Science X Newsletter Thu, Mar 21

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for March 21, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Astronomers explore stellar populations of an extremely metal-poor dwarf galaxy

A model that could broaden the manipulation skills of four-legged robots

Four new DAQ white dwarfs discovered

An approach to design high-power lithium sulfur batteries

Dramatic declines in global fertility rates set to transform global population patterns by 2100, says study

Neuralink shows quadriplegic playing chess with brain implant

How long you got? Danish AI algorithm aims to predict life, and death

Researchers name prehistoric amphibian ancestor discovered in Smithsonian collection after Kermit the Frog

When does the brain process reward and risk? Neuroscientists test a computational model

Research reveals global wildfire risk trends in wildland–urban interface areas

How cells in plant leaves organize themselves to ensure optimal area for photosynthesis

Development of novel aptamers unlocks opportunities for the treatment of cancers and neurological diseases

Researchers create real-time view of placental development in mice

Scientists detail research to assess the viability and risks of marine cloud brightening

Unveiling the formation of the first galaxies

Nanotechnology news

	An approach to design high-power lithium sulfur batteries Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are a promising alternative to lithium–ion batteries (LiBs), the most common rechargeable battery technology. As sulfur is abundant on Earth, these batteries could be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than LiBs, while also potentially exhibiting higher energy densities.
	New method for analyzing nanoporous materials In addition to their main components, the properties of crystalline and nanoporous materials often depend crucially on guest atoms or ions that are embedded in the tiny pores of their lattice structure. This applies to high-tech materials used in sensor or separation technology as well as to natural materials. The bluish gemstone aquamarine, for example, would be colorless without such guest components.
	Scientists invent coin-sized device to rapidly isolate blood plasma for diagnostics and precision medicine Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have developed a coin-sized chip that can directly isolate blood plasma from a tube of blood in just 30 minutes, which is more convenient and user-friendly as compared to the current gold standard, multi-step centrifugation process.
	DNA attached to nanoparticles found to contribute to lupus symptoms Autoimmune diseases are mysterious. It wasn't until the 1950s that scientists realized that the immune system could harm the organs of its own body. Even today, the fundamental causes and inner workings of most autoimmune diseases remain poorly understood, limiting the treatment options for many of these conditions.
	New cost-effective method can detect low concentrations of pharmaceutical waste and contaminants in water Pharmaceutical waste and contaminants present a growing global concern, particularly in the context of drinking water and food safety. Addressing this critical issue, a new study by researchers at Bar-Ilan University's Department of Chemistry and Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials has resulted in the development of a highly sensitive plasmonic-based detector, specifically targeting the detection of harmful piperidine residue in water.

Physics news

	New milestone in laser cooling: Research team cools silica glass by a record 67 Kelvin For the first time, a team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF and the University of New Mexico have succeeded in cooling silica glass by 67 Kelvin through optical laser cooling. The researchers from Jena and Albuquerque have published the results in the journal Optics Express.
	Scientists investigate how cerium is produced in the universe Cerium is a rare Earth metal that has numerous technological applications, for example, in some types of lightbulbs and flat-screen TVs. While the element is rare in Earth's crust, it is slightly more abundant in the universe. However, much is unknown about how it is synthesized in stars.
	Team proposes using AI to reconstruct particle paths leading to new physics Particles colliding in accelerators produce numerous cascades of secondary particles. The electronics processing the signals avalanching in from the detectors then have a fraction of a second in which to assess whether an event is of sufficient interest to save it for later analysis. In the near future, this demanding task may be carried out using algorithms based on AI, the development of which involves scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the PAS.
	The sticking point: Why physicists are still struggling to understand ice's capacity to adhere and become slippery Whether in the form of frost or a smooth, transparent ice cube, ice adheres spontaneously and even quite strongly to many solid surfaces. However, as any careless person who has skidded on a winter sidewalk can testify, ice can also be very slippery. In fact, ice can be both sticky and slippery.
	Coalescence-fragmentation cycles based on human conflict In 1960, Lewis Fry Richardson famously observed that the severity of a wartime event is described by a simple power law distribution that scales according to the size of the conflict. Statisticians have since proposed various modifications, but they continue to agree that the casualty count in a violent conflict tends to scale with the size of the insurgent group that caused the conflict.
	High-efficiency hollow-core optical fiber cable for medical procedures A research group led by Prof. Jiang Haihe from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has designed a 6-hole microstructure anti-resonant air-core fiber (AR-HCF) with a larger core diameter of 78 μm.

Earth news

	Research reveals global wildfire risk trends in wildland–urban interface areas Wildfires present complex socio-economic and ecological challenges, as they devastate vegetation, endanger communities, and cause extensive environmental, wildlife, and human health impacts. These consequences include severe air pollution and soaring firefighting costs.
	Scientists detail research to assess the viability and risks of marine cloud brightening As the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to increase and climate change impacts become more costly, the scientific community is redoubling efforts to investigate the potential risks and benefits of artificially shading Earth's surface to slow global warming.
	New geological study shows Scandinavia was born in Greenland The oldest Scandinavian bedrock was "born" in Greenland according to a new geological study from the University of Copenhagen. The study helps us understand the origin of continents and why Earth is possibly the only planet in our solar system with life.
	AI could help predict floods where traditional methods struggle An artificial intelligence (AI) model could improve the accuracy of flood forecasting, according to a new study published in Nature. The system is shown to be as accurate as, or an improvement on, current leading methods and could provide earlier warnings of large flooding events.
	Study suggests millions are at risk using high arsenic water for cooking The use of water contaminated with higher than recommended levels of arsenic could pose a serious health risk to millions, a new study from the University of Sheffield has found.
	Satellite data assimilation improves forecasts of severe weather In 2020, a line of severe thunderstorms unleashed powerful winds that caused billions in damages across the Midwest United States. A technique developed by Penn State scientists that incorporates satellite data could improve forecasts—including where the most powerful winds will occur—for similar severe weather events.
	Higher temperatures mean higher food and other prices. A new study links climate shocks to inflation Food prices and overall inflation will rise as temperatures climb with climate change, a new study by an environmental scientist and the European Central Bank found.
	A new way to quantify climate change impacts: 'Outdoor days' For most people, reading about the difference between a global average temperature rise of 1.5 C versus 2 C doesn't conjure up a clear image of how their daily lives will actually be affected. So, researchers at MIT have come up with a different way of measuring and describing what global climate change patterns, in specific regions around the world, will mean for people's daily activities and their quality of life.
	Land snails: Recorders of climate and weather changes In a study published in Geophysical Research Letters on March 13, researchers from the Institute of Earth Environment of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Northwest University showed that land snails are very sensitive to climate and environmental changes, and they can record high-resolution terrestrial climate changes.
	New islands won't help those made homeless by sea-level rise Dubai's famous Palm Jumeirah is not the only man-made island to have emerged from the sea this century. Over the past 20 years, many islands have been built to accommodate both tourists and well-heeled residents—especially in the Arabian Gulf states and China.
	Uncovering the ripple effects of the climate crisis No roads lead to Iquitos, a Peruvian port city surrounded by the Amazon rainforest and reachable only by river. The city's diverse communities and ways of living—including fishing and farming—were what drew Heidi Mendoza. She's a researcher who leads field work there on the human toll of climate change.
	Q&A: What happened underground during the Noto Peninsula earthquake? The Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on January 1 brought the challenges of earthquake-prone Japan back into sharp focus. With a magnitude of 7.6, surpassing the 1995 Kobe earthquake (Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake), it caused significant upheaval in the landscape and substantial ground uplift. The large number of aftershocks is also notable. What exactly happened under the Noto Peninsula?
	New analysis sees spike in 2023 global sea level due to El Niño A long-term sea level dataset shows ocean surface heights continuing to rise at faster and faster rates over decades of observations.
	Alaska Native tribes take lead on shellfish toxin testing where state falls short A group of coastal Alaska Native tribes in 2016 began monitoring shellfish, a traditional harvest, for deadly biotoxins because the state only tests commercial harvests. The program fills an essential gap in public health protection and has found success, with 17 tribes now in the testing network. Securing stable, long-term funding and improving public outreach could improve outcomes even further, a new study reports.
	Impacts of major volcanic eruptions over the past two millennia on both global and Chinese climates Recently, a study by Dr. Sun Weiyi and Prof. Liu Jian from the School of Geography at Nanjing Normal University was published in Science China Earth Sciences.
	Estimating coastal water depth from space via satellite-derived bathymetry Since ancient times, knowing the depth of coastal waters has been key to safe and successful navigation and to exploit the sea's resources. Today, bathymetry—the measurement of sea depth—is even more important, playing essential roles in our understanding of marine environments and the development of large marine structures.
	Military evacuates more than 100 Australians as flood looms More than 100 Australians were evacuated from a remote northern Australian town Thursday, as severe flooding from ex-tropical cyclone Megan was expected to hit.
	We need faster, better ways to monitor NZ's declining river health, and using environmental DNA can help New Zealand's rivers are not in a good shape. The Ministry for the Environment's latest freshwater report shows an estimated 45% of total river length is no longer suitable for swimming and 48% is partially inaccessible to endangered migratory fish.
	Salt marshes put to the test in wave flume Can salt marshes serve as a natural solution for flood protection? Researchers of the project "Living Dikes" transported 62 big blocks of salt marshes, containing soil and vegetation, from the coast of Friesland to the Delta Flume at Deltares. After four weeks of exposure to extreme waves, almost the entire salt marsh is still standing there.
	The US may catch a spring break on weather. Forecasters see minimal flooding and drought for spring The United States can expect a nice spring break from past too rainy or too dry extremes, federal meteorologists predicted Thursday.

Astronomy and Space news

	Astronomers explore stellar populations of an extremely metal-poor dwarf galaxy Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have conducted near- and mid-infrared observations of an extremely metal-poor blue compact dwarf galaxy known as I Zwicky 18. Results of the observational campaign, presented in a paper published March 11 on the arXiv preprint server, deliver important information regarding stellar populations in this galaxy.
	Four new DAQ white dwarfs discovered Astronomers from the University of Oklahoma and their colleagues report the detection of four white dwarf stars of a recently discovered rare DAQ spectral subclass. The newfound white dwarfs are slightly more massive than the sun. The finding was detailed in a research paper published March 13 on the preprint server arXiv.
	Unveiling the formation of the first galaxies Utilizing high-resolution three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics simulations and a detailed supernova physics model run on supercomputers, a research team led by Dr. Ke-Jung Chen from the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica (ASIAA) has revealed that the physical properties of the first galaxies are critically determined by the masses of the first stars. Their study is published in The Astrophysical Journal.
	Gaia unravels the ancient threads of the Milky Way ESA's Gaia space telescope has further disentangled the history of our galaxy, discovering two surprising streams of stars that formed and wove together more than 12 billion years ago.
	Thermonuclear flames: Astrophysicists use supercomputer to explore exotic stellar phenomena Understanding how a thermonuclear flame spreads across the surface of a neutron star—and what that spreading can tell us about the relationship between the neutron star's mass and its radius—can also reveal a lot about the star's composition.
	Method to detect dark matter could lead to a better understanding of galaxy evolution Everyone loves a two-for-one deal—even physicists looking to tackle unanswered questions about the cosmos. Now, scientists at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory are getting just such a twofer: Particle detectors originally developed to look for dark matter are now in a position to be included aboard the Line Emission Mapper (LEM), a space-based X-ray probe mission proposed for the 2030s.
	NASA's Chandra identifies an underachieving black hole Astronomers have revealed that a brilliant supermassive black hole is not living up to expectations. Although it is responsible for high levels of radiation and powerful jets, this giant black hole is not as influential as many of its counterparts in other galaxies.
	Hubble finds that aging brown dwarfs grow lonely It takes two to tango, but in the case of brown dwarfs that were once paired as binary systems, that relationship doesn't last for very long, according to a recent survey from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
	Astronomers confirm a new 'Trojan' asteroid that shares an orbit with Mars Using observations made with the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) a study led from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) has confirmed that the asteroid 2023 FW14, discovered last year, is accompanying the red planet in its journey round the sun, ahead of Mars and in the same orbit.
	Secrets of the Van Allen belt revealed in new study A challenge to space scientists to better understand our hazardous near-Earth space environment has been set in a new study led by the University of Birmingham.
	Heat to blame for space pebble demise The dust of comets fills the space between the planets, collectively called the zodiacal cloud. Still, severe breakdown has reduced that dust in size so much that it now scatters sunlight efficiently, causing the faint glow in the night sky known as the "zodiacal light."
	How a balloon-borne experiment can do the job of the Hubble space telescope An astronomical telescope designed to complement the aging Hubble Space Telescope lifted off from New Zealand's south island on April 16 2023. But as a sphere the size of a football stadium rose silently and slowly over the Tauhinukorokio mountains, calls started coming in from residents.
	Russia's space agency aborts launch of 3 astronauts to the International Space Station; all are safe Russia aborted the launch of three astronauts to the International Space Station moments before they were scheduled to lift off Thursday, but the crew was safe, officials said.
	Japan's space agency says it hopes to forge a profitable launch business with its new H3 rocket Japan's space agency and its prime contractor said Thursday they hope to be able to forge a profitable launch business with their new H3 rocket after its first successful flight last month in an increasingly competitive market dominated by Space X.
	The Mars science helicopter could be an airborne geologist on Mars After more than 70 successful flights, a broken rotor ended the remarkable and groundbreaking Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars. Now, NASA is considering how a larger, more capable helicopter could be an airborne geologist on the Red Planet. For the past several years scientists and engineers have been working on the concept, proposing a six-rotor hexacopter that would be about the size of the Perseverance rover.
	It's time to study lunar lava tubes. Here's a mission that could help The moon is practically begging to be explored, and the momentum to do so is building. The Artemis Program's effort to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since the Apollo missions captures a lot of attention. But there are other efforts underway.

Technology news

	A model that could broaden the manipulation skills of four-legged robots Robotic systems have become increasingly sophisticated over the past decades, evolving from rudimental stiff robots to a wide range of soft, humanoid, animal-inspired robots. Legged robots, particularly quadrupeds, have been found to be particularly promising for tackling simple tasks at ground level, such as exploring environments and carrying objects.
	How long you got? Danish AI algorithm aims to predict life, and death Researchers in Denmark are harnessing artificial intelligence and data from millions of people to help anticipate the stages of an individual's life all the way to the end, hoping to raise awareness of the technology's power, and its perils.
	Study identifies areas in Mexico City Metro affected by land subsidence A new assessment study identifies areas in Mexico City's metro system affected by land subsidence, providing a roadmap for mitigating damage, prioritizing repairs, and informing future designs for the metro's infrastructure.
	Quiet-STaR algorithm allows chatbot to think over its possible answer before responding A collaboration between AI researchers at Stanford University and Notbad AI Inc. has resulted in the development of an algorithm that allows current chatbots to mull over possible responses to a query before giving its final answer. The team has published a paper on the arXiv preprint server describing their new approach and how well their algorithm worked when paired with an existing chatbot.
	Climate-friendly renovations using straw and hemp Renovating buildings to improve their energy efficiency is a crucial step towards Switzerland achieving its climate targets. ETH Zurich researchers can now reveal the most effective renovation strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions: replace fossil-fuel heating systems and harness the potential of bio-based building materials like straw and hemp.
	New reactor could save millions when making ingredients for plastics and rubber from natural gas A new way to make an important ingredient for plastics, adhesives, carpet fibers, household cleaners and more from natural gas could reduce manufacturing costs in a post-petroleum economy by millions of dollars, thanks to a new chemical reactor designed by University of Michigan engineers.
	Using drone swarms to fight forest fires Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are using multiple swarms of drones to tackle natural disasters like forest fires. Forest fires are becoming increasingly catastrophic across the world, accelerated by climate change.
	AI generates high-quality images 30 times faster in a single step In our current age of artificial intelligence, computers can generate their own "art" by way of diffusion models, iteratively adding structure to a noisy initial state until a clear image or video emerges.
	Researchers take major step toward developing next-generation solar cells The solar energy world is ready for a revolution. Scientists are racing to develop a new type of solar cell using materials that can convert electricity more efficiently than today's panels.
	Reddit, the self-anointed 'front page of the internet,' set to make its stock market debut Reddit and its eclectic bazaar of online communities is ready to plumb high-stakes territory—the stock market.
	One Tech Tip: How to spot AI-generated deepfake images AI fakery is quickly becoming one of the biggest problems confronting us online. Deceptive pictures, videos and audio are proliferating as a result of the rise and misuse of generative artificial intelligence tools.
	Nuclear's EU comeback on show at Brussels summit Promoting nuclear power was long taboo in Brussels, but a high-profile international summit Thursday sent loud and clear the message that atomic energy—now touted by its champions as key to fighting climate change—is back.
	Biden unveils almost $20 bn for Intel to boost US chip production US President Joe Biden unveiled almost $20 billion in grants and loans Wednesday for Intel's domestic chip-making plants—his administration's biggest investment yet in the sector as he takes on China's chip dominance and sells his economic achievements over election rival Donald Trump.
	Meta, Microsoft slam Apple over app store policy Meta, Microsoft, X and online dating giant Match Group hit at Apple on Wednesday for overcharging on app purchases.
	Federal officials want to know how airlines handle—and share—passengers' personal information Federal officials said Thursday they will review how airlines protect personal information about their passengers and whether they are making money by sharing that information with other parties.
	Justice Department to sue Apple for antitrust violations The Justice Department is poised to sue Apple Inc. as soon as Thursday, accusing the world's second most valuable tech company of violating antitrust laws by blocking rivals from accessing hardware and software features of its iPhone.
	Social media apps have billions of 'active users'. But what does that really mean? Our digital world is bigger and more connected than ever. Social media isn't just a daily habit—with more than 5 billion users globally, it's woven into the very fabric of our existence.
	California is wrestling with electricity prices—how to design a system to fix the grid while keeping prices fair Small-scale solar power, also known as rooftop or distributed solar, has grown considerably in the U.S. over the past decade. It provides electricity without emitting air pollutants or climate-warming greenhouse gases, and it meets local energy demand without requiring costly investments in transmission and distribution systems.
	'Empathetic' AI has more to do with psychopathy than emotional intelligence—but we should treat machines ethically AI has long since surpassed humans in cognitive matters that were once considered the supreme disciplines of human intelligence like chess or Go. Some even believe it is superior when it comes to human emotional skills such as empathy. This does not just seem to be some companies' talking big for marketing reasons; empirical studies suggest that people perceive ChatGPT in certain health situations as more empathic than human medical staff. Does this mean that AI is really empathetic?
	Research unlocks potential to revolutionize construction waste recycling There was no time to waste as researchers trawled through skip bins across Melbourne construction sites, capturing hundreds of photos of materials destined for landfill.
	Kirigami-inspired wind steering to cool sweltering urban canyons, improve ventilation Researchers at Princeton's engineering school have found that placing a specially designed lid over a box can dramatically increase the airflow from wind blowing across the upper surface. It is not just a parlor trick. The information could help clean and cool urban canyons in cities like New York and Hong Kong and improve ventilation in popup restaurants and bus shelters.
	New model makes it easier to build sustainable structures of textile-reinforced concrete By reinforcing concrete with textiles instead of steel, it is possible to use less material and create slender, lightweight structures with a significantly lower environmental impact. The technology to utilize carbon fiber textiles already exists, but it has been challenging, among other things, to produce a basis for reliable calculations for complex and vaulted structures.
	Many publicly accessible AI assistants lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation, warn experts Many publicly accessible artificial intelligence (AI) assistants lack adequate safeguards to consistently prevent the mass generation of health disinformation across a broad range of topics, warn experts in the BMJ. They call for enhanced regulation, transparency, and routine auditing to help prevent advanced AI assistants from contributing to the generation of health disinformation.
	Reddit, the self-anointed 'front page of the internet,' soars in Wall Street debut Reddit soared in its Wall Street debut as investors pushed the value of the company close to $9 billion seconds after it began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
	Justice Department sues Apple, alleging it illegally monopolized the smartphone market The Justice Department on Thursday announced a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of engineering an illegal monopoly in smartphones that boxes out competitors, stifles innovation and keeps prices artificially high.
	Predicting energy yields for photovoltaic systems The journey toward a sustainable future hinges on our ability to harness the power of renewable sources effectively. Solar energy, in particular, has emerged as a cornerstone of this transition. However, the unpredictable and variable nature of sunlight poses a significant challenge for accurately predicting energy yields. This uncertainty not only hampers innovation, but unnecessarily delays the sun's use in global energy production.
	Researchers create adaptive classification method for electronic music A new method for classifying electronic music has been developed by researchers in China. The approach offers a novel solution in an age of exploding digital content to curating music libraries and streaming services.
	Children may overestimate smart speakers' abilities Children overrate the intelligence of smart speakers—such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Home—and are uncertain if the systems can think like humans or not, research suggests.
	Researchers highlight potential cybersecurity threats to trucking industry, supply chain Researchers at Colorado State University have published a new paper that details vulnerabilities in commercial trucking systems that could allow hackers to take control of, steal data from, or even disrupt entire fleets by spreading malware unnoticed between vehicles.
	Best way to bust deepfakes? Use AI to find real signs of life, say scientists Artificial intelligence may make it difficult for even the most discerning ears to detect deepfake voices—as recently evidenced in the fake Joe Biden robocall and the bogus Taylor Swift cookware ad on Meta—but scientists at Klick Labs say the best approach might actually come down to using AI to look for what makes us human.
	Future nuclear power reactors could rely on molten salts—but what about corrosion? Most discussions of how to avert climate change focus on solar and wind generation as key to the transition to a future carbon-free power system. But Michael Short, the Class of '42 Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT and associate director of the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC), is impatient with such talk.
	Salman Rushdie: AI only poses threat to unoriginal writers Artificial intelligence tools may pose a threat to writers of thrillers and science fiction, but lack the originality and humor to challenge serious novelists, Salman Rushdie wrote in a French journal published Thursday.
	UN General Assembly calls for guidelines on AI's risks, rewards The UN General Assembly on Thursday called for the development of a set of international guidelines to address the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence.
	Five things to know about Reddit Wall Street will see one of the year's most highly anticipated IPOs this week, when the nearly two decade old social media platform Reddit goes public, set for Thursday.
	Leaders tout nuclear power as climate tool at Brussels summit More than 30 countries—including European nations, the United States, Brazil and China—took part on Thursday in the first-ever summit held by the United Nations' atomic energy agency to promote nuclear as a "clean and reliable source of energy".
	Is AI a job killer? In California it's complicated For the thousands of tech workers recently laid off in California and across the country, the future may not be as bleak as it looks right now: Many are likely to retrain fairly quickly for new jobs in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
	Strengthening the grid's 'backbone' with hydropower Argonne-led studies investigate how hydropower could help Alaska add more clean energy to its grid, how it generates value as grids add more renewable energy, and how liner technology can improve hydropower efficiency.
	Apple 'aunties' greeted with cheers at Shanghai store opening Chinese Apple superfans jostled to enter the smartphone maker's newest store in Shanghai as it opened on Thursday night—but they were upstaged by dozens of retirees eager to nab commemorative freebies.
	String of litigation cases bites Apple The US government Thursday sued Apple claiming the tech behemoth illegally maintained a monopoly for its iPhone by stifling competition and imposing high costs on consumers—the latest in a string of legal headaches facing the firm.

Chemistry news

	Say hello to biodegradable microplastics: Plant-based polymers that can disappear within seven months Microplastics are tiny, nearly indestructible fragments shed from everyday plastic products. As we learn more about microplastics, the news keeps getting worse. Already well-documented in our oceans and soil, we're now discovering them in the unlikeliest of places: our arteries, lungs and even placentas.
	Researchers discover new route to recyclable polymers from plants Researchers at Hokkaido University have taken a significant step forward in the drive to make recyclable yet stable plastics from plant materials. This is a key requirement to reduce the burden of plastic pollution in the environment. They developed a convenient and versatile method to make a variety of polymers from chemicals derived from plant cellulose; crucially, these polymers can be fully recycled. The method was published in the journal ACS Macro Letters.
	'Dual-ligand' strategy helps to achieve perfect asymmetric kinetic resolution polymerization Studies on the synthesis and application of chiral materials has important scientific significance and market value. However, the design, synthesis and application of chiral materials are still in their infancy, and relevant research is limited to natural chiral polymer materials and very few artificial synthetic chiral materials.
	Understanding corrosion to enable next-generation metals Researchers are using new, experimental techniques like Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) and friction stir welding to produce metal components that are lighter, stronger, and more precise than ever before. But as we enter those new frontiers of metalworking, it's crucial to understand the performance and properties of the resulting metals and the bonds between them.
	Scientists develop catalyst designed to make ammonia production more sustainable Ammonia is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world, and is used in a great many manufacturing and service industries. The conventional production technology is the Haber-Bosch process, which combines nitrogen gas (N2) and hydrogen gas (H2) in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst.
	A dynamically stable self-healable wire based on mechanical–electrical coupling Highly flexible and conductive wires play a crucial role in integration and application of wearable devices. However, the frequent stress and deformation in practical use are prone to cause structural damage to these wires, leading to failure of the entire module. Self-healable wires are capable of recovering the mechanical and electrical properties when encountering structure damage, which offers a promising solution to this issue.

Biology news

	Researchers name prehistoric amphibian ancestor discovered in Smithsonian collection after Kermit the Frog Scientists have uncovered the fossilized skull of a 270-million-year-old ancient amphibian ancestor in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. In a paper published today, March 21, in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, the team of researchers described the fossil as a new species of proto-amphibian, which they named Kermitops gratus in honor of the iconic muppet, Kermit the Frog.
	How cells in plant leaves organize themselves to ensure optimal area for photosynthesis Plant leaves need a large surface area to capture sunlight for photosynthesis. Dr. Emanuele Scacchi and Professor Marja Timmermans from the Center for Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Tübingen, together with an international team, have now discovered which genetic mechanisms control leaves' growth into a flat structure capable of efficiently capturing sunlight.
	Development of novel aptamers unlocks opportunities for the treatment of cancers and neurological diseases G-quadruplexes (G4), which are special structures in DNA and RNA that play a crucial role in cells, have been associated with cancers and neurological diseases. A research team from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) recently built a new platform to select L-RNA aptamers that can target functional G4 structures.
	Rays were more diverse 150 million years ago than previously thought In a new study published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology, an international team of scientists led by paleobiologist Julia Türtscher from the University of Vienna has explored the puzzling world of rays that lived 150 million years ago and discovered a previously hidden diversity—including a new ray species. This study significantly expands the understanding of these ancient cartilaginous fish and provides further insights into a past marine ecosystem.
	Excess temperatures found to cause low flocking concerns in Australia High temperatures during critical periods of the reproductive cycle of sheep result in 2.1 million fewer lambs produced in Australia each year, costing sheep farmers an estimated $97 million annually.
	Candida albicans toxin plays a special role in the colonization of the digestive tract Candida albicans is a fungus that occurs naturally in the digestive tract of most people. However, the fungus is not always harmless. It can cause mild to severe infections throughout the body. A toxin, candidalysin, is involved in these infections. It appears to be of central importance in vaginal infections in particular.
	Researchers identify genetic contribution to the composition of the microbiome around maize roots In order for plants to grow, they absorb water and nutrients through their roots. In doing so, they rely on tiny helpers: bacteria and fungi in particular are found in a thin layer around the roots. These microbes also ward off organisms that are harmful to the plant, just as the "microbiome" in the human gut helps determine whether we fall ill or stay healthy.
	Biodiversity loss may accelerate ecosystem destabilization What maintains stability within an ecosystem and prevents a single best competitor from displacing other species from a community? Does ecosystem stability depend upon the presence of a wide variety of species, as early ecologists believed, or does diversity do the exact opposite, and lead to instability, as modern theory predicts?
	Chance sighting reveals new species of fluffy beetle A researcher from The University of Queensland has discovered a remarkable new genus of fluffy longhorn beetle while camping within a rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland.
	'Courtship' gene shows different effects in two fruit fly species A gene associated with courtship behavior in fruit flies does not operate the same way in two different fruit fly species, a new study finds. The work demonstrates that conserved genes—the same genes found across species—do not necessarily have the same function across species.
	Parrots love playing tablet games, and it's helping researchers understand them Touchscreens have long been integral to our everyday life—humans use them to work, play, talk with loved ones and snag Lightning Deals on Prime Day. In recent years, they've shown potential for the animal kingdom as well, leading to a growing body of academic research and a proliferation of consumer products promising to leverage technology to enhance our relationships with our pets.
	In a first, evolutionary biologists have identified a gene that influences visual preferences in tropical butterflies Tropical Heliconius butterflies are well known for the bright color patterns on their wings. These striking color patterns not only scare off predators—the butterflies are poisonous and are distasteful to birds—but are also important signals during mate selection.
	New research shows unintended harms of organic farming Organic farming is often touted as a more sustainable solution for food production, leveraging natural forms of pest control to promote eco-friendly cultivation.
	Decoding the plant world's complex biochemical communication networks A Purdue University-led research team has begun translating the complex molecular language of petunias. Their grammar and vocabulary are well hidden, however, within the countless proteins and other compounds that fill floral cells.
	A product that kills agricultural pests is also deadly to native Pacific Northwest snail A product used to control pest slugs on farms in multiple countries is deadly to least one type of native woodland snail endemic to the Pacific Northwest, according to scientists who say more study is needed before the product gains approval in the United States.
	Two keys needed to crack three locks for better engineered blood vessels Blood vessels engineered from stem cells could help solve several research and clinical problems, from potentially providing a more comprehensive platform to screen if drug candidates can cross from the blood stream into the brain to developing lab-grown vascular tissue to support heart transplants, according to Penn State researchers.
	Rose essential oil: A safe pesticide for organic agriculture Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) find applications in various industries, such as detergents, cosmetics, pharmacology, and food additives. Moreover, EOs have an exceptional safety profile, and their numerous bioactivities greatly benefit human health. Beyond these benefits, EOs have also been found to illicit insect-repellent responses by inducing neurotoxic effects.
	In a first, team identifies mysterious exporter for brassinosteroid plant hormone When you are reading this article, there are multiple hormones working diligently inside your body to stabilize your health status. Just as in human beings, it is impossible for plants to grow and reproduce without being regulated by phytohormones. One of the phytohormones is the brassinosteroid (BR) hormone, also named as the sixth phytohormone.
	High speed protein movies to aid drug design Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed technology to help scientists observe proteins in motion. Understanding how proteins move will allow novel drugs to be designed.
	Research reveals new starting points for the rapid and targeted development of future drugs Many important medicines, such as antibiotics and anticancer drugs, are derived from natural products of bacteria. The enzyme complexes that produce these active ingredients have a modular design that makes them ideal tools for synthetic biology. By exploring protein evolution, a team led by Helge Bode from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany, has found new "fusion sites" that enable faster and more targeted drug development.
	Scientists create novel technique to form human artificial chromosomes Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) capable of working within human cells could power advanced gene therapies, including those addressing some cancers, along with many laboratory applications, though serious technical obstacles have hindered their development. Now a team led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has made a significant breakthrough in this field that effectively bypasses a common stumbling block.
	Climate change disrupts vital ecosystems in the Alps Reduced snow cover and shifting vegetation patterns in the Alps, both driven by climate change, are having major combined impacts on biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems in the high mountains, according to new research published today.
	In Spain, hi-tech hops keep beer bitter as climate bites Outside the warehouse in northwestern Spain, it's a freezing, foggy morning but inside it's balmy, the warmth and LED lights fooling 360 hop plants to flower as if it were late August.
	Scientists elucidate the role of GlyT1 in anti-schizophrenia drugs Schizophrenia is a highly disabling mental disorder, and numerous studies have shown that the hypofunction of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is one of its pathogenic mechanisms. Glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1), a glycine transporter protein, is highly co-localized with the NMDA receptor. Inhibition of GlyT1 can increase the concentration of glycine in the synaptic cleft, thereby indirectly promoting NMDA receptor activation. Therefore, GlyT1 is considered a key target for the treatment of schizophrenia.
	Non-culturable Legionella identified with sequencing Legionnaires' disease (LD), a rare and severe type of pneumonia, is a respiratory infection caused by species of Legionella bacteria. One of the most accurate ways to diagnose LD is to perform culture on samples from a patient's lower respiratory tract, but those samples are difficult to obtain. In addition, growing cultures requires specialized culture media and incubation times and conditions that many laboratories lack; as a result, LD is likely underdiagnosed.
	Water woes in southern Alberta could spell disaster for aquatic ecosystems, and the people who rely on them Freshwater will be an increasingly scarce resource as we head into spring and summer in Western Canada with implications for the livelihoods and economic prosperity of humans, and non-humans alike, in southern Alberta and the downstream Prairie provinces.
	The outpouring of grief in New York over Flaco the owl's death There has been an outpouring of grief in New York City ever since the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl Flaco died on Feb. 23, 2024, after striking a building. In 2023, after escaping from Central Park Zoo, Flaco survived for over a year on his own, captivating New Yorkers.
	10 million animals die on our roads each year—here's what works (and what doesn't) to cut the toll There's almost no warning. A dark shape appears on the side of the road, then you feel a jolt as something goes under the car. Or worse, the shape rears up, hits the front of your vehicle, then slams into the windscreen. You have just experienced a wildlife-vehicle collision.
	How do halibut migrate? Clues are in their ear bones Rising temperatures, changes in major currents, oxygen depletion at great depths: the Gulf of St. Lawrence has undergone major changes in its environmental conditions in recent decades. That has put many species in danger and, as a consequence, made them more sensitive to the effects of fishing.
	Chimpanzees stayed in an 'invisible cage' after zoo enclosure was enlarged—South African study Captive chimpanzees are one of the most popular species kept in zoos because of their charismatic appeal and similarity to humans. They are the closest living relatives of humans because of the shared genes and behavioral and psychological similarities.
	Bridging the lexical divide: Unified approach to combat plant invasions in Australia In a leap toward managing the ecological challenge posed by alien plant species, a recent study outlines a methodology for integrating and harmonizing data on plant invasions across Australia.
	Scientists collaborate to study the cause and development of liver abscesses in cattle To effectively prevent liver abscesses in cattle, it is crucial to gain a complete understanding of the development of this condition and the bacteria responsible for causing the infection.
	Examining the evolutionary history of the formation of forceps and maternal care in earwigs Researchers from the University of Tsukuba examined the developmental processes and reproduction-related behavior of 8 of the 11 families of Dermaptera (earwigs) in detail and compared with those reported in previous studies. The results confirmed that Dermaptera is a polyneopteran order, and features such as caudal forceps and elaborate maternal care for eggs and young larvae emerged in parallel within the order during evolution.
	New rice variety adapted to suit conditions in Madagascar—improved phosphorus absorption and increased zinc content A new variety of rice that is adapted to life in low-phosphorus soils, that contains an exceptionally large amount of zinc and that was developed specifically for the conditions in Madagascar where it is grown, has recently been certified in the country.
	Harnessing computational intelligence for 3D modeling of maize canopies Understanding the structure of crop canopies is essential for optimizing crop production as it significantly influences resource utilization efficiency, yield and stress resistance. While research has integrated canopy studies into various agricultural practices, the construction of accurate 3D models remains challenging due to complex spatial distributions and technological limitations.
	Research challenges 'universal mechanism' concept, aiming to understand specific protein interactions Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are the chaperones of cellular stress response because they help guide the folding and unfolding of other proteins.
	Improving plant health diagnostics: The dawn of microfluidic devices for rapid miRNA detection In natural environments, plants encounter biotic and abiotic stresses that can significantly affect their productivity and health. Recognizing the importance of timely stress diagnosis, researchers have developed various sensors and devices to detect plant hormones, heavy metal responses, and pathogen invasions.
	Cherry blossoms attract tourists and UW researchers Couples strolled, TikTokers danced and friends shared takeout under the gnarled branches dappled in pale pink blossoms on the University of Washington's Quad on the last night of winter.
	Seven billion newly hatched chicks are killed every year—but a ban is not the solution, says study With Easter just around the corner, we are surrounded by a ubiquity of eggs and adorable yellow chicks that symbolize life and resurrection. In stark contrast is the fact that around seven billion male layer chicks, are shredded or gassed alive by the egg industry every year, just hours after they hatch. Male chicks of course cannot lay eggs, and they are furthermore not worth fattening up like broilers, due to decades of specialized breeding toward either egg laying or meat production—but not both.
	Recreating development in a petri dish to understand how plants live Plants have an extremely high capacity to adapt to their environment. When the seeds of pea sprouts left over from cooking are soaked in water, the sprouts and leaves grow back. Associate Professor Kondo Yuki of Kobe University's Graduate School of Science has focused his research on vascular bundles, which are essential for environmental adaptation.
	The next antioxidant superfood? Canadian sea buckthorn berries offer diabetes and obesity potential New research published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture illuminates the untapped potential of the shrub sea buckthorn as a rich source of natural antioxidants in North America.
	Interior green wall plants treated with antigibberellin plant growth regulators show controlled stem growth As more businesses recognize the many benefits of having plants in the workplace, interior green walls, also known as living walls, have gained popularity in recent years for their aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. However, managing plant growth within these structures presents unique challenges, particularly regarding stem elongation, which can impact the overall appearance and health of the green wall.
	Improving root senescence recognition with a new semantic segmentation model Roots play a vital role in plant health, adapting to environmental changes and indicating crop growth. However, studying root senescence is challenging due to difficulties in obtaining clear in situ root images. Traditional methods are limited, and while in situ cultivation and advanced imaging techniques offer some solutions, they face issues such as high costs and low image quality. Recent advances in deep learning, particularly semantic segmentation models like SegNet and UNet, have improved root identification but still require further optimization.
	Team reports on the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in the western Qinghai Lake basin Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been widely detected in water, sediment, gut and even the phycosphere of algae. In strong anthropogenic activity areas, antibiotic resistance caused by ARGs can pose a significant threat to human health. Despite the numerous published studies on the occurrence and distribution of ARGs in these areas, there is a dearth of literature on the presence and dispersal of ARGs in remote and pristine environments with limited antibiotic usage.

Medicine and Health news

	Dramatic declines in global fertility rates set to transform global population patterns by 2100, says study The world is approaching a low-fertility future. Although by 2100 more than 97% of countries and territories will have fertility rates below what is necessary to sustain population size over time, comparatively high fertility rates in numerous low-income countries, predominantly in western and eastern sub-Saharan Africa, will continue to drive population increases in these locations throughout the century.
	Neuralink shows quadriplegic playing chess with brain implant Neuralink on Wednesday streamed a video of its first human patient playing computer chess with his mind and talking about the brain implant making that possible.
	When does the brain process reward and risk? Neuroscientists test a computational model Imagine that you are considering buying stock in a company. You know what its current value is, and you suspect that you could make a healthy return on your investment. But this stock is very volatile: some days up, some days down. Yes, you could make a lot of money, but you could also lose a lot of money. There is a clear reward, but also a lot of risk.
	Researchers create real-time view of placental development in mice Physicians and biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a method to visualize the growth of a placenta throughout a mouse's pregnancy. By coupling an implantable window with ultrafast imaging tools, the approach provides the first opportunity to track placental development to better understand how the organ functions during pregnancy.
	Scientists develop contact lenses that release a healing agent triggered by enzymes found in the eye A cross-disciplinary University of Waterloo team has developed a new contact lens material that could act as a bandage for corneal wounds while releasing drugs in a controlled manner to help the eye heal faster. A study outlining the researchers' work was published in the journal Pharmaceutics.
	Researchers identify novel genetic variants associated with Alzheimer's disease Identifying genetic variants and the role they play in predisposing people to Alzheimer's disease can help researchers better understand how to treat the neurodegenerative condition for which there is currently no cure.
	How neural inhibition could reduce alcohol use Neuroscientists at Scripps Research have found that inhibiting neurons involved in the body's stress response may reduce alcohol consumption in people who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD)—even if they still experience trauma-related anxiety.
	Experimental gene therapy for giant axonal neuropathy shows promise in clinical trial An investigational gene therapy for a rare neurodegenerative disease that begins in early childhood, known as giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), was well tolerated and showed signs of therapeutic benefit in a clinical trial led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
	Study finds adding ribociclib to hormone therapy reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence A new treatment approach that combines a targeted therapy drug with hormone therapy significantly increased the amount of time a person with stage 2 or 3 HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer lives without the cancer returning, according to a new study co-led by UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center investigators.
	Concussions in young children: Symptoms still present three months later Concussions in children aged 6 and under continue to affect their health three months after the event. This is the finding of a study led by Miriam Beauchamp, a professor in the Department of Psychology at Université de Montréal and researcher at Sainte-Justine hospital.
	Investigating the ability of a new AI tool to predict medical events A new study led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London has demonstrated the potential of an AI tool they developed to predict the health trajectory of patients by forecasting future disorders, symptoms, medications and procedures.
	Feelings of disgust found to be more related to proximal senses than distal senses A team of psychologists at Macquarie University in Australia, has found, via survey responses that feelings of disgust tend to be related more to proximal senses than distal senses. In their study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the group conducted two separate surveys with university students designed to measure different types of disgust.
	AI decodes whole-cortex functional images to predict behavioral states An AI image recognition algorithm can predict whether a mouse is moving or not based on brain functional imaging data. Kobe University researchers have developed a method to identify which input data is relevant, shining light into the AI black box with the potential to contribute to brain–machine interface technology.
	Cardiac amyloidosis: New AI system developed for early diagnosis Cardiac amyloidosis is a serious disease in which abnormal proteins (amyloids) accumulate in the heart muscle and impair heart function. As the disease leads to serious complications such as heart insufficiency and, in many cases, death if left untreated, early diagnosis is essential in order to start treatment in good time.
	A bioelectronic mesh capable of growing with cardiac tissues for comprehensive heart monitoring A team of engineers led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and including colleagues from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently announced in Nature Communications that they had successfully built a tissue-like bioelectronic mesh system integrated with an array of atom-thin graphene sensors that can simultaneously measure both the electrical signal and the physical movement of cells in lab-grown human cardiac tissue.
	Immune cells identified as key players in brain health Using novel genetic and genomic tools, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have shed light on the role of immune cells called macrophages in lipid-rich tissues like the brain, advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's and other diseases. The study, published in Nature Communications, represents a step forward in understanding immune cell regulation and its impact on disease progression.
	New study reveals long-term mental health risks after COVID-19 A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour sheds light on the long-term mental health consequences of COVID-19 infection and the growing evidence of the protective effect of vaccination on reducing the risk.
	Opto-RANK: A light switch for osteoclasts that could activate bone repair Drinking milk helps your bones grow big and strong, but what if direct exposure to light could help, too? Now, researchers from Japan report that lighting up bone tissue could help treat bone disease.
	Unraveling the 'sixth sense': New study explores how the brain senses body position and movement How does your brain know the position and movement of your different body parts? The sense is known as proprioception, and it is something like a "sixth sense," allowing us to move freely without constantly watching our limbs.
	International research team achieves first-reported, complete vascularization of organoids on microfluidic chip The Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble (CEA-Irig), CEA-Leti, and fellow European and Canadian institutes and researchers have demonstrated the complete vascularization of organoids on a microfluidic chip at speeds and flow rates similar to blood, improving functional maturation and enabling their long-term survival.
	Examining the protein that protects insulin-producing cells Although there are many differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, there are also similarities, such as inflammation of the insulin-producing cells. Researchers at Lund University have studied a protein called C3, which plays a central role in the body's immune system.
	World's first high-resolution brain model created with 3D printer In a joint project between TU Wien and MedUni Vienna, the world's first 3D-printed "brain phantom" has been developed, which is modeled on the structure of brain fibers and can be imaged using a special variant of magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI).
	The power of neighbors: Neighboring synapses shape learning and memory A researcher at the University of Basel, in collaboration with a colleague in Austria, has developed a new model that provides a holistic view on how our brain manages to learn quickly and forms stable, long-lasting memories. Their study sheds light on the crucial role of interactions among neighboring contact sites of nerve cells for brain plasticity—the brain's ability to adapt to new experiences.
	US surgeons transplant a gene-edited pig kidney into a patient for the first time Doctors in Boston have transplanted a pig kidney into a 62-year-old patient, the latest experiment in the quest to use animal organs in humans.
	Most detailed atlas to date of human blood stem cells could guide future leukemia care Thanks to an unusual application of game theory and machine learning technology, a large team of scientists led by experts at Cincinnati Children's has published the world's most detailed "atlas" of the many types of stem cells and early progenitors involved in producing human blood from diverse donors.
	New research finds a direct communication path between the lungs and the brain University of Calgary researchers have discovered the lungs communicate directly with the brain when there is an infection. Findings show that the brain plays a critical role in triggering the symptoms of sickness, which may change the way we treat respiratory infections and chronic conditions.
	Revitalizing vision: Metabolome rejuvenation can slow retinal degeneration Gene therapy may be the best hope for curing retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited condition that usually leads to severe vision loss and blinds 1.5 million people worldwide.
	Activating a specific pathway in a subset of immune cells eradicates immunologically 'cold' tumors, study shows A nanoparticle-based therapy developed by UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists stimulated an immune pathway that eradicated tumors in mouse models of various cancer types. Their findings, published in Science Immunology, offer a new way to potentially harness the power of the body's immune system against cancer.
	The irony of smoking to stay thin: Smoking may increase belly fat The worry of gaining weight is a common excuse for smokers not to quit. A new study published today in the journal Addiction has found that both starting smoking and lifetime smoking may increase abdominal fat, especially visceral fat, the unhealthy fat deep inside the abdomen that is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia.
	Nudging public's thirst for draft alcohol-free beers could significantly reduce alcohol-associated harms, says study Making alcohol-free beer more widely available on draft in pubs and bars may help people switch from alcoholic to alcohol-free beer, a new study published in Addiction has found. Pubs and bars taking part in the University of Bristol-led trial saw an increase in sales of healthier non-alcoholic draft beer.
	New study highlights troubling trends in midlife mortality in the US and UK A new study by researchers at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science (LCDS) and Princeton University reveals that US working-age adults are dying at higher rates than their peers in high-income countries; the UK is also falling behind. The study is published today in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
	Low-dose radiotherapy boost helps prevent local recurrence with better cosmetic outcomes in young breast cancer patients The vast majority of young patients given a low-dose boost of radiotherapy to the site where their breast cancer was removed in addition to whole breast radiotherapy, remained free of local recurrence after ten years, according to results of the "Young boost trial" presented at the 14th European Breast Cancer Conference.
	A combined PET-MRI scan could improve treatment for patients with early breast cancer Using a combined scanning technique on patients with early-stage breast cancer improved treatment in almost three out of ten cases in a trial presented at the 14th European Breast Cancer Conference.
	AI tool predicts risk of side effects after surgery and radiotherapy in breast cancer patients A team of international researchers has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can predict which breast cancer patients may be at risk of side effects after surgery and radiotherapy.
	Better cancer trials could be around the corner Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Associate Professor and Cancer Center member Tobias Janowitz led a COVID-19 clinical trial with Northwell Health in 2021. When he and Clinical Fellow Hassal Lee reviewed the data, a surprising trend emerged. "The patient roster was very diverse," Janowitz explains. "We'd made no deliberate effort toward that other than conducting the trial remotely."
	Analysis shows adults younger than 40 with ideal heart health had lower heart disease, stroke and kidney disease risk An analysis of health data for nearly 4 million young adults in Korea found that those who had ideal cardiovascular health had about a 65% lower risk of developing heart disease, stroke or kidney disease later in life compared to people with low heart health scores, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024, held March 18–21, in Chicago.
	Preliminary research suggests improving and maintaining heart health after pregnancy may reduce the risk of CVD Women with a history of adverse pregnancy complications are at significantly higher risk of developing heart disease but can reduce their risk by maintaining optimal heart health after pregnancy, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024, held March 18–21, in Chicago.
	Antibiotic resistance in treating UTIs highest in aged care facilities, researchers find Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli from aged care facilities show higher resistance to antibiotics compared to cases collected from hospitals and the wider community, find researchers from UNSW Sydney.
	Our cells are less likely to express longer genes as we age, researchers say Aging may be less about specific "aging genes" and more about how long a gene is. Many of the changes associated with aging could be occurring due to decreased expression of long genes, say researchers in an opinion piece published March 21 in the journal Trends in Genetics.
	New study identifies subgroups of older adults at high risk of multimorbidity Research from the Healthy Lifespan Institute has identified subgroups of people with different health behaviors and their association with multimorbidity in older adults in England. The findings of this new study, published in PLOS One, question previous studies that suggest a linear relationship between the number of risky behaviors that people engage in and health outcomes
	New bioinformatics tool to identify chromosomal alterations in tumor cells A team of the University of Barcelona and the Biomedical Research Institute of Barcelona (IRB Barcelona) has designed a new bioinformatics tool to identify the chromosomal alterations that are characteristic of cancer cells.
	Yes, you should clean that water bottle, and here's how Does your water bottle only get washed once or twice a week—or even less?
	No elevated risk for stroke seen after COVID-19 bivalent vaccine receipt For Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older, there is no evidence of elevated stroke risk immediately after vaccination with either brand of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine, according to a study published in the March 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
	Health workers fear it's profits before protection as CDC revisits airborne transmission Four years after hospitals in New York City overflowed with COVID-19 patients, emergency physician Sonya Stokes remains shaken by how unprepared and misguided the American health system was.
	Solar eclipse: Glasses are key says ophthalmologist Nicole Bajic was completing her medical residency at the University of Chicago when she briefly ducked out between surgery training classes to watch the 2017 solar eclipse darken the skies. At the time, she didn't fully appreciate how much excitement surrounded the event.
	Doctors urge refrigerating acne creams to reduce cancer risk Some dermatologists are recommending that people refrigerate benzoyl peroxide products such as Proactiv and Clearasil after an independent lab found they were contaminated with the potent carcinogen benzene.
	NHS needs £32 billion cash injection to recover shortfall and help tackle current crisis, report says The NHS needs an immediate cash injection of around £8.5bn a year over the next four years to make up a £32bn shortfall in funding and help tackle the current crisis, especially in areas such as waiting times, access to primary care, workforce and capital investment, say experts in the second report of The BMJ Commission on the Future of the NHS.
	Combating digital redlining is imperative for advancing health equity, say researchers Broadband plays a critical role in most aspects of modern-day life, yet over 42 million Americans still lack access to high-speed Internet. This digital divide is driven by "digital redlining"—discriminatory disinvestment in broadband infrastructure that disproportionately affects people of color, low-income communities, and rural populations, worsening disparities in access to health care, social services, education, and employment for these populations.
	Elon Musk says ketamine can get you out of a 'negative frame of mind'—what does the research say? X owner Elon Musk recently described using small amounts of ketamine "once every other week" to manage the "chemical tides" that cause his depression. He says it's helpful to get out of a "negative frame of mind."
	Feeding young kids on a budget? Parents say the mental load is crushing Feeding babies and toddlers can be challenging at the best of times. But when families can't afford enough food, let alone the recommended range of different colored vegetables, or iron-rich meats, it's tougher still.
	Novel immune inhibitor associated with glioma progression Northwestern Medicine investigators led by Amy Heimberger, MD, Ph.D., the Jean Malnati Miller Professor of Brain Tumor Research and vice chair for Research in the Department of Neurological Surgery, have discovered a new mechanism in which cancer-associated fibroblasts mediate immune suppression in glioma tumors.
	Is hyaluronic acid as effective as skincare brands claim? Hyaluronic acid has become a huge buzzword in the beauty industry, with everything from creams and cleansers to shampoos containing it. Often, these products are marketed to consumers with the promise that hyaluronic acid will boost hydration—important for keeping the skin looking its best.
	Dehydration: How it happens, what to watch out for, what steps to take Dehydration is a big issue during unusually hot weather and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera that lead to life-threatening diarrhea. Anastasia Ugwuanyi is a family physician and clinical educator at the University of the Witwatersrand. We asked her four questions designed to be useful in avoiding or managing dehydration.
	Surgeons implant pig kidney into first living human patient For the first time ever, doctors have transplanted a genetically edited pig kidney into a human suffering from advanced kidney failure.
	Neighborhood connection improves mental health, says study University of Queensland research has found building a sense of community is key to improving people's mental health, particularly in low socio-economic suburbs.
	Mixed messaging for moms on breast milk storage guidelines Expressing or pumping breast milk is an important tool for mothers, especially those who face challenges with direct breastfeeding, but new research from Flinders University has found conflicting advice in the age of social media could be leading to harmful handling and storage practices.
	Study finds natural molecule in coffee and human body increases NAD+ levels, improves muscle function during aging A research consortium led by Nestlé Research in Switzerland and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) made a recent discovery that the natural molecule trigonelline present in coffee, fenugreek, and also in the human body, can help to improve muscle health and function.
	Researchers assess citizenship status and career confidence in biomedical trainees in the US Biomedical programs in the United States attract a significant number of graduate and postdoctoral trainees from around the world. Non-citizen trainees face several systemic barriers that negatively affect their confidence in their careers and their ability to take charge of their career decisions, termed career self-efficacy.
	Research points to an immunotherapy to overcome resistant leukemia Researchers at the University of Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich have discovered that a specific mutation in the cancer cells of an aggressive type of blood cancer can prevent novel immunotherapies such as CAR T-cell therapy from working. Their study also explains why the cancer cells are resistant and how this resistance can be overcome: through concomitant pharmacotherapy or genetically improved CAR T-cells.
	Vole fever spreading further south in Sweden Researchers have discovered that bank voles in Skåne, southern Sweden, carry a virus that can cause hemorrhagic fever in humans. This finding was made more than 500 km south of the previously known range.
	Advancing gastric cancer treatment through personalized 3D bioprinting Gastric cancer ranks among the most widespread diseases in Asian populations, with South Koreans experiencing the third-highest incidence globally in 2020, as reported by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
	Experiencing flow: A natural shield against mental and cardiovascular disease? Can the proneness to experience flow protect against certain health problems? This question was investigated by an international team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics (MPIEA) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and the University of Melbourne, Australia.
	Biomarker test could improve diagnosis of endometrial cancer A simple, safe and accurate test that identifies women with womb cancer from a sample taken from the vagina has been developed by clinician scientists from The University of Manchester.
	Muscle health may be informed by activity level rather than aging process A new study comparing muscle structure between active and inactive people has found that older people who regularly do endurance exercise maintain similar muscle characteristics to younger counterparts.
	Replacing sugar with sweeteners can improve weight loss control over the long term in overweight adults New research being presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Venice, Italy (12-15 May), suggests that replacing sugar-sweetened food and drinks with low/no energy sweetened products can help weight control for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults, without increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
	Parents willing to discuss child gender identity with doctors, study shows Most parents of young children are willing to discuss their child's gender identity with their pediatrician, according to a new University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania study.
	The dermatology initiative that could reduce NHS wait lists Giving GPs cameras to photograph skin complaints could help slash wait times for hospital appointments according to a new service evaluation from the University of East Anglia.
	Research offers hope for preventing post-COVID 'brain fog' by targeting brain's blood vessels Among the many confounding symptoms in patients recovering from a COVID-19 infection are memory loss and difficulty learning. Yet little is known about the mechanisms of cognitive impairments like these, commonly called brain fog.
	Abuse found to increase risk for cardiovascular disease among women with HIV A study by Allison Appleton, Mark Kuniholm and Elizabeth Vásquez in the School of Public Health's Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is the first to establish a connection between physical and sexual abuse and cardiovascular disease among women living with HIV. Their work is published in the journal AIDS.
	More breast cancers detected in first evaluation of breast screening AI An artificial intelligence (AI) breast screening solution called Mia helped doctors find an additional 12% more cancers than in routine practice, as announced today in collaboration with Kheiron Medical Technologies, NHS Grampian, the University of Aberdeen and Microsoft.
	Don't use 'Comfi' baby walkers due to injury dangers Your baby could be endangered by now-recalled Comfi Baby Infant Walkers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned Thursday.
	Hemodialysis history does not impact peritoneal dialysis dropout Peritoneal dialysis (PD) dropout seems not to be influenced by a history of hemodialysis (HD), according to a review published online March 5 in BMC Nephrology.
	Survival 21 percent a year after ICU discharge for blood cancer patients For hematologic malignancy (HM) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), survival is 49 percent at seven days and 21 percent at 12 months, according to a study published online March 11 in Intensive Care Medicine.
	Americans show paradoxical behavior when it comes to their diets, study reveals While a majority of Americans acknowledge the health and environmental benefits of eating more plant-rich diets, only about a quarter are willing to adopt them.
	Research team reports on safe use of HIV and hepatitis C co-infected donor kidneys for transplant For VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center organ transplant specialists, the work is not only about performing lifesaving surgeries.
	Testing method could point thousands more cancer patients to lifesaving treatment Not all cancer therapies are successful, but cancer researchers increasingly are able to identify the right treatments for the right patients at the right time. A researcher at the University of Oklahoma has helped lead a study that made such a discovery, potentially resulting in thousands more cancer patients receiving the specific treatment that will help them the most.
	New vaccine against fatal tropical disease and potential bioterror weapon demonstrates efficacy in animal studies In a mouse study, UCLA researchers tested a vaccine against the bacterium that causes melioidosis and found it was highly protective against the disease, which is endemic in many tropical areas, causing approximately 165,000 cases with 89,000 fatalities around the world each year.
	Scientists discover 'powerhouse' gene, opening doors to new treatments for kidney disease Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a gene that plays a crucial role in regulating energy supply to cells that drive kidney failure. This discovery concerning the gene named WWP2 offers a new target for therapies aimed at mitigating kidney scarring and damage.
	Study uses metabolomics to identify novel diagnostic markers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease with irreversible airflow limitation and a leading cause of death worldwide. COPD is characterized by chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is associated with malnutrition, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of infection.
	New research explores nitrate as an important messenger of body homeostasis maintenance Homeostasis is a fundamental process through which the body maintains a dynamic equilibrium by regulating its internal environment using physiological mechanisms and feedback loops. It is essential for overall health and is the central focus of homeostatic medicine. The body possesses a reserve of physiological potential to adapt to changes in the external environment. Nitrate, as a dietary nutrient, plays a significant role in mobilizing the body's reserve potential to maintain homeostasis.
	Study finds new treatment makes patients with life-threatening muscle weakness stronger For the thousands of people globally affected by the disease myasthenia gravis (MG), everyday activities become a struggle, and in severe cases, the disease can be life-threatening.
	Australia moots jail time for illegal vape sellers Illegally selling or manufacturing vapes in Australia could spell up to seven years in jail under new legislation proposed Thursday, as authorities moved to toughen rules outlawing the fast-growing habit.
	Why are striking doctors in South Korea facing license suspensions and what's next? South Korea is poised to start suspending the licenses of thousands of striking junior doctors as a punitive measure against their weekslong walkouts that have shaken hospital operations.
	Swedish pharmacy limits sales of skincare products to minors One of Sweden's main pharmacy chains, Apotek Hjartat, said Thursday it was limiting sales of certain skincare products to those under 15 in order to combat unhealthy beauty standards for youth.
	Texans are aging: Is the state ready to battle Alzheimer's disease? Nearly 12% of Texas seniors in 2020 were living with Alzheimer's disease.
	Attempts to access Kate Middleton's medical records are no surprise. Such breaches are all too common The alleged data breach involving Catherine, Princess of Wales tells us something about health privacy. If hospital staff can apparently access a future queen's medical records without authorization, it can happen to you.
	Number of 10- to 19-year-old Australians with severe sunburn more than doubles in ten years Cancer Council WA is urging the Cook government to invest $2.2 million per year into the prevention of skin cancer, as new data reveals the number of West Australians treated at hospital emergency departments for severe sunburn has more than doubled since 2014.
	New online resource to help health care professionals treat patients with infections after hip replacement surgery Although infection after hip replacement surgery is relatively rare (around 1 in 100), the impact on patients' lives can be devastating. A new website and toolkit have been developed to help health care professionals understand and implement best-practice guidelines on treating and supporting patients with prosthetic hip joint infections.
	Doctors' pay in England has declined by 25% since 2008, analysis shows As doctors in England enter their 13th month of industrial action, an independent analysis of their pay confirms that the real terms value of their salaries has declined by a quarter in the 15 years since their pay was frozen.
	Dose-effect relationship between electroacupuncture and the regulation of endogenous opioid peptide system Endogenous opioid peptides are the neurochemical basis of the anesthetic and analgesic effects of acupuncture. The quantity of acupuncture stimulus can be controlled accurately by using electroacupuncture.
	Systematic review of agricultural injuries can help inform safety measures Agricultural occupations are hazardous with one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities in the U.S. The manual and often strenuous nature of the work, combined with the use of machinery and exposure to environmental hazards create a challenging work environment. Understanding the nature and causes of injuries can help improve safety guidelines and policy measures.
	Astonishing conformity: Gompertz law predicts mortality in type 2 diabetes Researchers from the German Diabetes Center (DDZ) and the Robert Koch Institute have discovered a law for the relationship between mortality and age in people with diabetes: According to this law, mortality in people with diabetes in Germany constantly rises by 8.3% in males and 10.2% in females each year from the age of 30.
	Autophagy-tethering compounds may open new directions in targeted drug discovery Human genetic and mechanistic studies reveal thousands of pathogenic proteins that may serve as potential targets for small-molecule drugs. Meanwhile, the conventional method of drug discovery through inhibitors hinges on the "druggability" of targets—a criterion determined by measurable biochemical activities and accessible binding sites.
	Mortality among low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer survivors in the US A new study has shown that overall and cause-specific mortality rates in individuals in the U.S. with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are low. The study is published in Thyroid.

Other Sciences news

	Plant material on obsidian blades on Rapa Nui suggests settlers there visited South America and returned A team of archaeologists affiliated with several institutions in Chile reports evidence that early settlers on the island of Rapa Nui sailed to South America, interacted with people living there and then returned. In their study, published in PLOS ONE, the group analyzed plant material found on obsidian blades made by the early settlers.
	Shakespeare's sister: Digital archives reveal hidden insights into world-famous playwright's unknown sibling By analyzing digital copies of an incredibly rare and obscure 17th-century Italian religious text, a University of Bristol academic has revealed that a long-lost document previously thought to have been written by William Shakespeare's father belongs, in fact, to his relatively unknown sister Joan.
	'How long before climate change will destroy the Earth?': Research reveals what Australian kids want to know Every day, more children discover they are living in a climate crisis. This makes many children feel sad, anxious, angry, powerless, confused and frightened about what the future holds.
	Female legislators at forefront of shaping gun legislation in the US As the nation braces itself for another pivotal presidential election year, the spotlight on gun control intensifies—one of America's most contentious issues. Shedding light on this debate, new research by Dr. Michael Nelson, emeritus professor of economics at The University of Akron, and Dr. Rajeev Goel, professor of economics at Illinois State University, unveils a surprising revelation: female legislators wield a significant influence on the trajectory of gun laws across the United States.
	Q&A: Research reveals tips for making positive first impressions on co-workers, customers and clients First impressions are often long-lasting and can impact a professional career in profound and unintended ways. Today, because initial business contacts often happen online—think an emailed intro, a phone text, or a Zoomed teleconference—many individuals form first impressions through these media.
	New student advisor is an AI bot that designs academic plans, suggests books The Los Angeles school district on Wednesday unveiled a much-awaited AI tool named "Ed" to serve as a new student adviser, programmed to tell its young users and their parents about grades, tests results and attendance—while giving out assignments, suggesting readings and even helping students cope with nonacademic matters.
	White men who experience workplace harassment become allies of diversity efforts White men who have experienced workplace harassment themselves are more likely to support efforts to combat race and gender bias in their organizations, according to a new University of Michigan study. The findings appear in the American Journal of Sociology.
	Batter up (or not): Pro baseball players with longer contracts don't always work as hard Major League Baseball's opening day is March 28, and chances are, some players will be working a bit harder this season than others.
	The more, the better? Why market share often has little impact on profits How are profitability, market share, and the digitalization of a company connected? To get to the bottom of this question, the researchers developed a new profitability model based on over 6,000 cases from around 800 US companies from the last 25 years. In order to measure the degree of digitalization, the companies' annual financial statements were combed for certain keywords that indicate digitalization.
	How comparison options affect stock buys Should I invest my money with a small chance of big returns? Or is it better to pick investments that promise a series of modest returns? A psychologist from the University of Basel conducted a scientific experiment to study when people prefer certain types of investments.
	Two tech companies with Philly ties just joined forces to make it easier for college students to get financial aid Two information technology companies based in Montgomery County—Unisys, the venerable Blue Bell tech services and consulting provider, and Boomi, the fast-growing Conshohocken software-systems integrator—have teamed to speed up California's state college financial aid payment systems.
	How 'himpathy' helps shield perpetrators of sexual misconduct from repercussions Former U.S. President Donald Trump has faced dozens of sexual misconduct allegations over the decades. He's the first president to be held liable for sexual assault, and in January, he was ordered to pay over US$80 million to E. Jean Carroll for defamatory statements related to her sexual assault claims.
	Conspiracy theorists seem to favor an intuitive thinking style—here's why that's important I have been researching the psychology of conspiracy beliefs for seven years now and people often ask me why people believe in them. This is not a simple question.
	England's rural housing crisis could be solved by fixing land prices and bringing land into public ownership Young people are reportedly being priced out of rural communities by soaring housing costs. Official statistics for England show that affordability in rural parts of the country is worse than in towns and cities, excluding London. In 2021, even the cheapest houses in rural areas cost around 9.2 times more than the earnings of the lowest paid workers. In urban areas, it was eight times more.
	Why are Americans fighting over no-fault divorce? Maybe they can't agree what marriage is for "First comes love, then comes marriage"—so goes the classic children's rhyme. But not everyone agrees. Increasingly, the idea that love is the most important reason to marry—or at least to stay married—is under attack. Republican pundits and lawmakers have been pushing back on the availability of no-fault divorce, challenging the idea that not being in love is a valid reason to end a marriage.
	Mumpreneurs: A growing entrepreneurial force in Chinese society While much ink has been poured over China's economic growth in recent decades, the contributions of Chinese women often receive less attention. With the pressure of the "three-child policy", being a mother isn't a mere personal choice, it's a part of national demographic strategy. To navigate their lives, many Chinese mothers are now turning to what has been referred to as "mumpreneurship". A January 2024 search for "妈妈创业" (the term in Chinese) showed 69.9 million results on Baidu, China's primary search engine, compared to just 2.6 million English results on Google.
	Young African students in Australia call out racial stereotypes Assumptions, misconceptions, and stereotypes—no one wants to be judged by how they look or where they're from. But for many Black African students, that's their reality and it's taking a serious toll on their well-being and sense of belonging.
	Advertising drives online gambling among young Australians Gambling features such as loot boxes in video games and sports betting are the most popular forms of online gambling among young adults in the ACT, with many introduced to it before the age of 18, according to a new report from The Australian National University (ANU).
	Elucidating urban 'ecosystems' and creating regional diversity What is a city? What are the geographical conditions and social factors that lead to the concentration of population in an area, and how does urbanization progress? And what is needed to create urban environments that meet the diversifying lifestyles and needs of people?

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