: A green solution or 'greenwashing'? With concerns over sustainability increasing in the energy industry, fossil-fuel companies have embraced plans to revamp, rather than decommission, vast networks of steaming, flashing and aging refinery pipelines into more eco-friendly assets.
	Meta, Amazon add $336 billion in market value on earnings Meta Platforms Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. shares soared Friday after delivering quarterly earnings and outlooks that far exceeded Wall Street's expectations, validating the belt-tightening strategies that defined the tech industry's past 16 months.
	Joint learning for mask wearing detection in low-light conditions Face mask wearing detection is an important technical approach to improve public health safety and real-time monitoring efficiency. However, under extreme lighting or weather conditions, it is difficult to achieve ideal results with existing object detection or face detection algorithms.
	European public TV networks launch free-to-air sports streaming platform under Eurovision banner The collective of European public broadcasters launched a free-to-air streaming service Monday to show major championships in many Olympic sports.
	Dynamic traveling time forecasting based on spatial-temporal graph convolutional networks Traveling time forecasting, the core component in GPS navigation systems and taxi-hailing apps, has attracted widespread attention. Existing research mostly focuses on independent points like traffic flow prediction or route planning, which ignore globality and lack satisfactory dynamic progress to adopt sophisticated traffic conditions.
	Electronic music with a human rhythm Electronically generated rhythms are often perceived as too artificial. New software now allows producers to make rhythms sound more natural in computer-produced music. Research at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization and at Harvard University forms the basis for new and patented methods of electronically generated rhythms according to patterns of musicians following fractal statistical laws.
	Meta urged to update rules after fake Biden post With major elections looming, Meta's policy on deep fake content is in urgent need of updating, an oversight body said on Monday, in a decision about a manipulated video of US President Joe Biden.

Chemistry news

	Team describes how to produce 'green' steel from toxic red mud The production of aluminum generates around 180 million tons of toxic red mud every year. Scientists at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, a center for iron research, have now shown how green steel can be produced from aluminum production waste in a relatively simple way. In an electric arc furnace similar to those used in the steel industry for decades, they convert the iron oxide contained in the red mud into iron using hydrogen plasma.
	Where did the ingredients in that sandwich come from? Our global nutrient tracker tells a complex story Have you ever looked down at your breakfast, lunch or dinner and considered where the ingredients traveled from to reach your plate?
	Researchers develop biomimetic-photo-coupled catalysis for H₂O₂ production A research group led by Prof. Wan Yinhua from the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a catalyst with dual photocatalytic and biomimetic catalytic activity for the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Biology news

	Mapping Australia's marine estate: Seafloor surveillance for biodiversity management Global marine biodiversity is continually being threatened by oceanographic changes linked to both global warming and anthropogenic activities that degrade the ambient environment for marine organisms. Australia's oceanographic biodiversity is globally admired, with new initiatives being undertaken to aid conservation of marine ecosystems for decades to come, both at the local and global scale.
	The surprising reason insects circle lights at night: They lose track of the sky It's an observation as old as humans gathering around campfires: Light at night can draw an erratically circling crowd of insects. In art, music and literature, this spectacle is an enduring metaphor for dangerous but irresistible attractions. And watching their frenetic movements really gives the sense that something is wrong—that instead of finding food and evading predators, these nocturnal pilots are trapped by a light.
	Researchers uncover the architecture of poxvirus cores A recent re-emergence and outbreak of mpox brought poxviruses back as a public health threat, underlining an important knowledge gap at their core. Now, a team of researchers from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) lifted the mysteries of poxviral core architecture by combining various cryo-electron microscopy techniques with molecular modeling.
	AI helps reveal the ancient origin story of floral colors New research led by Monash University experts used computer simulations to reveal the ancient link between bees and the evolution of colors in flowers. The research, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, simulated the landscape of the first flowering plants from many tens of millions of years ago, to test their visibility to pollinators like bees and birds.
	Mystery of moths' warning sound production explained in new study The workings of the ultrasonic warning sounds produced by the wings of a species of moth have been revealed by researchers at the University of Bristol.
	New technology unscrambles the chatter of microbes Researchers from University of California San Diego, as part of a large collaboration with scientists around the world, have developed a new search tool to help researchers better understand the metabolism of microorganisms. Microbes are key players in virtually all biological and environmental systems, yet limitations in current techniques used to study microbial metabolism make it difficult to decode their interactions and activities.
	Number of shark bites in 2023 found to be consistent with recent trends, with small spike in fatalities There was an increase in the number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide and an uptick in fatalities in 2023 compared to the previous year. The University of Florida's International Shark Attack File (ISAF), a scientific database of global shark attacks, confirmed 69 unprovoked bites in 2023. Although this is higher than the most recent five-year average of 63 attacks, the data remain consistent with long-term trends.
	New findings explain how soil traps plant-based carbon When carbon molecules from plants enter the soil, they hit a definitive fork in the road. Either the carbon gets trapped in the soil for days or even years, where it is effectively sequestered from immediately entering the atmosphere. Or it feeds microbes, which then respire carbon dioxide (CO2) into the ever-warming environment.
	Researchers uncover biological circuit that offers a new avenue for creating drought-resistant crops Climate change is already harming agricultural yields and may one day pose a significant threat to the world's food supply. Engineering more resilient crops, including those able to thrive in the face of drought or high soil salinity levels, is an increasingly urgent need.
	Newly identified protein helps flowers develop properly Flowers rely on a newly identified protein to develop properly with all of their organs, according to the research team who made the discovery. The team, led by Penn State biologists, identified the protein in the model plant species Arabidopsis and said its mechanism is likely shared across plant species.
	An infectious gibbon ape leukemia virus found to be colonizing a rodent's genome in New Guinea A research team has caught a glimpse of a rare case of retrovirus integration. Retroviruses are viruses that multiply by incorporating their genes into the genome of a host cell. If the infected cell is a germ cell, the retrovirus can then be passed on to the next generation as an "endogenous" retrovirus (ERV) and spread as part of the host genome in that host species.
	Improving accuracy of molecular quantification in high throughput sequencing A team at NDORMS has developed a new approach to significantly improve the accuracy of RNA sequencing. They have pinpointed the primary source of inaccurate quantification in both short and long-read RNA sequencing, and have introduced the concept of "majority vote" error correction leading to a substantial improvement in RNA molecular counting.
	Microbial division of labor produces higher biofuel yields Scientists have found a way to boost ethanol production via yeast fermentation, a standard method for converting plant sugars into biofuels. Their approach, detailed in the journal Nature Communications, relies on careful timing and a tight division of labor among synthetic yeast strains to yield more ethanol per unit of plant sugars than previous approaches have achieved.
	Fisetin rescues pathogenic mutation of kinesin in neurons, finds study Mutations in the kinesin KIF1A cause impaired axonal transport, resulting in neurological disorders or neurodevelopmental disorders known as KIF1A-associated neurological disorder (KAND). In clinical practice, there is limited knowledge about effective interventions and treatments for these mutations.
	Preclinical study uncovers two proteins' crucial role in causing cancer cell growth Scientists at City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, have discovered a new cellular mechanism that plays an important role in cancer cells' ability to cause disease. The study is published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.
	Improving climate predictions by unlocking the secrets of soil microbes Climate models are essential to predicting and addressing climate change, but can fail to adequately represent soil microbes, a critical player in ecosystem soil carbon sequestration that affects the global carbon cycle.
	Study shows marine heat waves have significant impact on microorganisms A new study led by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, shows that marine heat waves (MHWs) are altering the microorganism communities that form the base of the marine food chain, disrupting coastal ecosystems. The article "A marine heat wave drives significant shifts in pelagic microbiology" was published in Communications Biology.
	African rice production must become more efficient to prevent large-scale import and cultivation, researchers say Rice production in Africa is in urgent need of intensification to meet future demand. This is to prevent the continent from becoming largely dependent on the import of rice or significant portions of farmlands being used for cultivation. Research shows there is potential to make rice production more efficient if the current farming methods are improved.
	Virus ancestry could help predict next pandemic Virus family history could help scientists identify which strains have the potential to become the so-called Disease X that causes the next global pandemic.
	Small but mighty: Study highlights abundance and importance of the ocean's tiniest inhabitants Tiny plankton—measuring less than 20 µm (or 0.02 mm) in diameter—make up the majority of plankton in the ocean and play a critical role in the planet's health, according to new research.
	The surprisingly simple recipe for starting to grow a limb How do organisms form limbs in the womb? Scientists have been striving to answer this question not only to deepen our understanding of evolution and embryonic development, but also to help make the dream of regenerating partial or entire limbs a reality.
	Researchers discover new species of mussel that lives in an ancient undersea forest A Northeastern marine scientist has discovered a new species of tiny mollusk that lives in an ancient, submerged cypress grove called the Alabama Undersea Forest.
	Scientists 'break the mold' by creating new colors of blue cheese Experts at the University of Nottingham have discovered how to create different colors of blue cheese. After discovering how the classic blue-green veining is created, a team of experts from the School of Life Sciences, were able to create a variety of different fungal strains that could be used to make cheese with colors ranging from white to yellow-green to red-brown-pink and light and dark blues.
	Smells like evolution: Fruit flies reveal surprises in chemical sensing A new study in Nature Communications unveils the hidden world of sensory evolution in fruit flies. By delving into the genes and cells behind their delicate noses and tongues, researchers have discovered surprising secrets about how these tiny insects adapt their senses to different environments.
	Researchers describe a novel species of jellyfish discovered in a remote location in Japan A research team has published a description of a rare medusa found at a depth of 812 meters. The animal has been sighted only twice in a deep-sea volcanic structure called Sumisu Caldera, in the Ogasawara Islands. The gelatinous animal with a diameter of about 10 cm and a red stomach resembling the Cross of St. George when seen from above is Santjordia pagesi, a newly described species of medusa. Medusae are a type of free-swimming, umbrella-shaped jellyfish with a reduced stalk.
	Using computer-engineered DNA to study cell identities All the cells in our body have the same genetic code, and yet they can differ in their identities, functions and disease states. Telling one cell apart from another in a simple manner, in real time, would prove invaluable for scientists trying to understand inflammation, infections or cancers.
	How food availability could catalyze cultural transmission in wild orangutans The proverb "necessity is the mother of invention" has been used to describe the source from which our cultural evolution springs. After all, need in times of scarcity has forced humans to continually invent new technologies that have driven the remarkable cumulative culture of our species. But an invention only becomes cultural if it is learned and spread by many individuals. In other words, the invention must be socially transmitted.
	Printing plant-based pharmaceuticals—without plants Rochester undergraduates have developed a 3D-bioprinting system to replicate chemicals found in plants, including those endangered by climate change.
	Vitamin B12 adaptability in Antarctic algae has implications for climate change, life in the Southern Ocean Vitamin B12 deficiency in people can cause a slew of health problems and even become fatal. Until now, the same deficiencies were thought to impact certain types of algae, as well. A new study has examined the algae Phaeocystis antarctica's (P. antarctica) exposure to a matrix of iron and vitamin B12 conditions. Results show that this algae has the ability to survive without B12, something that computer analysis of genome sequences had incorrectly indicated.
	Silent fields: A cocktail of pesticides is stunting bumblebee colonies across Europe The European Parliament voted against a proposal to curb the use of agricultural pesticides in November 2023. These chemicals, designed to protect crop yield from pest insects and other organisms, can contaminate the water and air and threaten the people and wildlife that maintain the vitality of our landscapes.
	Hungry sea otters are helping save California's marshlands from erosion The return of sea otters and their voracious appetites has helped rescue a section of California marshland, a new study shows.
	Lupus and other autoimmune diseases strike far more women than men. Now there's a clue why Women are far more likely than men to get autoimmune diseases, when an out-of-whack immune system attacks their own bodies—and new research may finally explain why.
	Training an animal? An ethicist explains how and why your dog, but not your frog, can be punished People talk to their pets every day: offering praise when they're good, reassurance when they're confused and affection when they're cuddling. We also speak to animals when they misbehave. "Why did you do that?" someone might ask their dog. Or we might scold the cat—"Don't touch that!"—as we move a family heirloom across the room.
	Common food preservative has unexpected effects on the gut microbiome Food manufacturers often add preservatives to food products to keep them fresh. The purpose of these preservatives is to kill microbes that could break down and otherwise spoil the food. Common additives like sugar, salt, vinegar and alcohol have been used as preservatives for centuries, but modern-day food labels now reveal more unfamiliar ingredients such as sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate.
	Catalina deer in the crosshairs: Will compromise avert a planned slaughter? After months of intense community outrage over its planned slaughter of thousands of nonnative mule deer, Catalina Island Conservancy officials have indicated that they may be open to considering optional plans, such as relocating the deer and reducing the population through sterilization.
	Idaho wolves will not return to endangered species list, Fish and Wildlife Service rules Gray wolves in Idaho will not be relisted under the Endangered Species Act despite conservationist concerns, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in a ruling Friday.
	Wildlife officials aim to keep Colorado's wolves from meeting the endangered Mexican wolf A Mexican gray wolf called Asha wandered hundreds of miles across Arizona and New Mexico searching for a mate—no easy task for one of the most endangered mammals in the United States.
	'Speckles' the piebald dolphin makes a splash as Australian first University of the Sunshine Coast researchers believe they have recorded one of the world's most unusually colored dolphins for the first time in Australia. With its patchy black-and-white coloring, the dolphin is one of only six cases in the world where there is photographic evidence a dolphin with the extremely rare skin condition piebaldism, and only the second to be documented in the southern hemisphere.
	Study finds high nitrogen fertilizer input enhances the microbial network complexity in paddy soil In paddy field, flood-and-drain cycles produce variations in reduced and oxidized environments, which are appropriate habitats for a wide variety of microorganisms. Nitrogen (N) fertilization drives the structure and function of soil microbial communities, which are crucial for regulating soil biogeochemical cycling and maintaining ecosystem stability.
	Indonesia's plan to ban seaweed exports could backfire—hurting its own industry Indonesia, the world's second-largest seaweed producer, plans to introduce a nationwide export ban on seaweed, following a ban at a provincial level in 2022.
	Our ancient primate ancestors had an appetite for soft fruits—and their diet shaped human evolution The diet of early anthropoids—the ancestors of apes and monkeys—has long been debated. Did these early primates display behaviors and diets similar to modern species, or did they have much humbler beginnings?
	Giant tortoises have returned to Madagascar 600 years after they were wiped out A six-year-old project to return giant tortoises to the wild in Madagascar could result in thousands of the 350kg megaherbivores re-populating the island for the first time in 600 years.
	Animals keep eating precious plants—we used 'smell misinformation' to keep them away In places where we need to protect valuable plants—whether for ecological or economic reasons—local herbivores can cause significant damage.
	Bacterial research: Novel antibiotic producers discovered in German collection Researchers at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, led by Dr. Yvonne Mast and Dr. Imen Nouioui, have published scientific descriptions for five new antibiotic-producing bacteria.
	Invasive rodent research may help protect Hawaiian forests O'ahu, Hawaii, is an island rife with lush nature, expansive ocean views and, increasingly, invasive rodents. House mice, black rats and Pacific rats all have contributed to ecological destruction in Oʻahu's forests, and forest managers are working to curb their activity.
	Southern pygmy perch starts coming back from the brink An endangered fish has returned to Bendigo, Victoria, thanks to the help of Flinders University research in collaboration with local community groups.
	Public involvement benefits relationship between nature reserves and local communities: Study Numerous studies have thoroughly documented the conflicts that arise between nature reserves (NRs) and local communities. In order to develop effective solutions, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between NRs and neighboring communities is essential and requires focused research on the influencing factors. Unfortunately, limited scientific attention to this issue has made it difficult to establish a link between these two entities, reducing the effectiveness of proposed solutions.
	Research reveals minerals in soil shield microbial remains to aid carbon storage A new study by Chinese researchers has revealed that soil minerals play a critical role in protecting the remains of dead microbes, thereby promoting carbon and nitrogen storage in the soil.
	Bacterial test for raw, organic milk may require more precision Cornell food scientists show that a standard quality test used for raw, organic milk is insufficient for distinguishing between specific groups of bacteria, suggesting that the criteria for determining milk quality at processing plants need to be updated.
	Strategies for detecting and preventing pet cancer According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, roughly 1 in 5 cats and 1 in 4 dogs will, at some point in their life, develop tumors, with estimations that almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop a form of cancer.
	Shedding light on shadows: Unveiling the impact of low light on tomato disease susceptibility and defense mechanisms The global challenge of plant disease outbreaks under low light intensities leads to significant crop yield losses, with the mechanisms of low light's impact on plant defense poorly understood. Research has identified high light conditions as enhancing plant defense through reactive oxygen species (ROS) bursts, yet the role of ROS under low light remains ambiguous, showing both potential damage and unclear effects on disease resistance.
	Unveiling a gap-free genome in rapeseed for enhanced agricultural insight and breeding Allopolyploid oilseed rape (Brassica napus) plays a critical role in global agriculture, serving not only as a major oil crop but also as a nutritious vegetable and ornamental plant. Despite its importance, the current reference genomes, including the latest ZS11_HZAU version, are hindered by unresolved sequences, collapsed duplications, and gaps, limiting comprehensive genomic analysis.
	How does car traffic influence airborne fungal diversity? Microbial particles including fungi, bacteria, allergens, etc., are common natural components of air. In particular, fungi represent a large portion of the airborne microbes since they are among the most abundant, widely dispersed, and pervasive organisms in the world. Spores of different fungal species dispersed in the atmosphere are considered to be related to air pollution, thus affecting human health. Bioaerosols containing airborne microorganisms and their waste products can cause respiratory disorders and other adverse health effects, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and toxic responses.
	Research team develops cold-hardiness kiwi fruit for immediate release to public Kiwi fruits with their tangy green flesh are routinely purchased and devoured throughout the year by people across the nation. This is no surprise. Kiwi fruit is high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium. The subtropical fruit is also a favorite of many southern U.S. producers since the delicious fruit is traditionally grown in warmer climates. California produces the vast majority of kiwi fruits that are sold in our local grocery stores, but due to recent research advancements from U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists, this may no longer be the case.
	Protecting crops through nanotechnology in Southeast Asia In a recent breakthrough, DNA sequencing technology has uncovered the culprit behind cassava witches' broom disease: the fungus genus Ceratobasidium. The cutting-edge nanopore technology used for this discovery was first developed to track the COVID-19 virus in Colombia, but is equally suited to identifying and reducing the spread of plant viruses.
	Weather swings bring steadier results when studying crop adaptability Efforts to breed more adaptable crops benefit from testing locations with wide ranges of weather, according to a research team led by an Iowa State University professor.
	Green Farmacy Garden carries on legacy of teaching healing through plants For nearly three decades, The Green Farmacy Garden in Fulton, Maryland, has served as a sanctuary for those interested in learning how to use plants for healing.
	Fencing young mussels for ecosystem restoration The restoration of mussel beds in the Wadden Sea or the Delta is a lot more successful when young mussels are helped a little with low, protective fences on the bottom.
	Single degenerated primer significantly improves COX1 barcoding performance in soil nematode profiling Microscopic nematodes play important roles in the soil ecosystem and often serve as bioindicators of soil health. The identification of soil nematodes is often difficult due to their limited diagnostic characters and high phenotypic plasticity. The DNA barcoding and metabarcoding techniques are promising but lack universal primers, especially for mitochondrial COX1 gene.
	Deciphering the ethylene biosynthesis puzzle in banana fruit ripening Ethylene, a key phytohormone, plays a vital role in the ripening of climacteric fruits like bananas, with its biosynthesis being a focal point of agricultural research due to its impact on fruit quality and shelf life. Transcription factors(TFs), such as MADS and NAC, can regulate ACC synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO), which are crucial enzymes in ethylene synthesis, to control fruit ripening.
	Grape white rot resistance and the role of VvWRKY5 in enhancing pathogen defense through the jasmonic acid pathway Grape white rot, caused by Coniella diplodiella (Speg.) Sacc. (Cd), significantly impacts grape production and quality, highlighting the need for effective disease management strategies beyond fungicide use due to concerns over food safety and environmental impact. WRKY transcription factors are pivotal in plant pathogen resistance, yet their roles in combating grape white rot are poorly understood. This knowledge gap highlights the need for research into how WRKY transcription factors can enhance grape resistance to white rot, offering a pathway to more sustainable disease control methods.

Medicine and Health news

	A neural mechanism that could underlie fasting-mediated immune regulation Fasting, the voluntary abstention from eating and sometimes drinking for a set time, has become increasingly widespread, as some studies have found that it could boost the immune system and help prevent the development of some diseases. There are now several smartphone applications on which people can record their periods of intermittent fasting and find out more about the potential benefits of fasting.
	Alzheimer's may have once spread from person to person, but the risk of that happening today is incredibly low An article published this week in the journal Nature Medicine documents what is believed to be the first evidence that Alzheimer's disease can be transmitted from person to person.
	Study finds Black adults are losing sleep over killings of unarmed Black individuals by police Black adults across the United States suffer from sleep problems following exposure to news about unarmed Black individuals killed by police during police encounters, according to new findings published today (Feb. 5) in JAMA Internal Medicine from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
	Immune response, not acute viral infections, responsible for neurological damage, researchers discover For years, there has been a long-held belief that acute viral infections like Zika or COVID-19 are directly responsible for neurological damage, but researchers from McMaster University have now discovered that it's the immune system's response that is behind it.
	Study finds new treatment to reverse inflammation and arterial blockages in rheumatoid arthritis Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have found that the molecule RvT4 enhances the body's natural defenses against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
	Researchers identify protein linked to metastasis in pancreatic cancer Pancreatic cancer is the No. 3 cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and only 12% of patients survive five years after being diagnosed. Severe pancreatic cancer is associated with metastasis, and it is this spread of secondary tumors that usually causes death, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms that drive metastasis.
	US patient 'happy again' after brain implant treats epilepsy and OCD American Amber Pearson used to wash her hands until they bled, terrified by the idea of contamination from everyday items, a debilitating result of her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
	Study finds white Americans are most susceptible to psychological distress White Americans are more likely than Black and Hispanic people in the United States to experience "deaths of despair" even though they are less likely to suffer from severe psychological distress, a new study finds.
	Chinese genetic study seeks to make generational medical discoveries A team of medical researchers at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, working with colleagues from several other institutions in China, has conducted a large-scale genetic study. Publishing in the journal Nature, the group analyzed genetic sequencing data from thousands of Chinese participants.
	COVID-19 researchers discover hidden natural immune defense pathway An international cohort of scientists researching COVID-19 has uncovered a hidden part of the human immune system that creates anti-viral agents.
	Visualizing multiple sclerosis with a new MRI procedure Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that usually leads to permanent disabilities. It affects about 2.9 million people worldwide, and about 15,000 in Switzerland alone. One key feature of the disease is that it causes the patient's own immune system to attack and destroy the myelin sheaths in the central nervous system.
	New drug halts growth of aggressive breast cancer in pre-clinical study A promising drug could lead to a new treatment for the most aggressive form of breast cancer, which affects thousands of women each year. A pre-clinical study led by the University of Adelaide found the new drug successfully inhibits the growth of triple negative breast cancer without any toxic side effects.
	After discharge from pediatric emergency, 20% of parents feel uncertain caring for their child: Study A cross-Canada study of the emotional needs of parents who bring their children to pediatric emergency departments shows a significant number leave feeling dissatisfied and uncertain about how to care for their child after discharge.
	Innovative modeling may help breast cancer patients who don't respond to treatment Monash University-led research is using math to predict how new combination therapies can help patients with breast cancer who no longer respond to conventional therapies.
	Sexually transmitted infections among older adults pose a global public health challenge, study says The incidence of HIV and other STIs among people aged 60 to 89 years is increasing in some regions of the world. More awareness about the issue, stigma reduction and preventive measures are needed, according to a new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity.
	Doctors have more difficulty diagnosing disease when looking at images of darker skin: AI may offer a solution When diagnosing skin diseases based solely on images of a patient's skin, doctors do not perform as well when the patient has darker skin, according to a new study from MIT researchers.
	Bullied teens' brains show chemical change associated with psychosis Researchers have found that adolescents being bullied by their peers are at greater risk of the early stages of psychotic episodes and in turn experience lower levels of a key neurotransmitter in a part of the brain involved in regulating emotions.
	Strategies to shield breast cancer patients from lymphedema In a global effort to improve the lives of breast cancer survivors, new health research has looked at strategies that can help prevent lymphedema for millions of cancer survivors as a result of damage or removal of their lymph nodes during cancer treatment.
	Researchers develop rapid test for detecting fentanyl University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds.
	Study confirms fears that COVID pandemic reduced kindergarten readiness Numerous studies have raised alarms about how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning, development and mental health among school-aged children. But few have focused on the effects felt by the 22 million children under age 6 who were not yet in school.
	Matrix remodeling study reveals the influence of the cellular environment on vision The environment of retinal nerve cells plays a crucial role in the processing of visual signals. The processing of visual information begins with a targeted and balanced communication between nerve cells in the retina via synapses. Proteins in the vicinity of nerve cells play an important role in the development, maturation, and function of these synapses.
	Childhood trauma study uncovers brain rewiring A brain study of childhood trauma has revealed how it affects development and rewires vital pathways.
	Are body temperature and depression linked? New study says, yes People with depression have higher body temperatures, suggesting there could be a mental health benefit to lowering the temperatures of those with the disorder, a new UC San Francisco-led study found.
	Lighting up Alzheimer's-related proteins to allow for earlier disease detection Many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, are difficult to diagnose before symptoms begin to appear. However, disease-related biomarkers such as aggregated proteins called amyloids could provide important insight much earlier, if they can be readily detected. Researchers publishing in ACS Sensors have developed one such method using an array of sensor molecules that can light up amyloids. The tool could help monitor disease progression or distinguish between different amyloid-related conditions.
	Can honey help with coughs? Coughs due to respiratory infections such as colds are common this time of year. An effective treatment for a disruptive cough might be sitting in your kitchen pantry.
	Record number of Californians visiting emergency rooms for dog bites Those pandemic puppies are growing up to be a public health concern. The latest California data shows increased rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths from dog bites, with new records set after COVID lockdowns.
	Brain boosters from exercise and diet Studies show that physical activity is actually a mental health exercise. One article that states just 15 minutes of walking, especially in the out-of-doors, can boost mood and reduce feelings of depression.
	CDC reports the number of acute flaccid myelitis cases remained low in 2022 Despite an increase in enterovirus (EV)-D68 circulation in the United States in 2022, the number of cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) remained low, according to research published in the Feb. 1 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
	Difficulty swallowing, allergies in children and young adults: It could be eosinophilic esophagitis Children and young adults with allergies or eczema who have difficulty swallowing may have eosinophilic esophagitis. A review published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) provides guidance on how to diagnose and manage this chronic inflammatory disease.
	Study finds mild COVID-19 infections make insomnia more likely, especially in people with anxiety or depression Although most patients diagnosed with COVID-19 will quickly recover, some people experience symptoms that linger well after they start testing negative again—including insomnia. Scientists already knew that insomnia was common in patients who had to be hospitalized, but a team of scientists led by Dr. Huong T. X. Hoang of Phenikaa University, Vietnam began to wonder if mild infections might also affect sleep quality.
	Veterinary drug newly found in illicit opioid supply resistant to naloxone An article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal describes five things clinicians and harm reduction workers should know about xylazine, a veterinary medication adulterating the illicit opioid supply.
	Meet your gut microbes: Lactobacillus brevis—a fermentation superstar Fermentation, one of the oldest food production and preservation techniques, has seen a huge revival in recent years. From craft beers and kombucha to yogurt, sauerkraut and pickles, fermentation is central to producing these foods and drinks. There are different types of fermentation, one of which is lactic acid fermentation.
	Cape Verde is the third African country to eliminate malaria Cape Verde has been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization.
	Playing a musical instrument or singing in a choir may boost your brain Generations of parents have told their children to practice their musical instruments. Parents have good reason to keep on top of their children's musical education, since learning an instrument is not only associated with better educational attainment but also cognition (thinking) and even intelligence scores in children. But does this musicality translate to better cognition later in life?
	Scientists recreate alveolar epithelium in a lab to understand how polluted air can affect your health Even today, in a world increasingly powered by renewable energy and clean technologies, air pollution poses a real risk to human health. In the UK alone, it is estimated to be responsible for 28,000 to 36,000 deaths every year, and can vastly increase the risk of developing many lung and heart-related diseases, such as asthma or lung cancer.
	Wellness visits, preventive screenings not back to prepandemic levels Wellness visits and preventive health screenings have not returned to prepandemic levels, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in JAMA Health Forum.
	Physical activity weakly associated with better late-life cognition Physical activity is associated with better late-life cognition, but the association is weak, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published online Feb. 1 in JAMA Network Open.
	Brazil sees dengue cases quadruple ahead of vaccine drive The number of dengue fever cases in Brazil since January 1 is four times higher than the same period last year, government data showed Saturday, ahead of the launch of a vaccination campaign.
	Four health benefits of beet juice you might not know about Beet juice has been linked to lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation. It's often sweet and can pair well with a hearty meal, or the powder supplement can be perfectly blended into a shake or smoothie.
	Data show more Millennials and Gen Zers get colon cancer: Is obesity why? Fresh data from the American Cancer Society show colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under the age of 50. Among women under age 50, colon cancer is second only to breast cancer. Not so long ago, colon cancer ranked fourth in that age group.
	Ketamine therapy for mental health a 'Wild west' for doctors and patients In late 2022, Sarah Gutilla's treatment-resistant depression had grown so severe, she was actively contemplating suicide. Raised in foster care, the 34-year-old's childhood was marked by physical violence, sexual abuse, and drug use, leaving her with life-threatening mental scars.
	Combination therapy found to lower blood pressure in patients receiving ibrutinib Combination treatments with two or more blood pressure drugs can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients taking ibrutinib, according to a new study published in Blood Advances.
	Study finds weight loss surgery most effective for long-term blood pressure control Bariatric surgery is more effective in controlling hypertension rates, or high blood pressure, in people with obesity and uncontrolled high blood pressure compared to blood pressure medication alone, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. People who underwent bariatric surgery had lower BMI and were on fewer medications after five years while maintaining normal blood pressure levels than those who only used antihypertensive medications.
	Mental health care during the COVID-19 era remains inaccessible to many distressed US adults U.S. adults experienced considerable psychological distress and adverse mental health effects as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic according to a study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
	Study defines mechanisms underlying promising precision therapy for pancreatic cancer A research study led by a multidisciplinary team of scientists at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center details evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of a compound that targets a key genetic feature of pancreatic cancer. The work, published in Cancer Research, illustrates potential clinical applications for the novel anticancer agent MRTX1133 and outlines its effect on both the tumor and the surrounding environment.
	Drug candidate granted FDA orphan drug status for pancreatic cancer The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded Orphan Drug Designation to Canget BioTekpharma LLC for FL118, a drug candidate developed at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, as a possible treatment for pancreatic cancer.
	Simple blood protein tests predict which lymphoma patients are most likely to have poor CAR T outcomes As new cancer treatments become available, some of the most important ongoing research must look at ways to optimize those new approaches so that more patients can benefit from groundbreaking therapies. In work published in Blood Cancer Discovery a team of collaborators from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Moffitt Cancer Center report the first strategy for identifying before treatment which patients are at risk for poor outcomes from CAR T-cell therapy—pointing to opportunities to improve the safety and efficacy of this new and fast-growing class of cancer immunotherapies.
	The Facebook trick that online gambling is using to target Australians Gambling advertising has long been a contentious issue in Australia, with critics and regulators regularly raising concerns about the intensity and placement of ads in the media.
	Pilot program to aid gravely disabled residents could improve housing, hospitalization rates An evaluation of Los Angeles County's pilot program aimed at bolstering aid to gravely disabled homeless residents found the initiative could offer a promising framework to improve housing and health outcomes for this vulnerable population while also relieving overburdened psychiatric hospitals.
	How better and cheaper software could save millions of dollars while improving Canada's health care system Billions of Canadian tax dollars have been funneled to private companies to develop proprietary medical software. More tax dollars were then paid to the same companies to use the software to run our medical system.
	Researchers develop computer program to assist in early breast cancer detection A group of researchers, led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), has developed a computer program to identify potential tumors in the human breast, making use of the observation that malignant breast tumors distribute heat differently to healthy breast tissue.
	New study lists potentially dangerous drugs in Australian health care Researchers have developed an Australian-first list of 16 potentially dangerous medications used in health care and their safer alternatives.
	New prostate cancer resource keeps treatment options simple to understand Every week, more than 400 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. With treatment, survival rates for prostate cancer are high, but understanding the treatment options and side effects can be confusing.
	How much weight do you actually need to lose? It might be a lot less than you think If you're one of the one in three Australians whose New Year's resolution involved losing weight, it's likely you're now contemplating what weight-loss goal you should actually be working towards.
	Europe-wide study finds gut microbiota predict severity of acute pancreatitis In a Europe-wide study involving 15 pancreas centers, researchers at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) have discovered that the microbial composition of the gut, the gut microbiome, influences the course of severe acute pancreatitis. Based on the changes in the gut microbiome, a model was developed to predict the severity of pancreatitis. The results could contribute to new treatment strategies. The study is published in Gut.
	Child marriage a key factor in Laos' high adolescent pregnancy rate Laos has the highest rate of young female pregnancies in Southeast Asia, but until recently the underlying reasons have not been well understood.
	Beyond the pedals: Testing upper limb feasibility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing How can inclusivity be achieved in cardiopulmonary exercise tests for individuals facing lower limb injuries or disabilities that make it impossible to pedal a bicycle? Conventional exercise assessments rely primarily on lower limb exercise to determine maximal oxygen uptake—a cardiopulmonary function metric that indicates the maximum amount of oxygen that can be taken into the body in one minute. If lower limbs cannot be exercised, it necessitates an upper limb alternative. However, no clear upper limb exercise test protocol has been fully established.
	Hearing impairment may lead to depression, isolation, dementia If you've ever found yourself repeating parts of a conversation for an older person or walking into a room where they've turned the TV up full blast, you might have discovered more than just a typical byproduct of aging.
	New weight loss medication may help lower blood pressure in adults with obesity The new weight loss medication tirzepatide significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) for nearly 500 adults with obesity who took the medication for about eight months, according to new research published in Hypertension.
	Supplementing financial aid with education may benefit SNAP recipients Federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have been boosting food security for Americans in need for decades. New research suggests that pairing education with this financial assistance could help to improve diet quality, as well.
	Burn injury disrupts gut microbiome and weakens intestinal mucus barrier, finds study In a study published in the journal Burns & Trauma, researchers employed a combination of techniques to analyze the effects of burn injury on the gut microbiota and mucus barrier in mice.
	When symptoms suggest a stroke, but it's something else What looks and feels like a stroke sometimes isn't. Instead, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, dizziness and other symptoms of a stroke might be caused by something else—a stroke mimic.
	How stigma hurts trans health For transgender and nonbinary people, feeling connected to one's community may alleviate the adverse health effects of chronic exposure to stigma, the latest findings of a U.S.-Canada study suggests.
	Automatic calculation of H-score on histological slides via artificial intelligence To determine pathological changes in tissues, immunohistochemical studies are used. This is a microscopic examination, for which a thin histological section is made, which is treated with a special substance—an antibody. It interacts with the desired substance in the tissue—for example, protein—and colors it.
	What helps when blood pressure does not drop despite treatment High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diseases associated with high blood pressure are the most common cause of death worldwide. Antihypertensive drugs are among the most frequently prescribed medications in Germany. However, there are people whose blood pressure does not fall below the desired target value, even though they are already taking three or more different blood pressure medications.
	Women's blood lipid metabolism found to be better at countering effects of sleep apnea Sleep apnea, which involves recurring, temporary interruptions of breathing during sleep, can disturb regulation of blood lipid levels, a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. A University of Ottawa research team has shown that the impact of sleep apnea on the metabolism of blood lipids differs by sex, with women regulating their blood lipids better than men.
	Chemical and computational advances enable 2D proteomics measurements of spatial signals Human tissue is composed of distinct cell types arranged in complex structures that send protein signals both within a single cell and between cells. In standard proteomics measurements, these cell structures mix to blend this network of signals together.
	Pulmonary rehabilitation is difficult for millions of Americans to access, says new study Pulmonary rehabilitation, an essential component of care for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, is difficult for millions of Americans to access, a new Yale-led study reveals. The findings, researchers say, reveal geographic regions where this type of care is most lacking and illustrate the potential for telemedicine in helping to bridge this gap.
	Unlocking precision medicine for inflammatory bowel disease The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is rapidly increasing worldwide, affecting an estimated 6.8 million people. This surge brings significant economic burdens, with annual health care costs exceeding $12,000 and $7,000 for CD and UC patients, respectively. Tailored drug selection based on individual factors can potentially reduce these costs and improve patient outcomes.
	Insider Q&A: Look for telemedicine to play a growing role in your regular care Telemedicine's early days of handling mostly mild illnesses like sinus infections or pink eye are fading fast.
	Scientists show focused ultrasound can reach deep into the brain to relieve pain You feel a pain, so you pop a couple of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the pain is severe or chronic, you might be prescribed something stronger—an opioid pain killer that can be addictive under some circumstances.
	Study: Running won't help you lose weight, but it does prevent weight gain Recently, some media outlets have highlighted that it is a myth that running will help you lose weight/fat. There is certainly convincing scientific evidence that after an initial loss in fat mass from engaging in an exercise regime, the body lowers its overall energy expenditure to conserve energy and ultimately its fat mass stores. This is nature's insurance policy developed by our ancestors to prevent starvation during times of restricted food availability.
	Ear clip stimulation of vagus nerve shows promise as postural tachycardia syndrome treatment A study from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine at OU Health Sciences shows that stimulating the body's longest nerve through a clip on the ear significantly lessens the woozy symptoms of POTS, or postural tachycardia syndrome.
	Breakthrough in understanding the cause of a rare and life-threatening condition related to sleep apnea Ben-Gurion University (BGU) of the Negev's Prof. Gad Vatine and Tel Aviv University's Dr. Avraham Ashkenazi are up and coming principal investigators. Vatine is an expert in studying rare disorders using patient-specific stem cells, and Ashkenazi is an expert in tri-nucleotide repeat expansion disorders and protein clearance pathways.
	Epigenetic combination therapy could overcome treatment resistance in epithelioid sarcomas and rhabdoid tumors Epithelioid sarcoma, a rare aggressive cancer that usually strikes young adults, and rhabdoid tumors, which affect children, have long been difficult to treat. But the outlook for people with these subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma brightened in 2020 when the Food and Drug Administration approved a targeted therapy called tazemetostat (Tazverik) for certain patients.
	Scientists develop low-cost imaging device for early diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers Gastrointestinal cancers (GCs) are among the most common forms of cancer and account for as much as one-third of all cancer deaths worldwide. Early diagnosis is an effective way of reducing the mortality associated with GCs, and endoscopic screening has proven to be an excellent approach for detecting potentially malignant tumors.
	Artificial oral mucosa as a model for testing dental biomaterials A new study suggests that lab-grown oral mucosa can successfully be used for testing biological effects of dental materials. The project is a collaboration between the Institute of Oral Biology (IOB) and the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials (NIOM) and is published in Biomaterial Investigations in Dentistry.
	The fate of drug discovery in academia: Why is it so difficult? A new editorial paper titled "The fate of drug discovery in academia; dumping in the publication landfill?" has been published in Oncotarget.
	Lipid traffic jam: Scientists reveal how dAcsl orchestrates lipid transport in Drosophila Interorgan lipid transport is crucial for organism development and the maintenance of physiological function. Drosophila long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (dAcsl), which catalyzes the conversion of fatty acids into acyl-coenzyme As (acyl-CoAs), plays a critical role in regulating systemic lipid homeostasis. But what happens when this enzyme is deficient, and how does it impact the delicate balance of interorgan lipid transport?
	Longitudinal study links PFAS contamination with teas, processed meats and food packaging New research is shedding light on food and beverage products linked to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and suggesting potential solutions for protecting the public.
	Researchers say media focus on vaccine hesitancy distorts reality Media stories focusing on vaccine hesitancy can distort reality and drive a false narrative that a large percentage of parents is refusing to get their children vaccinated, according to an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine by two pediatricians from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
	Primary care housing intervention linked to improved patient health outcomes Brigham researchers found that participation in a housing program was associated with fewer outpatient visits, improved physical and mental health, and stronger connections to their primary care clinics and care team.
	New guideline details acute pain management strategies for adolescent, adult dental patients Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken alone or along with acetaminophen are recommended as first-line treatments for managing short-term dental pain in adults and adolescents aged 12 or older, according to a new clinical practice guideline developed by the American Dental Association (ADA), the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. The guideline has been endorsed by the ADA and is now available in the February issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.
	Pandemic linked to 14% increase in underweight children in India Malnutrition of Indian children rose dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research from the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition (TCI).
	How do we talk to our children about Black Lives Matter? A new study led by psychology researchers at Northwestern University found 84% of Black parents and 76% of white parents had spoken to their 8- to 11-year-old-children about the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement within the year following the 2020 murder of George Floyd.
	Study says reducing homelessness by 25% could save thousands of lives from dying by overdose Reducing homelessness by 25% could save almost 2,000 lives lost to opioid overdoses, according to new research from the University of Georgia.
	Team discovers how to predict whether patients with leukemia will be sensitive to epigenetic drugs Alterations in the chemical modifications that control gene expression, known as epigenetics, have proven to be one of the most characteristic properties of all human tumors. This realization has generated the development of intense pharmacological research to find drugs that act at this level against cancer. Today there are nine epigenetic drugs approved for use in oncology, especially in leukemias, lymphomas and soft tissue tumors. However, a mystery remains: Why do some patients respond clinically to these compounds others show resistance to their action?
	Team conducts first representative survey of energy insecurity in New York City Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have conducted the first representative survey of energy insecurity and health of New York City residents.
	Research reveals unique tumor-related bacteria tied to young-onset colorectal cancer New research has mapped changes in tumor-related bacteria to uncover potential new strategies to combat the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) in people under the age of 50.
	Study finds work benefits people with certain job-related disabilities Findings from a West Virginia University research team suggest a possible link between leaving the workforce prematurely because of disabilities from non-life-threatening, work-related conditions and the development of serious health problems, even death.
	Improving quality of life and sleep in people with memory problems without using drugs A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing), recently published in Innovation in Aging, has shown promising results in improving the quality of life (QOL) and sleep quality in individuals living with memory problems. The research delves into the efficacy of a nonpharmacological approach in a trial known as the Healthy Patterns Sleep Program.
	The fight over vaping: Lobbyists, campaigners clash before summit Does vaping offer an opportunity for smokers to kick their deadly tobacco habit, or pose a vast new health threat to the world's young people?
	Panama to host anti-tobacco talks as industry courts new, younger smokers A global anti-tobacco meeting opens in Panama on Monday to halt the harmful consequences of smoking, as tobacco companies endeavor to hook more users—including children—with addictive products.
	More than 100 people got sick on a world cruise that just left Fort Lauderdale, CDC says More than 100 people have fallen ill with stomach problems on a months-long world cruise that recently stopped in Fort Lauderdale.
	Pediatrician suggests 14 ways to show your child love On Valentine's Day, there are many ways we can show children how much we love them that go beyond candy and cards.
	Montana vows changes to avoid delayed contracts: Some health providers still await back pay The head of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services said the agency has nearly cleared its backlog of incomplete contracts that risked people's access to health services.
	Minimally invasive brain-computer interface may help those with tetraplegia restore hand functions An implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) can assist severely disabled persons with communication and active rehabilitation. Sustainable BCI implants require minimal invasiveness.
	Australian public health leaders unite to call for health levy on sugary drinks Leading Australian public health organizations are calling for a 20% health levy on sugary drink manufacturers, with new research revealing the policy could reduce Australians' annual sugar intake by 2.6 kilograms per person and raise billions of dollars for health initiatives.
	Targeted lung health strategies needed in the Top End in Australia New research published in the Medical Journal of Australia has investigated the burden of the chronic lung disease bronchiectasis among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in the Northern Territory Top End for the first time.
	Measles vaccine uptake must increase in UK, says expert Following an increase in reported cases of measles across the U.K., the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national incident and initiated a public campaign to increase childhood vaccination against the disease.
	A Chicago children's hospital has taken its networks offline after a cyberattack A Chicago children's hospital has been forced to take its networks offline after an unspecified cyberattack, limiting access to medical records and hampering communication by phone or email since the middle of last week.
	Distance education in Sweden during pandemic led to less care for ill mental health: Study Upper secondary school students were less likely to seek help for ill mental health when they were forced to study at home during the pandemic. A similar decrease was not seen for secondary school students aged 14–16 who remained in school. This has been shown in a new study at Uppsala University, based on data covering all of Sweden's upper secondary school students between 2015–2021.
	'Appalling decline' in UK children's health—report Rising infant mortality, a surge in obesity and neglected tooth decay have left UK children aged under five facing a "bleak" future, a report published on Monday warned.
	Team develops a single-nucleus resolution atlas of white adipose tissue in different depots Adipose tissue is an important regulator of metabolism and energy homeostasis in the human body. It is usually classified into two distinct categories: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). WAT is widely distributed throughout the body of mammals, and based on their anatomical distribution, can be divided into subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT).
	Making drug use less dangerous for users is the only way to tackle overdose epidemic, says new book With more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in one year, communities need more than 'just say no' drug prevention education and abstinence-only addiction treatment to save lives, an expert has warned.

Other Sciences news

	Saturday Citations: A dog regenerates a body part that may surprise you; plus microbes, neurons and climate change Coming in hot on February 3 with a photo of a cute French bully who did an amazing trick with his jawbone. Good boy! (Click!) Happy Saturday. Here's a roundup that includes news about additive printing of neurons, evidence that microbes like stuff, and the shifting temperature differential between day and night.
	Study of Indigenous and local communities finds happiness doesn't cost much Many Indigenous peoples and local communities around the world are leading very satisfying lives despite having very little money. This is the conclusion of a study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), which shows that many societies with very low monetary income have remarkably high levels of life satisfaction, comparable to those in wealthy countries.
	Study reveals significant discrepancies in common poverty measurement approaches Methods commonly used to measure poverty can lead to vastly different conclusions about who actually lives in poverty, according to a new Stanford University-led study. Based on household surveys in sub-Saharan Africa, the first-of-its-kind analysis, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, underscores the importance of accurately defining and measuring poverty.
	Best of Last Week—newborn great white shark, Avocado the robot, diets that can alter immune system It was a good week for the biological sciences as an evolutionary ecologist at the University of California, Riverside, working with a filmmaker from Malibu Artists Inc., observed and reported the first-ever sighting of a live newborn great white shark—Phillip Sternes and Carlos Gauna were using a drone camera to capture shark imagery when they spotted the pure white shark off the California coast. Also, a combined team of biologists from Aarhus University and the University of Oxford found evidence that culling animals who "don't belong" can be a flawed nature conservation practice—killing non-native animal species because they are thought to harm native plant species, they contend, does not take into consideration the original impact of native megafauna. And a team led by Yinan Zhang at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported that an inner ear fossil from a 6-million-year-old ape revealed clues about the evolution of human movement.
	How to avoid a 'winner's curse' for social programs Back in the 1980s, researchers tested a job-training program called JOBSTART in 13 U.S. cities. In 12 locations, the program had a minimal benefit. But in San Jose, California, results were good: After a few years, workers earned about $6,500 more annually than peers not participating in it.
	Optimism key to greening the global financial system, says study The transition away from fossil fuels requires a significant and global shift towards sustainable investment, and institutional investors are key.
	Mathematical model connects innovation and obsolescence to unify insights across diverse fields In Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass, the Red Queen tells Alice, "It takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place." The race between innovation and obsolescence is like this.
	Humans reached icy northern Europe in time of Neanderthals Pioneering groups of humans braved icy conditions to settle in northern Europe more than 45,000 years ago, a "huge surprise" that means they could have lived there alongside Neanderthals, scientists said Wednesday.
	Students with disabilities often left on the sidelines when it comes to school sports "Teen with special needs makes thrilling buzzer beater shot."
	Sticking with sports during school years linked to academic success As school and summer sports resume, a new study from the University of Sydney finds links between kids' long-term participation in sports and increased academic performance, including impacts on NAPLAN scores, absenteeism and likelihood to attend university.
	Should twins be in separate classes? Many schools say yes, but the answer is not so simple "Should my twins be in the same class at school?"
	Unilateral efforts to combat illegal fishing may spur piracy in certain regions Certain policies and policing measures taken by countries to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing drive local actors to engage in piracy, new research has found.
	The relationship between learning from failure and the internationalization process A study published in the European Journal of International Management has looked into the relationship between learning from failure and the internationalization process in entrepreneurial ventures. The researchers show a subtle link that perhaps challenges the received wisdom regarding success and failure suggesting that a cyclical process exists where the global expansion of entrepreneurial firms is intricately linked to experiential learning.
	Data study helps explain underpinnings of Russia's invasion and Ukraine's resilience AidData, the international development research lab based at William & Mary's Global Research Institute, have done an exhaustive study of Russia's attempts to use media, money and partnerships with sympathetic civic groups to advance its interests in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
	How teachers make ethical judgments when using AI in the classroom A teacher's gender and comfort with technology factor into whether artificial intelligence is adopted in the classroom, as shown in a new report from the USC Center for Generative AI and Society.
	How the Russian invasion of Ukraine has impacted the global wheat market Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 caused an immediate disruption in the global wheat market, with serious implications for food prices and global food security. Wheat is a staple commodity in many countries and one of the most extensively traded crops worldwide.
	Decades of research samples destroyed in Sweden cooler failure Research samples collected over decades at a prestigious Swedish medical university have been destroyed after a freezer malfunctioned over the Christmas holidays, the university said on Monday.
	Violence is contagious among members of Italian mafia groups, study shows Violence spreads in a contagious way like a disease among members of the Italian mafia, a new study shows.
	New research shows some gains but fresh difficulties in combating child sexual abuse Child sexual abuse is common in Australia. The best evidence of this comes from the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), which surveyed 8,500 Australians aged 16 and over. The ACMS found 28.5% of the national population has experienced sexual abuse before age 18 by any person (adult or adolescent). Women were twice as likely as men to have experienced sexual abuse (37.3%-18.8%). Among 16-to-24-year-olds, prevalence was slightly lower (25.7%), but again with a massive gender disparity (35.2%-14.5%).
	Two-thirds of Canadian and American renters are in unaffordable housing situations Even as housing markets cool in some areas, housing affordability in Canada is the worst in over four decades due, in part, to sustained post-pandemic inflation and comparatively higher interest rates.
	Millions of Australians have a chronic illness. So why aren't employers accommodating them? More than 20 million Australians have at least one long-term health condition, 63% of whom are in the workforce.
	Love and hate in ancient times: New anthology on 'magical' texts published "Magical" texts from Egypt in Coptic script and language are at the center of a research project at the University of Würzburg. They have now been collected and scientifically annotated for the first time in a 600-page book.
	Innovative urban living concept tackles housing woes, offers socially connected solutions Co-locating homes on single suburban allotments to create smaller and more socially connected living options could help address the nation's housing crisis, according to a University of South Australia researcher.

---

This email is a free service of Science X Network
You received this email because you subscribed to our list.
If you do not wish to receive such emails in the future, please unsubscribe here.
You are subscribed as manojdole1.copa@blogger.com. You may manage your subscription options from your Science X profile