Science X Newsletter Tue, Feb 20

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for February 20, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Junk DNA in birds may hold key to safe, efficient gene therapy
New model identifies drugs that shouldn't be taken together
An architecture for sub-picowatt logic computing based on self-biased molybdenum disulfide transistors
New ultra-short-period exoplanet discovered
Network analysis highlights the key role of plasticity in the transition from depression to mental health
Oriental pied hornbills found to have object permanence levels comparable to apes
Use of decimal point is 1.5 centuries older than historians thought
Fasting-like diet lowers risk factors for disease, reduces biological age in humans: Study
Can a single brain region encode familiarity and recollection?
Ancient genomes reveal Down syndrome in past societies
Astronomers observe the Radcliffe Wave oscillating
Oocytes outsmart toxic proteins to preserve long-term female fertility
Large, diverse genetic study of glaucoma implicates vascular and cancer-related genes
AI-assisted robot lab develops new catalysts to synthesize methanol from CO₂
Converting rainforest to plantation impacts food webs and biodiversity, study finds

Nanotechnology news

Researchers assemble patterns of micro- and nanoparticles without using solvents

Researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Riga Technical University and the MESA+ Institute at the University of Twente have succeeded in arranging very small particles (10 µm to 500 nm, 10 to 100 times thinner than a human hair) in a thin layer without using solvents. This is a hugely important first step towards developing a new generation of sensors and electronics for a wide range of applications.

Nanoparticles containing natural substance treat visceral leishmaniasis with scant side effects

A novel therapeutic strategy developed by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) could revolutionize the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) transmitted by sandflies. Some 12 million people suffer from the disease worldwide, and 700,000 to 1 million new cases of occur annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Research team introduces new non-toxic method for producing high-quality graphene oxide

Researchers from Umeå University in Sweden have found a new way to synthesize graphene oxide, which has significantly fewer defects compared to materials produced by the most common method. Similarly good graphene oxide could be synthesized previously only by using a rather dangerous method involving extremely toxic fuming nitric acid.

Physics news

	Researchers achieve breakthrough in silicon-compatible magnetic whirls Researchers from Oxford University's Department of Physics have made a breakthrough in creating and designing magnetic whirls in membranes that can be seamlessly integrated with silicon. These hurricane-like magnetic whirls, thought to move at incredible speeds of up to kilometers per second could be used as information carriers in a new generation of green and super-fast computing platforms.
	Spintronics research finds magnetic state of certain materials can be switched using surface induced strain Electronics are based on electrical charges being transported from one place to another. Electrons move, current flows, and signals are transmitted by applying an electrical voltage. However, there is also another way to manipulate electronic currents and signals: using the properties of the spin—the intrinsic magnetic moment of the electron. This is called "spintronics," and it has become an increasingly important field in contemporary electronic research.
	Physicists develop new solar cell design for better efficiency Physicists at Paderborn University have used complex computer simulations to develop a new design for significantly more efficient solar cells than previously available. A thin layer of organic material, known as tetracene, is responsible for the increase in efficiency. The results have now been published in Physical Review Letters.
	Developing doubly sustainable quantum computers In the future, the use of quantum computers could make a significant contribution to promoting greater sustainability in global developments. This was shown in a white paper, which was recently presented at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai and included contributions from the HPCQS consortium.
	Throwing lithography a curve: Research introduces mask wafer co-optimization method At the heart of advancing semiconductor chip technology lies a critical challenge: creating smaller, more efficient electronic components. This challenge is particularly evident in the field of lithography, the process used to create intricate patterns on semiconductor materials (called wafers) for the production of chips.

Earth news

	High methane concentrations in tidal salt marsh soils: Researchers seek to discover where it goes Tidal salt marshes are fairly common across the Mid-Atlantic. These coastal ecosystems provide habitat for plants, birds and fish. Existing at the intersection of land and sea, tidal salt marshes act as armor against hurricanes and shoreline erosion.
	Researchers use AI to predict how agricultural land suitability may change by 2050 By 2050, scientists predict that global demand for food will increase by 110%, while today about 40% of croplands and pastures are under threat due to the increasing average temperature on the planet, high concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and many other factors.
	Study reveals UK offshore emissions through used vehicle exports A new study published today in Nature Climate Change, found that exported used vehicles generate at least 13%–53% more emissions per mile than those that are scrapped or on the road in Great Britain.
	A device for cleaning the water is being tested in Huntington Beach For the past few weeks, a futuristic-looking contraption has been cruising around, scooping up trash in Huntington Harbor, keeping especially busy as heaps of debris washes down with recent rain storms.
	Lack of rain leaves Italy gasping A blanket of smog covers Milan, empty reservoirs bake in Sicily and wine production is down in Piedmont as a lack of rain across Italy exacerbates pollution and sparks droughts.

Astronomy and Space news

	New ultra-short-period exoplanet discovered Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), astronomers have detected a new ultra-short-period exoplanet. The newly found alien world is nearly two times larger than the Earth and orbits its host star in less than one day. The finding was reported in a paper published February 12 on the preprint server arXiv.
	Astronomers observe the Radcliffe Wave oscillating A few years ago, astronomers uncovered one of the Milky Way's greatest secrets: An enormous, wave-shaped chain of gaseous clouds in our sun's backyard, giving birth to clusters of stars along the spiral arm of the galaxy we call home.
	NASA's New Horizons detects dusty hints of extended Kuiper Belt New observations from NASA's New Horizons spacecraft hint that the Kuiper Belt—the vast, distant outer zone of our solar system populated by hundreds of thousands of icy, rocky planetary building blocks—might stretch much farther out than we thought.
	The brightest object in the universe is a black hole that eats a star a day Scientists have now reported evidence of the true conditions in Hell, perhaps because no one has ever returned to tell the tale. Hell has been imagined as a supremely uncomfortable place, hot and hostile to bodily forms of human life.
	Capturing a comet's tail to keep Earth safe from the sun A comet is set to pass by Earth this spring, and it may be missing its tail.

Technology news

	An architecture for sub-picowatt logic computing based on self-biased molybdenum disulfide transistors The continuous improvement of circuits and electronic components is vital for the development of new technologies with enhanced capabilities and unique characteristics. In recent years, most electronics engineers have been specifically focusing on reducing the size of transistors, while retaining a low power consumption.
	Engineers develop promising calcium-based battery that's rechargeable and operates at room temperature A multi-institutional team of Chinese engineers has developed a proof-of-concept calcium-based battery that withstands 700 charge cycles at room temperature. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes the challenges they addressed in developing the battery and what they have learned about the possible use of calcium-based batteries in consumer products in the future.
	Science fiction meets reality as researchers develop techniques to overcome obstructed views After a recent car crash, John Murray-Bruce wished he could have seen the other car coming. The crash reaffirmed the USF assistant professor of computer science and engineering's mission to create a technology that could do just that: See around obstacles and ultimately expand one's line of vision.
	The YouTube algorithm isn't radicalizing people, says bots study About a quarter of Americans get their news on YouTube. With its billions of users and hours upon hours of content, YouTube is one the largest online media platforms in the world.
	Improving traffic signal timing with a handful of connected vehicles With GPS data from as little as 6% of vehicles on the road, University of Michigan researchers can recalibrate traffic signals to reduce congestion and delays at intersections significantly.
	Adaptive smart glove can teach new physical skills You've likely met someone who identifies as a visual or auditory learner, but others absorb knowledge through a different modality: touch. Being able to understand tactile interactions is especially important for tasks such as learning delicate surgeries and playing musical instruments, but unlike video and audio, touch is difficult to record and transfer.
	Wind-powered Dutch ship sets sail for greener future The world's first chemical tanker ship fitted with massive rigid aluminum "sails" has left Rotterdam, its owner hoping to plot a route to bringing down the shipping industry's huge carbon footprint.
	Senior Czechs refine Wikipedia as retirement hobby A frail 80-year-old retiree does not fit everyone's idea of a tech-savvy Wikipedia writer, but Jirina Kadnerova is a devoted contributor to the online encyclopedia.
	Edible electronics are being developed to assist rescue operations and go inside hospital patients Professor Dario Floreano is a Swiss-Italian roboticist and engineer engaged in a bold research venture: the creation of edible robots and digestible electronics.
	Apple set to face near €500 million EU fine in Spotify row Apple Inc. will face a European Union fine close to €500 million ($539 million) over the regulator's investigation into allegations it silenced music-streaming rivals, including Spotify Technology SA, on its platforms.
	What is Sora? A new generative AI tool could transform video production and amplify disinformation risks Late last week, OpenAI announced a new generative AI system named Sora, which produces short videos from text prompts. While Sora is not yet available to the public, the high quality of the sample outputs published so far has provoked both excited and concerned reactions.
	Distributed energy resource cybersecurity framework tool shines in solar cybersecurity assessment As the world pushes for sustainable energy, the spotlight turns to distributed energy resources (DERs), with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at the forefront. In the quest for decarbonization, a shining star emerges—the Distributed Energy Resource Cybersecurity Framework (DER-CF).
	Regulatory tech costs can have benefits, too RegTech might be one of the biggest new industries you've never heard of. The term most often refers to technology that helps companies comply with government regulations. In 2028, businesses are projected to spend $208 billion on RegTech, according to Juniper Research. That's up from $30 billion in 2020.
	Asymmetric fire-retardant electrolytes could ensure safety and stability in lithium metal batteries New research published in Energy Material Advances holds significant implications for the future of high-energy-density batteries.
	Researchers take next step toward better performing batteries using less critical raw materials Marnix Wagemaker and Alexandros Vasileiadis in collaboration with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have published a paper in Nature Sustainability on fast-charging sodium-ion batteries and improvements made to the negative electrode. These can be made from organic materials. This reduces the dependence on rare materials that do not come from Europe.
	Studying flight paths and neighborhoods could lead to more considerate aviation When aerospace engineer Matthew Clarke overlayed flight paths in urban environments over maps showing social stratification, he noticed something significant. The flights went directly overhead low-income neighborhoods.
	Orbital angular momentum-mediated machine learning for high-accuracy mode-feature encoding As a derivative product of artificial neural networks, ChatGPT became extremely popular in 2023, breaking the shortest time record for technology product users to exceed 100 million. It is a large-scale language model based on machine learning (deep learning), in which learning of language rules from massive input texts plays an important role.
	Cobalt-free electrodes achieved with nickel ions Many electric vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries that rely on cobalt—a scarce, expensive metal with high environmental and social costs. A team of researchers from Japanese and French universities has now developed a practical nickel-based electrode material that opens new avenues to cobalt-free batteries for electric vehicles.
	Made-in-China airliner shown overseas at Singapore Airshow China's first domestically produced passenger jet will be presented to potential buyers in an international debut at Asia's biggest airshow, which opens in Singapore on Tuesday.
	Capital One to buy Discover for $35.3 bn US banking giant Capital One announced Monday it will acquire financial services company Discover in a $35.3 billion all-stock deal combining two of America's major credit card firms.
	Singapore Airshow features aerial displays and the international debut of China's C919 The Singapore Airshow—Asia's largest—kicked off Tuesday with an array of aerial displays including some by China's COMAC C919 narrow-body airliner.
	Walmart to acquire smart TV maker Vizio for $2.3 billion in bid to boost its advertising business Walmart is buying the smart TV maker Vizio for $2.3 billion as it attempts to expand its rapidly growing advertising business to compete with Amazon.
	Stuck in cyberattack nightmare? Call the negotiators Criminals have overtaken your computer network, they are threatening to leak your most sensitive secrets and your share price is tumbling. It's time to call in the negotiators.
	Global operation smashes 'most harmful cyber crime group' An international operation led by UK and US law enforcement has severely disrupted "the world's most harmful cybercrime group", the Russian-linked ransomware specialist LockBit, officials announced Tuesday.
	Energy Strategy 2050: The potential of millions of Swiss rooftops Five million rooftops in Switzerland—more than half of the nationwide total—are suitable for generating power. A review of two solar photovoltaic development strategies has shown that combining the two approaches could cause over two-thirds of Swiss towns and cities to become energy self-sufficient.

Chemistry news

	AI-assisted robot lab develops new catalysts to synthesize methanol from CO₂ Artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure are massively accelerating the development of new chemical catalysts. With these tools, researchers at ETH Zurich are developing catalysts for efficiently and cost-effectively synthesizing the energy source methanol from CO2.
	Scientists show positively charged hydrogels promote the survival and growth of neural stem cells Researchers from Bochum and Dortmund have created an artificial cell environment that could promote the regeneration of nerves. Usually, injuries to the brain or spinal cord don't heal easily due to the formation of fluid-filled cavities and scars that prevent tissue regeneration.
	Magnetic effects at the origin of life? It's the spin that makes the difference Biomolecules such as amino acids and sugars occur in two mirror-image forms—in all living organisms, however, only one is ever found. Why this is the case is still unclear. Researchers at Empa and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany have now found evidence that the interplay between electric and magnetic fields could be at the origin of this phenomenon.
	Plastic recycling: Peptide with a cobalt complex oxidizes polystyrene microparticles Polystyrene is a widespread plastic that is essentially not recyclable when mixed with other materials and is not biodegradable. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a German research team has introduced a biohybrid catalyst that oxidizes polystyrene microparticles to facilitate their subsequent degradation. The catalyst consists of a specially constructed "anchor peptide" that adheres to polystyrene surfaces and a cobalt complex that oxidizes polystyrene.
	Research team develops universal and accurate method to calculate how proteins interact with drugs A research team from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences / IOCB Prague has developed a novel computational method that can accurately describe how proteins interact with molecules of potential drugs and can do so in a mere tens of minutes. This new quantum-mechanical scoring function can thus markedly expedite the search for new drugs. The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
	Researchers synthesize a new manganese-fluorine catalyst with exceptional oxidizing power A research team, affiliated with UNIST has unveiled a cutting-edge catalyst with exceptional oxidizing power, capable of extracting electrons from compounds. Anticipated to revolutionize various fields, including the development of metal catalysts and synthetic chemistry, this catalyst marks a significant breakthrough in catalytic research.
	Accelerating the discovery of single-molecule magnets with deep learning Synthesizing or studying certain materials in a laboratory setting often poses challenges due to safety concerns, impractical experimental conditions, or cost constraints. In response, scientists are increasingly turning to deep learning methods that involve developing and training machine learning models to recognize patterns and relationships in data that include information about material properties, compositions, and behaviors.
	Using metabolomics for assessing safety of chemicals may reduce the use of lab rats Scientists have discovered a more robust way of grouping chemicals and using read-across for toxicological data to meet regulatory requirements, which could greatly reduce animal testing.
	Coordination polymer crystals show promise as new generation of light sources for industry, medicine New forms of the light-emitting materials called phosphors, with enhanced versatility relative to existing options, are being developed by researchers at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan, with colleagues at Tokyo University of Science and Hokkaido University. Their work is published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.
	Researchers conduct comprehensive review on preparation of MOF-based flame retardants via coordination bond cleavage Since the first report of metal-organic framework (MOF)-based flame retardants in 2017, this research area has exploded. However, improving the flame-retardant efficiency of MOFs and expanding their application areas remain critical challenges. The physicochemical properties of MOFs are closely dependent on their topology, pore characteristics, and chemical composition, which can be modulated by targeted design.

Biology news

	Junk DNA in birds may hold key to safe, efficient gene therapy The recent approval of a CRISPR-Cas9 therapy for sickle cell disease demonstrates that gene editing tools can do a superb job of knocking out genes to cure hereditary disease. But it's still not possible to insert whole genes into the human genome to substitute for defective or deleterious genes.
	Oriental pied hornbills found to have object permanence levels comparable to apes A pair of animal behaviorists at the National University of Singapore, has found, via testing, that Oriental pied hornbills have object permanence levels comparable to apes. In their paper published in the journal Biology Letters, Ruitong Yao and Elias Garcia-Pelegrin, describe how they tested object permanence levels in several captive Oriental pied hornbills.
	Oocytes outsmart toxic proteins to preserve long-term female fertility Oocytes are immature egg cells that develop in almost all female mammals before birth. The propagation of future generations depends on this finite reserve of cells surviving for many years without incurring damage. In mice, this can be a period of up to 18 months, while in humans it can last almost half a century, the average time between birth and menopause. How the cells accomplish this remarkable feat of longevity has been a longstanding question.
	Converting rainforest to plantation impacts food webs and biodiversity, study finds The conversion of rainforest into plantations erodes and restructures food webs and fundamentally changes the way these ecosystems function, according to a new study published in Nature. The findings provide the first insights into the processing of energy across soil and canopy animal communities in mega-biodiverse tropical ecosystems.
	Even very low levels of pesticide exposure can affect fish for generations, study finds Fish exposed to some pesticides at extremely low concentrations for a brief period of time can demonstrate lasting behavioral changes, with the impact extending to offspring that were never exposed firsthand, a recent study found.
	Little African duckbill dinosaurs provide evidence of an unlikely ocean crossing Fossils of pony-sized duckbill dinosaurs from Morocco have been discovered by an international team of scientists. Their analysis reveals a surprising connection between the dinosaurs of Europe and Africa.
	First-ever nesting report of incredibly rare giant softshell turtle Knowledge from local communities has resulted in the first-ever nesting evidence and discovery of a breeding population of an incredibly rare turtle in India. The Cantor's giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) is native to the rivers of South and Southeast Asia. Known for its rarity and secretive nature, this species has long been a subject of fascination and concern among conservationists.
	Researchers discover Paleocene origin of symbiotic relationships in leaf beetles Brightly colored beetles that feed on a wide range of plants possess robust metabolic capabilities, thanks to bacteria residing in specialized organs in their digestive tract. The bacterium Stammera provides essential enzymes enabling Cassidinae beetles to digest plant cell wall components efficiently.
	A better peanut on your plate? New findings reveal potential for peanut crop improvement Global population growth has led to rapidly increasing food demand. A new international study, published in Nature Genetics, has found a way to accelerate crop improvements, specifically in peanuts.
	Early natural selection in vertebrates: Bitterling embryos perform somersault to secure hold on mussel host Even embryos can become embroiled in an evolutionary arms race with another species. Leiden biologists demonstrate this with larvae of the rosy bitterling that parasitize the gills of freshwater mussels. They published their research on February 19 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	New mechanism for regulating cell division in the bacterial pathogen Klebsiella uncovered Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common and most dangerous bacterial pathogens impacting humans, causing infections of the gastrointestinal tract, pneumonia, wound infections, and even blood poisoning.
	New toolkit helps scientists study natural cell death New research from the Weeks Lab in the Department of Biochemistry opens the door for scientists to explore cell death, a critical biochemical process, with greater ease.
	Panama Canal expansion rewrites history of world's most ecologically diverse bats Most bats patrol the night sky in search of insects. New World leaf-nosed bats take a different approach. Among the more than 200 species of leaf-nosed bats, there are those that hunt insects; drink nectar; eat fruit; munch pollen; suck blood; and prey on frogs, birds, lizards and even other bats. They're among the world's most ecologically diverse mammals, and until recently, it was thought they originated in South America.
	First known photos of 'lost bird' captured by scientists For the first time, scientists have captured photos of a bird long thought lost. Known as the Yellow-crested Helmetshrike, or Prionops alberti, the species is listed as a 'lost bird' by the American Bird Conservancy because it had not seen in nearly two decades.
	Unlocking the energetic secrets of collective animal movement: How group behavior reduces energy costs in fish Many animals, including apex predators, move in groups. We know this collective behavior is fundamental to the animal's ability to move in complex environments, but less is known about what drives the behavior because many factors underlie its evolution. Scientists wonder, though, if all these animals share a fundamental drive, such as for mating, safety, or perhaps even to save energy.
	Bat 'nightclubs' may be the key to solving the next pandemic Bats carry some of the deadliest zoonotic diseases that can infect both humans and animals, such as Ebola and COVID-19. In a recently-published article in the journal Cell Genomics, a Texas A&M research team has revealed that some species of bats are protected against the viruses they carry because they commonly exchange immune genes during seasonal mating swarms.
	Scientists may have cracked the 'aging process' in species New research from the University of Kansas might resolve a mystery in the "aging process" in species—or, how a species' risk of going extinct changes after that species appears on the scene.
	Physically impaired primates find ways to modify their behaviors to compensate for disabilities, find researchers Primates show a remarkable ability to modify their behaviors to accommodate their physical disabilities and impairments according to a new literature review by Concordia researchers.
	Study reveals molecular mechanisms behind hibernation in mammals Researchers have shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying hibernation, publishing their findings today as a Reviewed Preprint in eLife.
	'The future is fungal': New research finds that fungi that live in healthy plants are sensitive to climate change Spruce, pine, fir and other trees tower across the frigid swaths of land that span North America, northern Europe and Russia in a great ring around the world. These boreal forests constitute the largest land ecosystem and the northernmost forests on Earth.
	Invasive weed could be turned into a viable economic crop, say researchers One of the most invasive Australian weeds is being touted as a potential economic crop, with benefits for the construction, mining and forestry industries, and potentially many First Nations communities.
	New biosensor accurately and efficiently determines meat freshness The freshness of animal meat is an essential property determining its quality and safety. With advanced technology capable of preserving food for extended periods of time, meat can be shipped around the globe and consumed long after an animal dies. As global meat consumption rates increase, so too does the demand for effective measures for its age.
	New ecosystems, unprecedented climates: More Australian species than ever are struggling to survive Australia is home to about one in 12 of the world's species of animals, birds, plants and insects—between 600,000 and 700,000 species. More than 80% of Australian plants and mammals and just under 50% of our birds are found nowhere else.
	Researchers report a novel role for S100A11 protein in focal adhesion regulation S100A11 is a small Ca2+-activatable protein with an established role in different cellular processes involving actin cytoskeleton remodeling, such as cell migration, membrane protrusion formation, and plasma membrane repair. It also displays F-actin binding activity and localizes to actin stress fibers, but its precise role in regulating these structures has remained unclear.
	Reptiles are helping us better understand threats to Australia's biodiversity It's an early morning in January and we're walking through a patch of native heathy woodland in southwest Victoria, a few kilometers west of the town of Casterton, known as the birthplace of the kelpie.
	Study finds transcription factor regulating leaflet number in legume plants Compound leaves are composed of several leaflets and show great complexity and morphological diversity. The milestone of compound leaf development is the formation of separate leaflet primordia during the early stages, which involves leaflet initiation and boundary establishment for leaflet separation. Researchers are exploring which molecular mechanisms are responsible for the regulation and integration of leaflet initiation and boundary formation during compound leaf development.
	Analysis of coastal perspectives of seafood farming expansion in the United States Wild-caught or farmed? If you have no idea how to answer this question, don't worry—you aren't alone. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, most Americans know little to nothing about seafood farming, also known as aquaculture. Those familiar often have negative associations based on the U.S. media's tendency mainly to cover the environmental risks of farming and the health risks of consuming farmed Atlantic salmon.
	Gulf corals still suffering more than a decade after Deepwater Horizon oil spill Deep-water corals in the Gulf of Mexico are still struggling to recover from the devastating Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, scientists report at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in New Orleans. Comparing images of more than 300 corals over 13 years—the longest time series of deep-sea corals to date—reveals that in some areas, coral health continues to decline to this day.
	Veterinary epidemiologist works to combat rabies in Uganda Around the world, someone dies from rabies every nine minutes of every day. Uganda records more than 130 rabies deaths annually, but the number of unreported rabies fatalities there is presumably much higher. Dog bites are the cause of more than 95% of all rabies cases.
	A new species of rare pseudoscorpion has been named after the Slovak president There are about 25,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The most remote of them are in North and East Polynesia, the Hawaiian Islands, and French Polynesia. Biologists have been attracted to these regions since the 18th century, but French Polynesia has received much less attention compared to the Hawaiian Islands.
	Examining a century of change in a New York City urban forest There haven't been many long-term studies on urban forests, but data collected from the Thain Family Forest, which the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) has been stewarding for more than a century, has provided an opportunity for scientists from The Forest School at YSE to study a century of changes of its composition.
	Nature's checkup: Surveying biodiversity with environmental DNA sequencing A thousand kilometers south of Tokyo, far into the largest ocean on Earth, lies a chain of small, volcanic islands—the Ogasawara Islands. Nature has been able to develop on its own terms here, far from both humans and the warm Kuroshio current, which acts like a shuttle, moving marine species from Taiwan, over the Ryukyu Islands, and up the Pacific coast of mainland Japan.
	Artificial reefs help preserve coral reefs by shifting divers away from the natural ones, says study Divers are essentially tourists who love coral reefs and invest a lot of time and effort in watching them. Unfortunately, divers also cause damage to corals, often unintentionally, by disturbing and resuspending sand, touching them, hitting them with their equipment, and scaring fish away. Artificial reefs have been proposed as a means of diverting diving pressure from the natural reef to alternative sites, thus preserving both dive tourism and the coral reef.
	Research provides genetic insights into Nara's sacred deer while exploring conservation challenges In a world where human activities have left an indelible mark on ecosystems, the preservation of species and natural landscapes has become an urgent global concern. Despite such trends, Traditional taboos rooted in religious beliefs have sometimes served as influential mechanisms for species conservation.
	The 400-year-old story of oaks: From cultural icons to invaders and victims The nearly 400-year-old history of oaks in South Africa may be coming to an end, forever changing the treescape of towns and cities such as Cape Town, George, Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Swellendam.
	More frequent extreme droughts result in significant crop losses, say researchers Climate change has resulted in increasingly extreme weather events worldwide. NIBIO research scientist Pål Thorvaldsen is among the many scientists who participated in a large international drought experiment initiated by the University of Michigan, U.S. He explains that climate change may lead to more frequent occurrences of short-term extreme drought.

Medicine and Health news

	New model identifies drugs that shouldn't be taken together Any drug that is taken orally must pass through the lining of the digestive tract. Transporter proteins found on cells that line the GI tract help with this process, but for many drugs, it's not known which of those transporters they use to exit the digestive tract.
	Network analysis highlights the key role of plasticity in the transition from depression to mental health Surveys and statistics suggest that mental illnesses are becoming increasingly widespread, as the number of people worldwide accessing mental health services has increased in recent years. Understanding the factors that can predict well-being and contribute to the recovery from mental health disorders is thus of utmost importance, as it could inform the development of new therapeutic interventions.
	Fasting-like diet lowers risk factors for disease, reduces biological age in humans: Study Cycles of a diet that mimics fasting can reduce signs of immune system aging, as well as insulin resistance and liver fat in humans, resulting in a lower biological age, according to a new USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology-led study.
	Can a single brain region encode familiarity and recollection? The human brain has the extraordinary ability to rapidly discern a stranger from someone familiar, even as it can simultaneously remember details about someone across decades of encounters. Now, in mouse studies, scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute have revealed how the brain elegantly performs both tasks.
	Large, diverse genetic study of glaucoma implicates vascular and cancer-related genes An international genetic study using multiancestry biobanks has identified novel genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common type of glaucoma and the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The findings, published in Cell Reports Medicine, detail ancestry- and sex-specific genetic loci associated with POAG and implicate vascular and cancer-related genes in POAG risk.
	Neuronal diversity impacts the brain's information processing Northwestern Medicine investigators have revealed new insights into the impact of neuronal structural diversity on neural computation, the basis of brain function, according to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	Mapping potential pathways to motor neuron disease treatment For the first time, researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) have mapped out the proteins implicated in the early stages of motor neuron disease (MND).
	Researchers are using RNA in a new approach to fight HIV Society learned about the value of mRNA during the COVID-19 pandemic when we saw scientists and medical professionals harness its power to deliver a vaccine for the virus within a year.
	Study shows physical activity can counteract the negative consequences of being alone Researchers at the Central Institute of Mental Health have taken increasing social isolation as an opportunity to examine the relevance of physical activity for mental health in the context of being alone. Their study shows that physical activity in everyday life has the potential to compensate for the negative consequences of being alone on well-being—especially in psychologically and neurobiologically vulnerable people.
	With regular exercise, medical weight loss treatment does not have to be permanent For nearly a year, we have been debating weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda and similar products and what happens when people stop taking them. Are they able to maintain weight loss? A new Danish study sheds light on the matter.
	Prescription opioids found to increase the risk of falls, especially in those over 85 A new study led by researchers at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, has explored the association between prescription opioid use and falls.
	People with depression at highest risk of suicide in first 3 days following hospitalization, analysis finds Continued treatment is important as those suffering from depression are at risk of suicide for the first three days after psychiatric hospitalization. The risk of suicide is affected by the severity of the depression and previous suicidal tendencies.
	Research finds collective downturn in Europe's psychological well-being following the outbreak of war in Ukraine The outbreak of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine almost two years ago led internationally to a collective downturn in people's sense of well-being—irrespective of age, gender, political views or any other attributes which the people questioned had. However, individual personality traits play a decisive role as regards the issue of recovering from the shock.
	Study identifies increase in antibiotic-resistant typhoid A study in Malawi has shown that shortly after an increase in antimicrobial use—specifically the antibiotic ciprofloxacin—rates of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella typhi increased.
	Immune system's moonlighters point the way to a new therapeutic target Our immune system is remarkably powerful. It quickly assembles teams of cells to eliminate threats inside our bodies. But sometimes, it hits the wrong target. Autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis result from friendly fire—immune cells attacking healthy tissues and organs by mistake. New treatments and therapeutic targets are direly needed for these conditions.
	Neuronal circuit sheds light on the biological basis of curiosity Scientists at the Leibniz Institute of Neurobiology (LIN) in Magdeburg have been able to demonstrate for the first time a previously only suspected neuronal circuit between two key regions of the brain. There is a dynamic balance between these two areas of the brain that determines whether the fear of novelty or its attraction prevails. The newly discovered circuit conveys the drive to explore the environment and, thus, to pursue curiosity.
	Microbiome studies explore why more women develop Alzheimer's disease According to the Alzheimer's Association, almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's dementia are women. While some of this discrepancy can be attributed to women living longer than men on average, researchers believe biological factors play a role as well.
	Avid appetite in childhood linked to later eating disorder symptoms An enthusiastic response to food in early childhood may be linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing eating disorder symptoms in adolescence, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL and Erasmus University Rotterdam.
	Study shows value of donated breast milk for extremely premature infants Extremely premature infants who were fed donated breast milk had less than half the rate of a life-threatening disease than those fed formula, according to a new study led by the University of Iowa.
	Bridging diet, microbes, and metabolism: Implications for metabolic disorders Mounting evidence suggests that the secret to understanding human health and combating metabolic diseases lies hidden within the microscopic world of our gut bacteria.
	Socioeconomically advantaged individuals less likely to seek out HPV vaccination for their children, researchers find The parents of millions of teens have no intention of getting their children vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Parents with higher socioeconomic status are less likely than parents of lower income or educational attainment to plan to vaccinate their children.
	Drug overdose deaths higher among American visitors to Florida than rest of US, researchers find American visitors to Florida who died in the state were 63% more likely to have died from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states during the first two decades of the 2000s, according to researchers. They published their findings in the journal Injury Prevention.
	New insight into old IBD drug could improve treatments Although it is one of the oldest medications used to treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and an effective treatment for an associated arthritis condition called spondyloarthritis (SpA), sulfasalazine's mechanism of action has been unclear.
	Fixing rogue brain cells may hold key to preventing neurodegeneration A team led by scientists at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has identified a new therapeutic approach for combating neurodegenerative diseases, offering hope of improved treatments for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Vanishing White Matter disease, and multiple sclerosis, among others.
	Terahertz biosensor detects skin cancer with remarkable accuracy, advancing new era of early detection Researchers have developed a revolutionary biosensor using terahertz (THz) waves that can detect skin cancer with exceptional sensitivity, potentially paving the way for earlier and easier diagnoses. Published in IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, the study presents a significant advancement in early cancer detection, thanks to the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Glasgow.
	Scientists discover new target for reversible, non-hormonal male birth control Surveys show most men in the United States are interested in using male contraceptives, yet their options remain limited to unreliable condoms or invasive vasectomies. Recent attempts to develop drugs that block sperm production, maturation, or fertilization have had limited success, providing incomplete protection or severe side effects.
	Blocking key protein may halt progression of Alzheimer's disease Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have found that inhibiting a key protein can stop the destruction of synapses and dendritic spines commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease.
	Modifying brain molecule relaxin-3 can potentially reduce side effects in treating anxiety, depression and more Drugs that treat conditions like depression and anxiety often come with varying side effects, as they regulate various functions within the human body at the same time. What if these drugs could activate only the functions that target the specific conditions that they are designed to treat?
	Whether you exercise regularly or one-to-two days a week, weight loss is possible, shows study Whether you engage in physical activity on a regular basis or one-to-two days a week, both options produce weight loss suggests a new study titled "The Associations of 'Weekend Warrior' and Regularly Active Physical Activity with Abdominal and General Adiposity in U.S. Adults," published in the journal Obesity. The study is the first of its kind to examine the association between physical activity patterns and objectively measured fat tissue mass.
	Health care inequities behind shorter life spans for Inuit from Nunavik, Quebec, with lung cancer People living in the Inuit region of Nunavik in northern Quebec die earlier after a diagnosis of lung cancer than Montreal residents receiving treatment at the same cancer center, according to new research published in theCanadian Medical Association Journal.
	Anorexia nervosa can be life-threatening in males Anorexia nervosa affects males as well as females, and affected males have a sixfold higher mortality rate than males in the general population. A new article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal aims to raise awareness of this life-threatening eating disorder.
	Photon-counting CT found to improve coronary artery disease assessment Ultrahigh-spatial-resolution photon-counting detector CT improved assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD), allowing for reclassification to a lower disease category in 54% of patients, according to a new study published in Radiology. The technology has the potential to improve patient management and reduce unnecessary interventions.
	Annual breast cancer screening beginning at 40 saves lives, study suggests Annual breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 and continuing to at least age 79 results in the highest reduction in mortality with minimal risks, according to a new study published in Radiology.
	Adopting healthy lifestyle strongly linked to lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome Adopting a healthy lifestyle is strongly linked to a lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finds new research published online in the journal Gut.
	Minority ethnic NHS staff more likely to face workplace discrimination during pandemic than white colleagues: Study Minority ethnic NHS staff were more likely to face workplace harassment, discrimination, and unavailability of personal protective equipment (PPE) than their white British colleagues during the pandemic, reveals research published online in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
	J-shaped curve apparent between dietary thiamine and worsening mental acuity There seems to be a J-shaped curve between dietary thiamine (vitamin B1) and worsening mental acuity among cognitively healthy older people, suggests research published in the open-access journal General Psychiatry.
	Measles cases rose 79 percent globally last year: WHO The World Health Organization voiced alarm Tuesday at the rapid spread of measles, with more than 306,000 cases reported worldwide last year—a 79-percent increase from 2022.
	Digital tools can help with better management of hypertension for populations experiencing health disparities A new study finds that digital health interventions can help reduce blood pressure when used in populations experiencing health disparities. The paper, "Digital Health Interventions for Hypertension Management in US Populations Experiencing Health Disparities," was published on February 14 in JAMA Network Open.
	Southern lawmakers rethink long-standing opposition to Medicaid expansion As a part-time customer service representative, Jolene Dybas earns less than $15,000 a year, which is below the federal poverty level and too low for her to be eligible for subsidized health insurance on the Obamacare marketplace.
	A novel gene-based prognostic tool for personalized treatment in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia As our understanding of AML biology, cytogenetic and molecular profiles, and the emergence of new treatment options continues to evolve, it becomes imperative to adapt prognostic tools accordingly.
	Study finds positive support from parents and clinicians for pediatric cancer pain management app A recent study led by Assistant Professor Lindsay Jibb of the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) found that parents of young children with cancer, along with pediatric cancer clinicians, are in favor of an app-based solution that Jibb and her team are creating, to help parents manage their child's cancer pain at home.
	Stemming colorectal cancer in Latin America Little is known about colorectal cancer screening strategies throughout the Western Hemisphere, with the exception of the U.S. and Canada. In a recent study by Regenstrief Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, researcher-clinicians are one of the first to identify and evaluate colorectal cancer screening programs in Latin America.
	Researchers find correlation between hookah use and postpartum depression Symptoms of postpartum depression are higher among women who used hookahs before or during pregnancy, according to a study led by Zelalem Haile, Ph.D., Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine associate professor of epidemiology. Hookahs are water pipes used to smoke flavored or sweetened tobacco, marijuana, and hashish. Many people mistakenly believe that smoking from a hookah is safer than cigarettes.
	Oncologist discusses health disparities in gynecologic cancers Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers in the U.S. While cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer affects all races, Black women are often diagnosed at later stages and are more likely to die from these diseases.
	How long does back pain last? And how can learning about pain increase the chance of recovery? Back pain is common. One in 13 people have it right now and worldwide a staggering 619 million people will have it this year.
	'Free birthing' and planned home births might sound similar but the risks are very different The death of premature twins in Byron Bay in an apparent "wild birth," or free birth, last week has prompted fresh concerns about giving birth without a midwife or medical assistance.
	Study reveals complexity of COVID-19 vaccine decision-making for pregnant people The decision whether to vaccinate is one that many people consider routine. For others, such as people who are pregnant or interested in becoming pregnant—including those who have experienced prior pregnancy loss and/or those from racial and ethnic groups with higher rates of maternal mortality—the decision may be more complex.
	Embracing body image in motherhood The changes of motherhood can make women vulnerable to negative body image, but experts at Flinders University are encouraging women to embrace body image interventions to combat this.
	Study shows blood test can predict functional outcome after ischemic stroke Researchers from from the University of Gothenburg have developed an ultra-sensitive blood test that reflects brain damage after acute ischemic stroke—and also predicts functional outcome. This is a discovery that is expected to be of great significance in the future.
	Geographic disparities in access to addiction treatment medication may be linked to race, ethnicity Buprenorphine, a life-saving medication for opioid use disorder, is far less accessible in geographic areas of the United States with racially and ethnically diverse populations than in predominantly white areas, according to a new study of pre-pandemic data led by health policy scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health published in Journal of Addiction Medicine.
	Rethinking the burden of cancer treatments' side effects Even mild and moderate side effects can contribute to patients with cancer discontinuing their treatment, according to an analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
	Study finds stress is higher for women in long-term relationships The chronic stress that builds up over decades in a relationship affects each member of the couple differently; in heterosexual couples, the woman is more likely to display negative physiological markers than her spouse.
	Researchers uncover key genetic clue in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis An interdisciplinary research team led by Professor Jason Cheung Pui-yin from the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, has identified a common underlying cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the most common form of spinal deformity, which affects millions of adolescents worldwide.
	Could ultra-processed foods be the new 'silent' killer? From fizzy drinks to cereals and packaged snacks to processed meat, ultra-processed foods are packed with additives. Oil, fat, sugar, starch, and sodium, as well as emulsifiers such as carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, carboxymethylcellulose, polysorbate, and soy lecithin, continue to strip food of healthy nutrients while introducing other ingredients that could also be detrimental to human health.
	Stress during pregnancy can lead to early maturation of first-born daughters, suggests study A UCLA-led team of researchers has found a correlation between early signs of adrenal puberty in first-born daughters and their mothers' having experienced high levels of prenatal stress. They did not find the same result in boys or daughters who were not first-born.
	Common hair loss and prostate drug may also cut heart disease risk The drug finasteride, also known as Propecia or Proscar, treats male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate in millions of men worldwide. But a new University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study suggests the drug may also provide a surprising and life-saving benefit: lowering cholesterol and cutting the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
	Using large language models to accurately analyze doctors' notes The amount of digital data available is greater than ever before, including in health care, where doctors' notes are routinely entered into electronic health record systems. Manually reviewing, analyzing, and sorting all these notes requires a vast amount of time and effort, which is exactly why computer scientists have developed artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to infer medical conditions, demographic traits, and other key information from this written text.
	Pesticides found in kale but at low risk levels Kale fans can rest easy knowing pesticides used to grow the hearty greens are unlikely to end up in their salads or smoothies, a new chemical analysis of the superfood suggests.
	Researchers successfully employ new method for treating pediatric patients with common heart valve disease Researchers and clinicians at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have successfully tested a novel approach to help avoid performing open heart surgery on patients with severe complications related to congenital heart disease. The findings from four patients were recently published in the journal Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions.
	Droughts may trigger HIV transmission increase among women in rural sub-Saharan Africa, study finds Droughts have the potential to increase the spread of HIV for women living in rural parts of Africa, researchers at the University of Bristol have found.
	Can you prevent cancer with lifestyle changes? In the U.S., 4 out of 10 cancer cases are associated with preventable risk factors. That's according to the latest Cancer Progress Report from the American Association for Cancer Research. February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and Dr. Jon Ebbert, medical director of the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, says it's never too late to make lifestyle changes that can decrease your risk of cancer.
	Newborns diagnosed with syphilis at alarming rates A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that looks at sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has some concerning news, especially when it comes to syphilis. While cases of other STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, have decreased or seen modest increases, syphilis has jumped 80% in the four years from 2018 to 2022.
	Little-known devices restore vision to people who can't be helped by regular glasses Dick Bramer, 76, likes to watch birds flock outside the window of his home in Scandia. But for two years he couldn't see them well enough to identify the various species.
	New study examines efficacy of manual therapy for sacroiliac joint pain A recent study led by researchers at University Hospitals (UH) published a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the efficacy of manual therapy for sacroiliac joint pain syndrome (SIJPS). The study, titled "Efficacy of manual therapy for sacroiliac joint pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials," was recently published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.
	It's tougher for non-white americans to get opioid addiction drug Americans addicted to opioids who need the anti-addiction med buprenorphine are far more likely to find it if they live in a predominantly white neighborhood, new research finds.
	Young adults with cognitive disabilities and major depressive episodes found more likely to vape nicotine In 2022, 14% of high school students and 3% of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is part of a growing trend of adolescents and young adults increasingly using e-cigarettes, also known as nicotine vaping.
	Single dose of zilebesiran linked to reduction in systolic BP A single dose of subcutaneous zilebesiran is associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP), according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
	Scientists develop a novel radiotracer for earlier detection of disease The vast majority of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging systems map out how the body uses a radioactive form of glucose for energy. Since many cancers use glucose as a metabolic fuel, they light up on glucose PET scans. However, not all cancers use glucose as fuel, and some normal organs, like the brain and heart, use high amounts of glucose, too, making it difficult to identify some diseases from this type of diagnostic scan.
	New computer model of lung tissue could herald safer radiotherapy for cancer An innovative computer model of a human lung is helping scientists simulate, for the first time, how a burst of radiation interacts with the organ on a cell-by-cell level.
	Paresthesia symptoms negatively impact spinal surgery satisfaction: Study Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have assessed why post-operative symptoms such as pins and needles, sudden cold, burning, itching, and numbness in the limbs remain in patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy, even after surgery.
	New research finds microplastics in all human placenta samples tested A flurry of recent studies has found that microplastics are present in virtually everything we consume, from bottled water to meat and plant-based food. Now, University of New Mexico Health Sciences researchers have used a new analytical tool to measure the microplastics present in human placentas.
	NTRK gene fusion in papillary thyroid cancer: A clinicogenomic biobank and record linkage study A new research paper was published in Oncotarget, titled, "Neurotrophic-tyrosine receptor kinase gene fusion in papillary thyroid cancer: A clinicogenomic biobank and record linkage study from Finland."
	Age-related changes in fibroblast cells promote pancreatic cancer growth and spread Older people may be at greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer and have poorer prognoses because of age-related changes in cells in the pancreas called fibroblasts, according to research led by investigators from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.
	Researchers create 'laboratory testicles,' organoids that could advance male infertility research The testis is responsible for sperm production and testosterone synthesis. Abnormalities in testis development and function lead to disorders of sex development (DSD) and male infertility. Currently, no in vitro system exists for modeling the testis.
	PCSK9 inhibitor access remains a significant barrier, leaving patients at risk for heart attacks and strokes A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes from the Family Heart Foundation—a patient-centered research and advocacy nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of families impacted by inherited lipid disorders and LDL-cholesterol—revealed that utilization of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains low among high-risk patients.
	Researchers use AI to predict, detect Alzheimer's disease Researchers at West Virginia University have identified a set of diagnostic metabolic biomarkers that can help them develop artificial intelligence tools to detect Alzheimer's disease in its early stages, as well as determine risk factors and treatment interventions.
	Researchers pioneer novel stem cell therapy for diabetic wound healing Researchers unveiled a novel therapy for diabetic wound healing. This research highlights the use of exosomal miR-4645-5p from hypoxic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to significantly enhance wound healing by promoting keratinocyte autophagy.
	More intense exercise reduces post-concussion anxiety in teens, study finds Returning to moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after a concussion may play a vital role in helping teens feel less anxious while recovering from the injury, according to a new study from researchers in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
	Smiling is the secret to seeing happiness, electrical stimulation experiment reveals Smiling for just a split second makes people more likely to see happiness in expressionless faces, new University of Essex research has revealed.
	Playing video games may improve attention and memory, research finds A new study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that regular gamers performed better on tasks measuring cognitive functions such as attention and memory.
	Time spent watching videos may stunt toddler language development, but it depends on why they're watching A new study from SMU psychologist Sarah Kucker and colleagues reveals that passive video use among toddlers can negatively affect language development, but their caregiver's motivations for exposing them to digital media could also lessen the impact.
	Integrating engineering philosophy into medical education to empower future physicians Traditional medical school curriculum consists of two years spent learning basic science followed by two years learning to apply such knowledge in the clinical realm.
	Lack of visual imagery does not lead to less pleasure in reading, finds study When people read a book, they typically imagine the story in their heads. But how do people experience a story if they find it difficult or impossible to imagine what is being described? Cognitive scientist Laura Speed and her colleagues found in an initial study of reading in people with so-called aphantasia that they do not enjoy reading less, but they do become less engaged with a story.
	Study demonstrates one of the reasons why the Mediterranean diet improves kidney health in patients with diabetes The Mediterranean diet garners praise once again, with another study ratifying its list of health benefits. In addition to preventing cardiovascular accidents, boosting the immune system, and averting oxidative stress, this diet can also help slow the deterioration of the kidneys. It is a benefit that, although already known by the scientific community, now, for the first time, has been demonstrated in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, a condition affecting almost 15% of the Spanish population, according to the latest report by the Spanish Diabetes Society.
	Woman in 'shock' over $6,000 bill for lifesaving rabies treatment Follwoing a a suspected bat bite Caroline Ford, worried she may have been exposed to rabies, sought treatment from AdventHealth Altamonte Springs. She called her insurance company, Anthem Blue Cross, and expected she'd need to pay about $600 based on her conversation over the phone.
	High cost of vaping in Australia revealed QIMR Berghofer researchers have warned that the increased prevalence of vaping could ultimately cost the Australian health system upwards of $180 million each year, just from a portion of users taking up tobacco smoking.
	EPA will spend $5.8 billion to help clean up U.S. drinking water Nearly $6 billion in funding will soon be spread through every U.S. state and territory as part of a massive, ongoing effort to clean up the nation's water supply, the Biden Administration announced Tuesday.
	Energy poverty in Canada: An overlooked health and equity issue As many as one in five Canadian households can be considered to be in energy poverty, according to researchers from McGill University.
	Encephalitis: Expert explains why early treatment is important Encephalitis is a disease that involves the inflammation or swelling of the brain. It can happen because of infections or immune system problems, and early treatment is important. That's why Sarosh Irani, B.M.B.Ch., a neurologist and researcher at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, says it's essential to raise awareness.
	Recommendations address impact of climate change on child health In a policy statement and accompanying technical report issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics and published online Feb. 20 in Pediatrics, recommendations are presented for addressing the impact of climate change on child health.
	Five things teen girls (and their parents) should know about heart health Among many teenage girls, hearts are a communications staple. Heart emojis punctuate their texts, heart hands frame their selfies on social media.
	Surge in gonorrhea cases in Denmark: Up by 46% between 2021 and 2022 Across the European continent, sexually transmitted infections (STI) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae have gone up in recent years, according to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. New data from Denmark, just published in Eurosurveillance, confirm this trend.
	A new method for cardiac image segmentation Researchers from the University of Science and Technology Beijing have proposed a new method for cardiac image segmentation. The work, published in Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, showcased a model called UConvTrans, which is a dual-flow cardiac image segmentation network characterized by global and local information integration.

Other Sciences news

	Use of decimal point is 1.5 centuries older than historians thought A mathematical historian at Trinity Wester University in Canada, has found use of a decimal point by a Venetian merchant 150 years before its first known use by German mathematician Christopher Clavius. In his paper published in the journal Historia Mathematica, Glen Van Brummelen describes how he found the evidence of decimal use in a volume called "Tabulae," and its significance to the history of mathematics.
	Ancient genomes reveal Down syndrome in past societies For many years, researchers at MPI-EVA have been collecting and analyzing ancient DNA from humans who lived during the past tens of thousands of years. Analyzing these data has allowed the researchers to trace the movement and mixing of people, and even to uncover ancient pathogens that affected their lives. However, a systematic study of uncommon genetic conditions had not been attempted. One of those uncommon conditions, known as Down syndrome, nowadays affects around one in 1,000 births.
	Are American voters really as polarized as they seem? Research suggests 'yes' A new study of American voters by researchers at Rice University and Stanford University shows that while response rates to political surveys are on the decline, people are more polarized than ever.
	Lab-grown diamonds put natural gems under pressure The glittering diamonds sparkle the same but there are key differences: mined natural gems are more than a billion years old, while laboratory-made rocks are new and cost less than half the price.
	Gen Z boys' attitudes to feminism are more nuanced than negative, survey suggests Young men are more likely than older men to think that feminism has done more harm than good, according to a new survey, suggesting a backward step in attitudes to gender equality. Young women aged 16-29 are also slightly more likely than women aged 30–59 to say that feminism has done more harm than good.
	From bridge to chess, why men outperform women at 'mindsports' Why do men strongly outperform women at "mindsports" such as chess and bridge? Mindsports mainly use the brain and require skills such as memory, critical thinking, problem solving, strategic planning, mental discipline and judgment. Without physical differences in strength, how do we explain why the top level of such games tends to be dominated by men?
	Shame, intimacy, and community: Fangirls are mocked, but it is more complex than you might think With Taylor Swift's highly anticipated The Eras Tour now playing Australia, the behaviors and practices of pop music fangirls are again in the spotlight.
	Expressing workplace anger: Not the way to get ahead, says study Contrary to previous research suggesting that expressing anger in the workplace leads to higher status and positive outcomes, a new study by researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Princeton University found that expressing anger is not a catalyst for higher status in the workplace.
	Study finds school gardens can foster children's interest in nature Children's interest in nature is crucial for their understanding and appreciation of the natural environment, as well as for their mental health and efforts to biodiversity conservation. The primary school stage is very important for developing an interest in nature. It is worth exploring whether a school garden with abundant natural components can be used to cultivate primary school children's interest in nature while helping to alleviate their study-related stress.
	Report finds most Americans do not support partisan violence Despite political chatter about a new civil war, Americans' support for partisan violence remains very low, according to a new report issued by the Polarization Research Lab.
	AI art generators have a place in K-12 classrooms, say researchers Making visual art with the help of artificial intelligence could be a great way to teach kids about the ethics of the ubiquitous technology, says an education professor at the University of Alberta.
	Failure to pass fire levies can lower house values Cuts to fire protection funding initially have a larger effect on home prices than crime, school quality, or environmental quality, but the short-term decreases don't persist, the University of Cincinnati economists found.
	For couples, negative speaks louder than positive After a long day, a couple cuddles together while watching a favorite show, taking comfort in each other's touch, scent and voices—until one partner makes an insensitive comment. Will the comment be quickly forgotten, or might it signal trouble for the relationship?
	'Singles in America' study: Daters breaking the ice with AI Artificial intelligence has permeated nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and dating is no exception. A study by Match in partnership with researchers at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University found that American singles are starting to use chatbots to spruce up their dating profiles.
	Study finds students, designers have different perceptions of masculine, feminine traits of classrooms The way people interact with the built environment can influence whether they feel comfortable in a space or if they feel they belong among people who gather there. However, the people who design learning spaces and those who use them might not feel the same about them.
	The cultural evolution of collective property rights for sustainable resource governance Community-based natural resource management has been dominated for several decades by the design principles of Nobel Prize laureate Elinor Ostrom. These principles provide guidelines for improving the governance of resource systems, from small-scale forest management groups to global commons like the high seas. Four of these principles (boundaries that control access, rules that fit the local context, community determinations of regulations, and monitoring and enforcement), are nearly universally used across successful governance institutions worldwide. Simply put, "manage your resource and keep outsiders out."
	If your TV spoke to you, would you buy it? Study finds people spend more on some "talking products" In the classic Disney film "Beauty and the Beast," Lumière, the candelabra character, famously sings with Mrs. Potts, a teapot, "Be our guest, be our guest. Put our service to the test. Tie your napkin round your neck, Cherie, and we provide the rest."
	Research highlights link between school shootings and violence against women A new study of school shooters over the past 50 years found that 70% had perpetrated violence against women (VAW), either before or during their attacks.
	College students appear resistant to using 988 crisis phone line The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched across the U.S. nearly 2 years ago. But college students—who are particularly vulnerable to substance use problems and related mental health crises—appear disinclined to use it, according to new research published in the Journal of Addiction & Offender Counseling.
	Generating 'buzz' about new products can influence their success The way companies announce new products or build up hype can often influence their success once those new products hit the market, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York. Whether it's an upcoming blockbuster movie or a new rollout from major companies like Coca-Cola or Apple, the new research shows how companies might use this type of preannouncement marketing to their advantage.
	Study finds anti-piracy messages backfire, especially for men Threatening messages aimed to prevent digital piracy have the opposite effect if you're a man, a new study from the University of Portsmouth has found. According to the research, women tend to respond positively to this kind of messaging, but men typically increase their piracy behaviors by 18%.

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