Science X Newsletter Fri, Mar 29

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for March 29, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Gravitational waves may have made human life possible

New cataclysmic variable discovered by astronomers

An infamous 'inflammasome'—a rogue protein complex—appears to underlie a rare and disabling autoimmune disorder

Genetic causes of cerebral palsy uncovered through whole-genome sequencing

Women with obesity do not need to gain weight during pregnancy, new study suggests

Scientists discover a key quality-control mechanism in DNA replication

Tiny orchid flowers pollinated by tiny flies

New hydrogel can stretch to 15 times its original size

DeepMind develops SAFE, an AI-based app that can fact-check LLMs

Study highlights the potential of cyanobacteria as biofertilizers

Researchers develop AI-based tool paving the way for personalized cancer treatments

Chickadees have unique neural 'barcodes' for memories of stashing away food

Unleashing disordered rocksalt oxides as cathodes for rechargeable magnesium batteries

'Shear sound waves' provide the magic for linking ultrasound and magnetic waves

Nano-oscillator hits record quality factor

Nanotechnology news

	Nano-oscillator hits record quality factor In their latest study, a team led by Tracy Northup at the Department of Experimental Physics unveils the successful creation of a levitated nanomechanical oscillator with an ultra-high quality factor, significantly surpassing previous experimental achievements. The study has been published in Physical Review Letters.
	New carbon nanotube transistor enhances sensitivity and resolution of molecule glasses Researchers have developed a carbon nanotube (CNT) transistor for molecule glasses that facilitates detailed examination of molecular interactions. This innovative technology is poised to open a fresh research direction in nanotechnology and molecular biology.

Physics news

'Shear sound waves' provide the magic for linking ultrasound and magnetic waves A team led by researchers from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science in Japan has succeeded in creating a strong coupling between two forms of waves—magnons and phonons—in a thin film. Importantly, they achieved this at room temperature, opening the way for the development of hybrid wave–based devices where information could be stored and manipulated in a variety of ways.

An ultracompact multimode meta-microscope Versatility and miniaturization of imaging systems are of great importance in today's information society. Microscopic imaging techniques have always been indispensable for scientific research and disease diagnosis in the biomedical field, which is also stepping towards the integration, portable, and multi-functions.

Earth news

	Researchers find WWI and WWII bombs in the ground are becoming more volatile Two ordnance specialists, one with the University of Stavanger's Department of Safety and the other with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, have found that due to their chemical makeup, bombs and other ordnances still in the ground from World War I and World War II are becoming more volatile, increasing their chances of exploding should they be disturbed.
	Largest ice shelf in Antarctica lurches forward once or twice each day In Antarctica, heavy glaciers are always on the move. Conveyor belts of ice, known as ice streams, are the corridors of faster flow that carry most of the vast glaciers' ice and sediment debris out toward the ocean.
	Study shows common water pollutants cause heart damage in fish Recent findings highlight the persistence of dihalogenated nitrophenols (2,6-DHNPs) in drinking water, resisting standard treatments like sedimentation, filtration, and boiling. The research demonstrates the severe cardiotoxic effects of these contaminants on zebrafish embryos at concentrations as low as 19 μg/L, indicating potential health risks for humans.
	EPA sets strict emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses in bid to fight climate change The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday set strict emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks, buses and other large vehicles, an action that officials said will help clean up some of the nation's largest sources of planet-warming greenhouse gases.
	Study underscores uncertain costs of iron fertilization As society grapples with the intensifying consequences of climate change, decision-makers are increasingly looking to carbon dioxide removal as a necessary complement to emission reductions. One of the strategies that has received the most attention is the idea of fertilizing parts of the ocean with iron to stimulate phytoplankton growth.
	In Canada's Quebec, residents miffed over mining boom Canada's Quebec province is rich with minerals needed for everything from electric cars to cell phones, but residents living atop the potential windfall are worried their backyards will be dug up—and they won't get a dime.
	Climate adaptation research applied 'in real-time' With global South countries already bearing the devastating consequences of climate change, adaptation research needs to have immediate on-the-ground impact, while still being scientifically rigorous, say climate action specialists in a review published in Climate Services.
	Magnitude 2.8 earthquake shakes southern Illinois; no damage or injuries reported An earthquake of magnitude 2.8 has been reported in southern Illinois, near the Missouri state line, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
	Abrupt climate fluctuations in Tibet as imprints of multiple meltwater events during the early to mid-Holocene A recent study published in the journal Science Bulletin was led by Dr. Shugui Hou (Nanjing University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University) and Dr. Hongxi Pang (Nanjing University). Shugui Hou drilled an ice core with a length of 127.8 m from the Zangser Kangri (ZK) ice cap in the central Tibetan Plateau (TP) in April 2009. The ice core was not well dated until the development of 14C dating technique at the microgram level in glacier ice in the past decade.

Astronomy and Space news

	Gravitational waves may have made human life possible Could it be that human existence depends on gravitational waves? Some key elements in our biological makeup may come from astrophysical events that occur because gravitational waves exist, a research team headed by John R. Ellis of Kings College London suggests.
	New cataclysmic variable discovered by astronomers By analyzing the data from ESA's XMM-Newton and Gaia satellites, astronomers from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) in Germany and elsewhere have detected a new magnetic cataclysmic variable system, most likely of the polar type. The finding was reported in a research paper published March 21 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	Researchers outline new approach in search for dark matter through future DUNE research project A researcher at Colorado State University has developed a potential approach for identifying and understanding dark matter using the soon-to-be-built gigantic particle detectors at the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE).
	Mapping the best route for a spacecraft traveling beyond the sun's sphere of influence The heliosphere—made of solar wind, solar transients, and the interplanetary magnetic field—acts as our solar system's personal shield, protecting the planets from galactic cosmic rays. These extremely energetic particles accelerated outwards from events like supernovas and would cause a huge amount of damage if the heliosphere did not mostly absorb them.
	Blind people can hear and feel April's total solar eclipse with new technology While eclipse watchers look to the skies, people who are blind or visually impaired will be able to hear and feel the celestial event.
	Arecibo Observatory telescope outfitted with a wideband cryogenic system to expand its capabilities Constructed within a natural sinkhole in Puerto Rico, the 305-meter-wide Arecibo Telescope played a part in numerous discoveries, including the first detection of an exoplanet. It was the largest radio telescope in the United States from 1963 until it collapsed in 2020.
	Image: Hubble finds a field of stars This image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows a globular cluster called NGC 1651. Like another recent globular cluster image, NGC 1651 is about 162,000 light-years away in the largest and brightest of the Milky Way's satellite galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).
	Astronomers only knew of a single binary Cepheid system—they just found nine more Measuring the distance to far away objects in space can be tricky. We don't even know the precise distance to even our closest neighbors in the universe—the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds. But, we're starting to get to the tools to measure it. One type of tool is a Cepheid Variable—a type of star that varies its luminosity in a well-defined pattern. However, we don't know much about their physical properties, making utilizing them as distance markers harder.

Technology news

	DeepMind develops SAFE, an AI-based app that can fact-check LLMs A team of artificial intelligence specialists at Google's DeepMind has developed an AI-based system called SAFE that can be used to fact check the results of LLMs such as ChatGPT. The group has published a paper describing the new AI system and how well it performed on the arXiv preprint server.
	Unleashing disordered rocksalt oxides as cathodes for rechargeable magnesium batteries Researchers at Tohoku University have made a advancement in battery technology by developing a novel cathode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) that enables efficient charging and discharging even at low temperatures. This innovative material, leveraging an enhanced rock-salt structure, promises to usher in a new era of energy storage solutions that are more affordable, safer, and higher in capacity.
	Universal brain-computer interface lets people play games with just their thoughts Imagine playing a racing game like Mario Kart, using only your brain to execute the complex series of turns in a lap.
	Next-generation AI semiconductor devices mimic the human brain A research team led by Prof. Kwon Hyuk-jun of the DGIST Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has developed a next-generation AI semiconductor technology that mimics the human brain's efficiency in AI and neuromorphic systems.
	Increasing the efficiency of eco-friendly solar cells by converting wind energy into high-voltage electricity A research team led by Professor Lee Ju-hyuck of DGIST in the Department of Energy Science & Engineering has successfully developed an energy harvesting device that enhances solar energy efficiency by removing and preventing surface contamination on solar cells.
	A first-ever complete map for elastic strain engineering Without a map, it can be just about impossible to know not just where you are, but where you're going, and that's especially true when it comes to materials properties.
	Chinese tech giant Huawei says profits more than doubled in 2023 Chinese tech giant Huawei said on Friday its profits more than doubled in 2023, as it ramps up efforts to bounce back in a year that saw the company apparently defy US sanctions with the release of a high-end smartphone.
	Researchers improve reversibility, specific capacity of iron-based phosphate cathodes for Na-ion batteries Thanks to the low cost of raw materials and long lifespan rendered by their stable structure, iron-based phosphate cathodes are regarded as one of the most promising cathodes for Na-ion batteries (NIBs).
	Can Boeing be trusted again? What steps can the biggest name in aviation take to repair its reputation? Every year, billions of people board planes that are built by one of two manufacturers—Boeing, an American manufacturer, and Airbus, a European corporation.
	Enhancing defect detection performance in smart factories Prof. Sang Hyun Park's research team in the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering at DGIST has developed a logical anomaly detection technology in collaboration with a team from Stanford University. This technology is expected to significantly improve defect detection performance in smart factories by leveraging AI to identify logical anomalies in industrial images accurately.
	Green truckin': US finalizes new heavy-vehicle pollution standards Following last week's crackdown on car emissions, President Joe Biden's administration on Friday unveiled finalized pollution standards for trucks, placing vehicle tailpipes at the forefront of his climate crisis agenda.
	Research team develops next-generation semiconductor memory that operates in extreme environments Researchers have developed a new manufacturing technology that enables the production of high-quality oxide films and effective patterning at low temperatures and manufactured non-volatile resistive random access memory. It is expected to be used in next-generation computing systems by overcoming the shortcomings of existing manufacturing technologies and developing memories with excellent durability.
	Brain-inspired chaotic spiking backpropagation Since it was discovered in the 1980s that learning in the rabbit brain utilizes chaos, this nonlinear and initially value-sensitive dynamical behavior has been increasingly recognized as integral to brain learning.
	Synergically improved energy storage performance and stability in tri-layer films with crystalline sandwich structures As a green, sustainable, and competitive technology relative to batteries and electrochemical capacitors and featuring a high charge storage capability, the dielectric capacitors excel in low cost, long cycle-life, and a broad operating temperature range, as well as environmental friendliness, high security, and good reliability.
	Solution to energy storage may be beneath your feet Anyone who has ever hot-footed it barefoot across the beach on a sunny day walks away with a greater understanding of just how much heat sand can retain. That ability is expected to play a vital role in the future, as technology involving heated sand becomes part of the answer to energy storage needs.
	DeSantis' office quietly backed Florida ban on wind energy Gov. Ron DeSantis' office quietly helped write a bill to curtail wind energy in the state of Florida, email records provided to the Tampa Bay Times show.
	European regulators are cracking down on Alphabet, Apple and Meta. How will that impact their work? U.S. officials could learn a thing for two from their friends in Europe as they assume a bigger role in taking on Big Tech, says a Northeastern University antitrust expert.
	Biofuels could help island nations survive a global catastrophe, study suggests A major global catastrophe could disrupt trade in liquid fuels used to sustain industrial agriculture, impacting the food supply of island nations like New Zealand that depend on oil imports.
	How AI discriminates and what that means for your Google habit Safiya Umoja Noble swears she is not a Luddite. But she does think we could all learn a thing or two from the machine-bashing textile craftsmen in 19th-century Britain whose name is now synonymous with technological skepticism.
	A single-crystal-like mesoporous material for high-performance lithium storage In lithium-ion storage, microstructured single crystal electrode materials show great advantages for ionic conductivity because of removing grain boundaries inside the materials but usually trade off the diffusion distance of Li ions in the microsized particle, consequently reducing the rate capability and cycle stability.
	Similar to traditional semiconductors, lead halide perovskites achieve effective electrical doping For traditional semiconductor materials and devices, controlling the distribution of electrical doping to build an internal electric field is a common method to enhance carrier extraction efficiency. Therefore, electrical doping is of great significance for the construction of high-performance devices.
	A biased edge enhancement method for truss-based community search Community Search, which targets a cohesive and meaningful community containing the query node, has drawn intense research interest and had extensive applications in various real-world networks recently.

Chemistry news

	New hydrogel can stretch to 15 times its original size A team of molecular engineers at Tsinghua University, in China, has developed a new type of hydrogel that can stretch to 15 times its original size and then snap back to its original form. In their study, published in the journal Science, the group modified the process normally used to create hydrogels to produce a new one that is far more elastic.
	Researchers develop a thermoelectric material with optimal cost, efficiency and flexibility A research team has developed an inorganic-organic thermoelectric composite that promises competitive pricing while addressing efficiency and flexibility challenges in thermoelectric technology.
	A catalyst for converting carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming, into ethylene using vitamin C A joint research team has developed a new electrochemical catalyst that promotes the conversion from carbon dioxide (CO2) to ethylene (C2H4).
	A high-efficiency photocatalyst for converting carbon dioxide into environmentally friendly energy using sunlight DGIST Professor In Su-il's research team has developed a high-efficiency photocatalyst that utilizes sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary cause of global warming, into methane (CH4) fuel. The research team expects that this environmentally friendly technology can be applied to Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology.
	Lipids with potential health benefits in herbal teas identified Herbal teas are enjoyed worldwide, not only for their taste and refreshment but also for a wide range of reputed health benefits. But the potential significance of a category of compounds called lipids in the teas has been relatively unexplored.
	Easily observing environmental pollution-causing harmful substances through a mobile phone camera DGIST's Physics and Chemistry Professor Park Jin-hee and her research team have developed a technology that allows easy detection of hazardous chemicals. Allowing one to detect harmful substances by analyzing color changes using a mobile phone camera, the technology is expected to be utilized for various purposes, such as the detection of environmental pollution and prevention of gas leakage.

Biology news

	Scientists discover a key quality-control mechanism in DNA replication When cells in the human body divide, they must first make accurate copies of their DNA. The DNA replication exercise is one of the most important processes in all living organisms and is fraught with risks of mutation, which can lead to cell death or cancer.
	Tiny orchid flowers pollinated by tiny flies Researchers Yuta Sunakawa, Ko Mochizuki, and Atsushi Kawakita of the University of Tokyo have discovered the first orchid species pollinated by gall midges, a tiny fly species. This is the first documented case of an orchid species found to be pollinated by gall midges, and it makes the orchids the eleventh such plant family. The findings were published in the journal Ecology.
	Study highlights the potential of cyanobacteria as biofertilizers One ecosystem's trash could be another ecosystem's treasure, according to scientists studying cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae.
	Chickadees have unique neural 'barcodes' for memories of stashing away food Black-capped chickadees have extraordinary memories that can recall the locations of thousands of morsels of food to help them survive the winter. Now scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute have discovered how the chickadees can remember so many details: they memorize each food location using brain cell activity akin to a barcode. These new findings may shed light on how the brain creates memories for the events that make up our lives.
	Scientists identify novel lysosome fission factor Lysosomes are centers for degradation, recycling, and signaling of cellular materials that are crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis, development, and aging. To meet various physiological demands, lysosomes continuously remodel their shape and function through fusion and fission processes. While lysosome fusion process has been extensively studied, little is known about lysosome fission. The molecules responsible for lysosomal membrane fission have not been identified.
	Novel role for metabolites in cellular metabolism discovered Investigators led by Issam Ben-Sahra, Ph.D., associate professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, have discovered how cellular metabolism fluctuates in response to changes in levels of pyrimidines, metabolites used by cells to make DNA and RNA, according to a study published in Science.
	Constructing 'on-gel' alveolar organoids as a new screening platform A study led by Professor Shimpei Gotoh (Department of Clinical Application), introduces a new culturing method to generate alveolar organoids suitable for medium- and high-throughput screening and identified several chemicals with synergistic effects on AT1 cell differentiation. The work is published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
	Researchers discover new microRNA-regulated pathway to boost iPS cell-derived platelet production A team of researchers led by Professor Koji Eto (Department of Clinical Application) recently discovered the importance of a microRNA-based regulatory mechanism for enhancing the quality and quantity of platelets generated by iPS cell-derived megakaryocytes. The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.
	Study identifies protein responsible for gas vesicle clustering in bacteria Gas vesicles are hollow structures made of protein found in the cells of certain microorganisms, and researchers at Rice University believe they can be programmed for use in biomedical applications.
	Researchers reveal evolutionary path of important proteins New research from the University of Wisconsin–Madison decodes the evolutionary pathway of regulatory proteins, the molecules that help control gene expression.
	Scientist taps into lobsters' unusual habits to conquer the more than 120-year quest to farm them Their dragon-like appearance has earned lobsters the moniker "dragons of the sea." It is one reason why they are a favorite fixture during Lunar New Year banquets. The Chinese call them longxia or dragon shrimps. And in some Asian cultures, eating them means imbibing the good fortune, rosy health, and formidable power embodied by the dragon—the most auspicious of the 12 zodiac animals.
	Dungeness crab season in San Francisco Bay Area, Central Coast will come to an early end The already-shortened 2023–2024 Dungeness crab season in the San Francisco Bay Area and central California will come to an end early, in slightly more than a week.
	Reviving Europe's orchard meadows: Researchers call for action A study spearheaded by researchers at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research and Macquarie University has highlighted the important ecological role of traditional orchard meadows, calling for political and public support and incentives for farmers to protect these landscapes.
	Researchers look to rice for 'clean label' ingredients Naturally occurring polyphenols and proteins from pigmented waxy rice may help starch ingredients improve texture without any chemical modification—a change some consumers may welcome, said Ya-Jane Wang, professor of carbohydrate chemistry.
	Keeping cells together—how our body resists mechanical stress Our body consists of ~30 trillion cells. These cells need to tightly attach to each other to maintain the integrity of our body. However, we are constantly exposed to mechanical stress, which continuously challenges the integrity of our bodies. How are cells able to resist mechanical force to maintain the integrity of our body? Why doesn't our body fall apart when we fall down on the street or when the guts move to digest the food? The secret lies in the cell-to-cell adhesion apparatus that keeps our cells together.
	Researchers reveal structure and assembly mechanism of unique module in cellulosome Cellulosomes are multi-enzyme complexes known for their efficient lignocellulose degradation, which is valuable in bioenergy technique development. The diverse composition and intricate assembly of cellulosomes give them exceptional substrate degradation capabilities, and deciphering their complex assembly mechanisms can provide a better understanding of their efficiency and promote their applications in bioenergy production.
	Gene editing technology reveals molecular mechanisms governing diatom population density signals The intricate dynamics of diatom blooms, influenced by a myriad of external factors and internal signals, continue to fascinate scientists. After recognizing the potential role of density perception and intracellular signaling in dictating these phenomena, researchers have begun to elucidate the molecular basis of diatom population density regulation.
	Canopy soil of old-growth forest fosters unique invertebrate diversity that is vulnerable to human disturbance Yakushima Island, a world heritage site in Japan, is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The huge Japanese cedar (Yaku-sugi) forests, which are over a thousand years old, are a symbolic ecosystem of the island. Although the canopy of these colossal trees, including the Japanese cedar (Yaku-sugi), is considered to harbor a wealth of undiscovered biodiversity, conducting actual surveys presents significant challenges.
	Researchers reveal impact of brassinosteroid and sugar signal on wheat grain size regulation Grain size plays a central role in determining wheat yield, and precise regulation of grain development has emerged as a key strategy for increasing yields in several staple crops such as rice and maize. However, the genetic basis and potential molecular regulatory mechanisms governing critical aspects of wheat grain development have remained elusive, creating a bottleneck in the quest to increase wheat yield.
	US restores handful of wildlife protections axed by Trump The US administration of President Joe Biden on Thursday announced further protections for endangered species and their habitats, restoring a set of regulations weakened by Donald Trump.
	Structural and biochemical basis of methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase ALDH6A1 ALDH6A1, a member of the ALDH family, plays a crucial role in the catabolic pathways of valine and thymine. Dysregulation of ALDH6A1 expression has been linked to a variety of diseases. Methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (MMSDH deficiency), an autosomal recessive disorder, arises from mutations in the ALDH6A1 gene. Additionally, ALDH6A1 has emerged as a biomarker for several types of severe cancer. Despite its significance, the structural and biochemical mechanisms of ALDH6A1 remain poorly explored.

Medicine and Health news

	An infamous 'inflammasome'—a rogue protein complex—appears to underlie a rare and disabling autoimmune disorder Autoimmune diseases are among the most puzzling because turncoat constituents of the body wage a constant state of war. Sometimes the underlying cause of an autoimmune condition is so obscure—hidden within chemical miscues of the body—that a long investigatory search must be mounted to sleuth out a cause.
	Genetic causes of cerebral palsy uncovered through whole-genome sequencing A Canadian-led study has identified genes which may be partially responsible for the development of cerebral palsy.
	Women with obesity do not need to gain weight during pregnancy, new study suggests The guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy in obese women have long been questioned. New research from Karolinska Institutet supports the idea of lowering or removing the current recommendation of a weight gain of at least 5 kg. The results are published in The Lancet.
	Researchers develop AI-based tool paving the way for personalized cancer treatments In the ongoing fight against cancer, scientists around the globe are exploring innovative approaches to unlock the mysteries of the human immune system—the complex network of organs, cells and proteins that defends the body against disease.
	Researchers demonstrate technique for identifying single cancer cells in blood for the first time A pioneering study led by a Keele scientist has demonstrated how a single cancer cell can be identified in a sample of blood, paving the way for more personalized and targeted treatments for cancer patients.
	Psychological care delivered by phone can help combat loneliness and depression, study finds Depression and loneliness can be prevented using structured telephone-based psychological care, delivered over eight weeks, according to new research.
	Micro-patterning: A new system to induce alveolar and airway epithelial cells Professor Shimpei Gotoh and Junior Associate Professor Kazuo Takayama teamed up in study to construct a novel in vitro culture system for alveolar and airway epithelial cells, employing a biomaterials engineering method known as micro-patterning technique, and using the newly devised system to simulate viral infections by SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study is published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
	New synapse type discovered through spatial proteomics Researchers have developed a new super-resolution high-throughput imaging method. Using the new technique, the scientists were able to create a 3D neuronal cell atlas with single-molecule resolution and discovered a previously unknown type of synapse. The results of the study were published in the journal Cell.
	Prescribing alcohol use disorder medications upon discharge from alcohol-related hospitalizations works For adults hospitalized for alcohol-related reasons, receiving a prescription for an alcohol use disorder (AUD) medication at the time of discharge may lower their risk of returning to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, including emergency room visits and readmissions.
	How music choices can affect productivity Human brain states are unobserved states that can constantly change due to internal and external factors, including cognitive arousal, a.k.a. intensity of emotion, and cognitive performance states. Maintaining a proper level of cognitive arousal may result in being more productive throughout daily cognitive activities. Therefore, monitoring and regulating one's arousal state based on cognitive performance via simple everyday interventions such as music is a critical topic to be investigated.
	Enhanced melanoma vaccine offers improved survival for men A second-generation melanoma vaccine being developed at UVA Cancer Center improves long-term survival for melanoma patients compared with the first-generation vaccine, new research shows. Interestingly, the benefit of the second-generation vaccine was greater for male patients than for female patients. That finding could have important implications for other cancer vaccines, the researchers say.
	COVID-19 research: Study reveals new details about potentially deadly inflammation A recent USC study provides new information about why SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic, may elicit mild symptoms at first but then, for a subset of patients, turn potentially fatal a week or so after infection. The researchers showed that distinct stages of illness correspond with the coronavirus acting differently in two different populations of cells.
	Study finds few hospitals promoting potentially predatory medical payment products Fifty million Americans are on a financing plan to pay off medical or dental bills, with one-quarter of those bearing some interest. Increasingly, medical payment products (MPPs)—which include credit cards and loans administered by hospitals, physician practices, or third-party companies—have come under scrutiny by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the Treasury.
	How blocking a neural receptor responsible for addiction could reduce alcohol use Scripps Research scientists have found that LY2444296—a compound that selectively blocks the kappa opioid receptor (KOP)—may reduce drinking in cases of alcohol dependence in animal studies. The findings, which were published in Scientific Reports, could eventually inform new treatment options for people who experience alcohol use disorder (AUD).
	High-resolution images reveal similarities in protein structures between Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome More than 90% of people with Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder in humans and the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability, are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease by ages 55–60.
	Veterans help provide greater insight into Klinefelter and Jacobs syndromes Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and collaborators across the country have conducted the largest and most diverse study of men with extra X or Y chromosomes in the US using a large dataset of military veterans. The results could lead to better diagnoses of these underrecognized conditions and earlier treatment of associated diseases.
	Do sweeteners increase your appetite? New evidence from randomized controlled trial says no Replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in foods does not make people hungrier—and also helps to reduce blood sugar levels, a new study has found.
	Calls for 'smartphone free' childhood grow in UK It is the question many adults dread being asked by their children: when can I have a smartphone? But as fears grow about the impact of the gadgets on young minds, some UK parents are fighting back.
	New research highlights combining prostate MRI with a blood test to avoid unnecessary prostate biopsies MRI of the prostate, combined with a blood test, can help determine if a prostate lesion is clinically significant cancer, new research suggests
	Chemo toxicity: A common gene test could save hundreds of lives each year One January morning in 2021, Carol Rosen took a standard treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Three gruesome weeks later, she died in excruciating pain from the very drug meant to prolong her life.
	High-strength lidocaine skin creams can cause seizures, heart trouble, FDA warns Some pain-relieving skin products contain potentially harmful doses of the numbing agent lidocaine and should be avoided, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
	Cases of drug-resistant gonorrhea have tripled in China, posing a global threat A strain of highly antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea first emerged in China in 2016, and cases of this tough-to-treat infection have tripled there in just five years, Chinese researchers report.
	FDA approves Winrevair for pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Winrevair (sotatercept-csrk) as an injectable treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults.
	Doctor gets first US lung-liver transplant for advanced lung cancer Dr. Gary Gibbon didn't have long to live. A harsh cocktail of chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy for his advanced lung cancer had permanently destroyed his lungs and caused irreparable damage to his liver.
	How might fiber lower diabetes risk? Your gut could hold the clues Eating more dietary fiber may help prevent type 2 diabetes by promoting beneficial gut bacteria and substances produced during metabolism, according to new research in Hispanic adults.
	UK study identifies ideal weight for adults with type 2 diabetes to minimize risk of dying from cardiovascular disease New research being presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Venice, Italy (12–15 May), identifies the optimum body weight range for adults with type 2 diabetes to minimize their risk of dying from any cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
	Scientists have a new tool in the race to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis Researchers from Lund University in Sweden have identified distinct molecular signatures associated with the clinical signs of sepsis that could provide more accurate diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis, as well as help to target specific therapies at patients who would benefit most, according to new research being presented at this year's European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2024) in Barcelona, Spain (27-30 April).
	Private and secure generative AI tool supports operations and research in a cancer center Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has implemented an artificial intelligence (AI) application intended for general use in a medical center or hospital. The system, called GPT4DFCI, is permitted for operations, administrative, and research uses but prohibited in direct clinical care. The system is deployed within the Dana-Farber digital premises, so all operations, prompts, and responses occur inside a private network. The application is private, secure, HIPAA-compliant, and auditable.
	Nearly one-third of patients with TBI have marginal or inadequate health literacy Low health literacy is a problem for a substantial proportion of people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to research published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (JHTR).
	Up to 30 percent of CVD mortality attributable to excess salt intake Excess sodium intake is associated with 10 to 30 percent of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, according to a study published online March 26 in JAMA Network Open.
	Steady rise in US suicides among adolescents, teens U.S. rates of suicide by all methods rose steadily for adolescents between 1999 and 2020, a new analysis shows.
	Student-athletes with self-reported autism more likely to score low on common concussion test Schools and colleges across the country rely on Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) evaluations to assess and manage student-athlete concussions on the sidelines. However, this FDA-cleared tool is not recommended for student-athletes with neurodevelopmental disorders, who often score significantly lower than neurotypical individuals.
	Research suggests fine-tuning of specific excitatory synapse traits could lead to new brain disease treatments The Synapse Diversity and Specificity Regulation Research Team at DGIST has profiled the molecular code that constitutes brain neural circuits and discovered that it regulates specific excitatory synapse characteristics that contribute to memory of new object locations. The fine-tuning of specific excitatory synapse traits could be utilized in developing treatments for related brain developmental disorders.
	New study finds a 67% increase in neurovascular imaging use for headache and dizziness in the emergency department New research demonstrates that the use of CT angiography (CTA) for patients with headache or dizziness increased dramatically over five years in the emergency department (ED) of a large medical center. Simultaneously the rate of positive findings on those same exams decreased.
	Professor discusses what's new in concussion treatment and management There have been significant changes in the last few years in how concussions are identified and treated. Steven Broglio, director of the Michigan Concussion Center and professor at the U-M School of Kinesiology, can discuss.
	Study finds increase in suicides among Black and Latino Chicagoans When Asst. Prof. Janelle Goodwill first arrived in Chicago in 2020, she saw several news stories about gun violence in the city. But she also realized that many researchers had not yet explored a related, concerning trend. Suicides—particularly in Black communities—were increasing.
	Social workers debunk the myths about how they help patients heal Working side by side with physicians and nurses, social workers are instrumental in supporting patients, families, and communities. Research has found that social workers can help reduce emergency room visits, length of hospital stays, and hospital readmission rates.
	Japan dietary supplement maker probes five deaths A Japanese drugmaker said on Friday it is investigating five deaths potentially linked to dietary supplements meant to lower cholesterol and apologized for the "anxiety and fear" it had caused.
	Researchers discover skin biomarkers in infants that predict early development of food allergies Food allergies occur often in childhood and can be severe or even fatal. Researchers at National Jewish Health are working to develop a program to prevent food allergies and have now identified early predictors of the condition.
	Research team develops soft and highly durable brain electrodes that could be used in treatment DGIST Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Professor Kim Sohee and her research team have developed a highly durable brain electrode technology that uses soft and flexible materials. The technology is expected to be used in various fields that require connections between the brain and machines, such as electrodes for treating brain diseases that involve long-term implantation.
	Unveiling gender differences in cancer: New insights into genomic instability Recent research spearheaded by Chunmei Cui at the State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, China, casts a new light on the nuanced interplay between gender and cancer, uncovering significant sex-specific disparities in copy number alterations (CNA) across various cancer types.
	Act on mystery chest pain to reduce risk of heart attack, researchers urge Future heart attacks could be better prevented in people visiting their GP with unexplained chest pain, after Keele researchers developed the clearest picture yet of the factors that put them at higher risk. The research is published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
	Modesty and boastfulness: Study shows perception depends on usual performance When people present themselves as capable or humble, the way this influences other people's evaluations of one's true ability and character depends on one's usual performance. Kobe University and University of Sussex researchers thus add an important factor in our understanding of how the relationship between self-presentation and perception develops with age.
	Optimizing chronic kidney disease management through a learning health system approach A recent publication in Health Data Science offers an in-depth exploration of an innovative approach to chronic kidney disease (CKD) management through the adoption of a learning health system (LHS) model. The study underscores a transformative shift towards more responsive and efficient health care practices, especially in managing pervasive conditions like CKD.
	Nations fail to reach pandemic accord: talks to resume April Two years of talks aimed at striking a landmark global agreement on handling future pandemics failed to seal a deal in time on Thursday, and will restart next month for one final push.
	Understanding diabetic kidney disease Diabetic nephropathy, also called diabetic kidney disease, is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. In the U.S., about 1 in 3 people living with diabetes have diabetic nephropathy.
	Scientists close in on a pain-free method for controlling type 1 diabetes Lee Calladine pricks his skin with a needle up to eight times a day to give himself an injection of insulin—the hormone that keeps his type 1 diabetes in check. Without insulin, his blood-sugar levels would become dangerously high and eventually fatal.
	Heading off financial harms in cancer patients A screening tool can quickly identify cancer patients at risk of financial toxicity, new findings from Columbia Nursing researchers show.
	Multiple biomaterials for immediate implant placement tissue repair: Current status and future perspectives A study published in the journal MedComm – Biomaterials and Applications, led by Dr. Xiaojing Wang from the Department of Oral Implantology at The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, focuses on addressing tooth loss, a prevalent dental condition linked to accidents, decay, periodontal disease, and congenital deficiencies.
	Do scientists respond faster than Google trends in discussing COVID-19 issues? A new approach to textual big data A study in Health Data Science introduces an advanced research framework to dissect the vast textual landscape surrounding COVID-19. This methodology leverages keywords from Google Trends alongside research abstracts from the WHO COVID-19 database, offering a nuanced understanding of the pandemic's discourse dynamics.
	Advancing drug discovery with AI: Introducing the KEDD framework A study published in Health Data Science introduces an end-to-end deep learning framework, known as Knowledge-Empowered Drug Discovery (KEDD), aimed at revolutionizing the field of drug discovery. This innovative framework adeptly integrates structured and unstructured knowledge, enhancing the AI-driven exploration of molecular dynamics and interactions.

Other Sciences news

Q&A: Archaeologist's fieldwork finds movement of crops, animals played a key role in domestication Archaeologist Xinyi Liu at Washington University in St. Louis teamed up with Martin Jones of the University of Cambridge to write a new paper for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that explains how recent research is connecting the science of biological domestication to early food globalization.

Data gaps inhibit understanding of trans people's experiences, researchers say The influential book "Invisible Women" articulates some of the countless ways in which women are missing from the data we use to understand the world, including the testing of many drugs, consideration of how best to support refugees, and others. The book is powerful, because it shines a light into how, by missing women out, we (unintentionally) do harm.

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