Science X Newsletter Thu, Mar 7

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for March 7, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Scientists propose new scheme for the quantum battery using waveguides

An e-skin that can detect tactile information and produce tactile feedback

Dopamine fluctuations in distinct brain subregions predict rewards over a range of time-scales

Observations inspect variability of a nearby ultra-fast rotating active star

Shape-shifting ultrasound stickers detect post-surgical complications

Nearly 2 billion people globally at risk from land subsidence

Classifying quantum secrets: Pendulum experiment reveals insights into topological materials

'Baby quasars': James Webb Space Telescope spots little giants in the deep past

For childhood cancer survivors, inherited genetic factors influence risk of cancers later in life

Scientists develop new machine learning method for modeling chemical reactions

Study raises questions about plastic pollution's effect on heart health

Lifelike lab-grown skin developed from human stem cells

Mutant newts can regenerate previously defective limbs

Researchers develop rapid safety check method that ensures a robot will avoid collisions

Deciphering catalysts: Unveiling structure-activity correlations

Nanotechnology news

Newly developed nano-thermometers enable real-time temperature detection in transmission electron microscopy A method for measuring the temperature of nanometer-sized samples within a transmission electron microscope (TEM) has been developed by Professor Oh-Hoon Kwon and his research team in the Department of Chemistry at UNIST.

Researchers test curcumin nanoemulsion for treatment of intestinal inflammation A nanoemulsion containing particles of curcumin, which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been found capable of modulating the gut microbiota of mice with intestinal inflammation in experiments conducted by researchers at the University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE) and São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil.

Physics news

	Scientists propose new scheme for the quantum battery using waveguides A new study by researchers at Boston University proposes a quantum battery (QB) charging scheme based on a rectangular hollow metal waveguide. This approach allows them to overcome environment-induced decoherence and charging distance limitations. The findings are published in Physical Review Letters.
	Classifying quantum secrets: Pendulum experiment reveals insights into topological materials A recent study conducted at Tel Aviv University has devised a large mechanical system that operates under dynamical rules akin to those found in quantum systems. The dynamics of quantum systems, composed of microscopic particles like atoms or electrons, are notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to observe directly.
	LHCb finds bottom quarks are more likely to exist in baryons than mesons as the environment density increases The team of physicists working on the LHCb Collaboration at CERN has found that bottom quarks are more likely to exist in baryons than mesons as the density of the environment in which they exist increases. In their paper published in Physical Review Letters, the group describes studying the production of b quarks in proton-to-proton collisions.
	Dancing droplets' new spin on water harvesting A more efficient way to capture fresh water from the air could be inspired by a phenomenon of motion first glimpsed in bowls of breakfast cereal.
	Optically trapped quantum droplets of light can bind together to form macroscopic complexes Condensed matter systems and photonic technologies are regularly used by researchers to create microscale platforms that can simulate the complex dynamics of many interacting quantum particles in a more accessible setting. Some examples include ultracold atomic ensembles in optical lattices, superconducting arrays, and photonic crystals and waveguides. In 2006 a new platform emerged with the demonstration of macroscopically coherent quantum fluids of exciton-polaritons to explore many-body quantum phenomena through optical techniques.
	Ultraviolet spectroscopy: A leap in precision and accuracy at extremely low light levels Ultraviolet spectroscopy plays a critical role in the study of electronic transitions in atoms and rovibronic transitions in molecules. These studies are essential for tests of fundamental physics, quantum-electrodynamics theory, determination of fundamental constants, precision measurements, optical clocks, high-resolution spectroscopy in support of atmospheric chemistry and astrophysics, and strong-field physics.
	Exploring the surface properties of NiO with low-energy electron diffraction Spintronics is a field that deals with electronics that exploit the intrinsic spin of electrons and their associated magnetic moment for applications such as quantum computing and memory storage devices. Owing to its spin and magnetism exhibited in its insulator-metal phase transition, the strongly correlated electron systems of nickel oxide (NiO) have been thoroughly explored for more than eight decades. Interest in its unique antiferromagnetic (AF) and spin properties has seen a revival lately since NiO is a potential material for ultrafast spintronics devices.
	Concentration-independent pressure sensing method developed for high-temperature combustion diagnostics Recently, a research group led by Prof. Gao Xiaoming and Prof. Liu Kun from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), developed a concentration-independent pressure sensing method based on two-color laser absorption spectroscopy for high-temperature combustion diagnostics.
	Glovebox-assisted magnetic force microscope offers easier image of air-sensitive samples A research team led by Prof. Lu Qingyou from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) achieved a breakthrough by creating a Magnetic Force Microscope (MFM) that can image air-sensitive materials without requiring surface protection coatings.

Earth news

	Nearly 2 billion people globally at risk from land subsidence Land subsidence is a geohazard caused by the sudden or gradual settling (years to decades) of the land surface due to the removal of subsurface material. This can be due to a variety of factors, both natural (such as earthquakes, volcanic activity and compaction of fine-grained unconsolidated sediments) and anthropogenic (for example, mining and groundwater abstraction). It poses a major issue in urban zones where it can cause building collapse and damage to infrastructure that may be a hazard to life and a resource management problem.
	Geologists find that low-relief mountain ranges are the largest carbon sinks For many hundreds of millions of years, the average temperature at the surface of the Earth has varied by not much more than 20° Celsius, facilitating life on our planet. To maintain such stable temperatures, Earth must have a 'thermostat' that regulates the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over geological timescales, influencing global temperatures.
	Soil may release more carbon than expected, affecting climate change models The accuracy of climate models depends on many factors—greenhouse gas emissions from industrial and transportation activity, farm animal "emissions," urban growth and loss of forests, and solar reflections off snow and ground cover. Natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions also contribute and are incorporated into models.
	Last month was hottest February ever recorded. It's the ninth-straight broken record For the ninth straight month, Earth has obliterated global heat records—with February, the winter as a whole and the world's oceans setting new high-temperature marks, according to the European Union climate agency Copernicus.
	Fewer fish and more algae? Scientists seek to understand impacts of historic lack of Great Lakes ice Michigan Tech University biologists have been observing a remote Lake Superior island's fragile wolf population every winter since 1958, but they had to cut this season's planned seven-week survey short after just two weeks.
	Spekboom bushes protect earth but can they cool Earth? Andre Britz pulled over his pick-up truck on a rocky mountain track to show off the nature-preserving powers of southern Africa's spekboom shrub.
	Washington's lackluster snowpack draws concerns, especially on the Olympic Peninsula Not since 2015 has Washington's snowpack fallen so far below normal. Some regions of the state are preparing for another drought this summer. Others are still enmeshed in the drought that began last summer.
	Deadly earthquakes trigger hunt for speedier alerts Researchers in Europe have identified an underground signal that may be a precursor to strong quakes.
	Risks ease for Colorado River reservoirs after wet winter, but long-term challenges loom After a wet year and a push to conserve water in the Southwest, federal officials say the risk of the Colorado River's reservoirs declining to critically low levels has substantially eased for the next couple of years.
	Campus garden initiatives can help grow the next generation of environmental change-makers No longer a problem of the future, the climate crisis is now driving devastating real-world impacts here in Canada and worldwide.
	Why the first US climate disclosure rules are much weaker than planned and what they mean for companies After two years of intense public debate, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the nation's first national climate disclosure rules on March 6, 2024, setting out requirements for publicly listed companies to report their climate-related risks and in some cases their greenhouse gas emissions.
	New research shakes up what we knew about Idaho's big 2020 earthquake that hit Boise New research is shaking up what we know about Idaho earthquakes and the faults that cause them as scientists try to better understand the state's seismic activity.
	Curiosity reigns at SpaceX Starship environmental impact meeting on Space Coast If SpaceX's Starship and Super Heavy ever finds a home on the Space Coast, what would be the most powerful orbital rocket to ever launch from here is going to have an environmental impact.
	Five hotspots where floating plastic litter poses the greatest risk to North Atlantic marine life Plastic has been found in every single part of the ocean, from the surface to the seafloor and from the tropics to the poles. Land-based sources of plastic account for the majority of this pollution, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found.
	Mapping chemical footprints in European streams Many pesticides, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as their degradation products, end up in streams and rivers after use.
	UN, France co-host first forum to decarbonize construction sector France warned Thursday that the world's construction sector was not on track to decarbonize by 2050 as it co-hosts with the UN Environment Programme the first ever conference aimed at reducing the industry's impact on climate change.
	Big businesses in Australia will this year have to report their environmental impacts, but this alone won't drive change This year, large businesses in Australia will likely have to begin reporting their environmental impacts, climate risks and climate opportunities.
	Competing Colorado River plans show seven states can't agree on how to manage critical water supply Negotiators for the seven states that rely on the Colorado River for nearly every aspect of life cannot agree on how to distribute its shrinking water supplies in the coming decades.
	Stickiness in glacial space and time Rising temperatures and melting ice play a central role in the unfolding Anthropocene—i.e., the most recent geologic period in Earth's history. What distinguishes the Anthropocene from prehistoric human impacts on the environment, mainly those caused by the early use of fire, is the fact that humans are now aware of what's going on—more or less.
	A small earthquake and 'Moodus Noises' are nothing new for one Connecticut town Donna Lindstrom was lying in bed and looking at her phone Wednesday morning when she heard a loud bang that rattled her 19th-century house in the central Connecticut town of East Hampton.

Astronomy and Space news

	Observations inspect variability of a nearby ultra-fast rotating active star Indian astronomers have conducted long-term X-ray observations of a nearby ultra-fast rotating active star known as AB Doradus A. Results of the observational campaign, published February 29 on the pre-print server arXiv, provide crucial insights into the short-term and long-term variability of this star.
	'Baby quasars': James Webb Space Telescope spots little giants in the deep past The James Webb Space Telescope has made one of the most unexpected findings within its first year of service: A high number of faint little red dots in the distant universe could change the way we understand the genesis of supermassive black holes.
	Jet in Jupiter's atmosphere found to fluctuate in roughly four-year periods A team of planetary scientists affiliated with multiple institutions in the U.S. has found a jet in Jupiter's atmosphere that fluctuates in roughly four-year periods. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes how they found the jet and studied its characteristics using data from the Juno spacecraft.
	A new spin on Betelgeuse's boiling surface Betelgeuse is a well-known red supergiant star in the constellation Orion. Recently it has gained a lot of attention, not only because variations in its brightness led to speculations that an explosion might be imminent, but also because observations indicated that it's rotating much faster than expected.
	Scientists solve the riddle of nitrogen-rich galaxy 440 million light years away For the first time, scientists have been able to explain the mystery behind the unusual chemical composition in one of the universe's most distant galaxies. The state-of-the-art theoretical model that the breakthrough research has established could be a key to our better understanding of the far universe.
	NASA's network of small moon-bound rovers is ready to roll Construction and testing are complete on the CADRE rovers, which will map the lunar surface together as a tech demo to show the promise of multi-robot missions.
	AI makes a rendezvous in space Space travel is complex, expensive, and risky. Great sums and valuable payloads are on the line every time one spacecraft docks with another. One slip and a billion-dollar mission could be lost. Aerospace engineers believe that autonomous control, like the sort guiding many cars down the road today, could vastly improve mission safety, but the complexity of the mathematics required for error-free certainty is beyond anything on-board computers can currently handle.
	Interstellar signal linked to aliens was actually just a truck Sound waves thought to be from a 2014 meteor fireball north of Papua New Guinea were almost certainly vibrations from a truck rumbling along a nearby road, new Johns Hopkins University-led research shows. The findings raise doubts that materials pulled last year from the ocean are alien materials from that meteor, as was widely reported.
	Spacesuits need a major upgrade for the next phase of exploration Humans have long dreamed of setting foot on the moon and other planetary bodies such as Mars. Since the 1960s, space travelers have donned suits designed to protect them from the vacuum of space and stepped out into the unknown.
	What's the best way to pack for space? Packing to go to space is a lot like getting ready for a plane ride with only a carry-on bag. You have to maximize the use of the space in your bag at the same time you want to make sure you have what you need. That's the challenge astronauts face in the upcoming Artemis moon missions. So, NASA held a competition to figure out the best and most innovative ways to store cargo for the missions.
	First Arab woman to graduate NASA training shoots for the Moon Like her ancestors before her, Emirati astronaut Nora AlMatrooshi has spent much of her life gazing up at the stars and dreaming of flying to the moon.
	Eclipse chasers head to southern Illinois for 2nd total solar eclipse in 7 years In 1999, Michelle Nichols saw her first total solar eclipse on a cruise in the Black Sea. It would be many years before she witnessed another one during a visit to southern Illinois in 2017.

Technology news

	An e-skin that can detect tactile information and produce tactile feedback In recent years, materials scientists and engineers have introduced increasingly sophisticated materials for robotic and prosthetic applications. This includes a wide range of electronic skins, or e-skins, designed to sense the surrounding environment and artificially reproduce the sense of touch.
	Researchers develop rapid safety check method that ensures a robot will avoid collisions Before a robot can grab dishes off a shelf to set the table, it must ensure its gripper and arm won't crash into anything and potentially shatter the fine china. As part of its motion planning process, a robot typically runs "safety check" algorithms that verify its trajectory is collision-free.
	Research team develops mechanoluminescent touchscreen that works underwater Optical properties of afterglow luminescent particles (ALPs) in mechanoluminescence (ML) and mechanical quenching (MQ) have attracted great attention for diverse technological applications. A team of researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has garnered attention by developing an optical display technology with ALPs enabling the writing and erasure of messages underwater.
	Researchers' approach may protect quantum computers from attacks Quantum computers, which can solve several complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers, are expected to improve artificial intelligence (AI) applications deployed in devices like autonomous vehicles; however, just like their predecessors, quantum computers are vulnerable to adversarial attacks.
	TSA unveils passenger self-screening lanes at Vegas airport as 'a step into the future' Federal airport security officials unveiled passenger self-screening lanes Wednesday at busy Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, with plans to test it for use in other cities around the country.
	Spain puts temporary ban on Worldcoin eyeballs scans, citing concerns over privacy Spain's privacy watchdog has ordered for Worldcoin, the company created by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that scans eyeballs to make digital IDs in exchange for crypto, to cease its operations in the country for three months amid concerns over what it is doing with users' personal information.
	AI tools still permitting political disinfo creation, NGO warns Tests on generative AI tools found some continue to allow the creation of deceptive images related to political candidates and voting, an NGO warned in a report Wednesday, amid a busy year of high-stake elections around the world.
	AI tools generate sexist content, warns UN The world's most popular AI tools are powered by programs from OpenAI and Meta that show prejudice against women, according to a study launched on Thursday by the UN's cultural organization UNESCO.
	EU faces uphill battle to rein in big tech The EU's landmark curbs on how tech titans do business online kick in from Thursday, but just how far Brussels succeeds in bringing the giants to heel will hinge on bitter battles that still lie ahead.
	Google opens new cybersecurity hub in Japan Google on Thursday launched a new cybersecurity hub in Japan, aimed at helping to upgrade defenses in the Asia-Pacific.
	Apple is making big App Store changes in Europe over new rules. Could it mean more iPhone hacking? Apple is opening small cracks in the iPhone's digital fortress as part of a regulatory clampdown in Europe that is striving to give consumers more choices—at the risk of creating new avenues for hackers to steal personal and financial information stored on the devices.
	European regulators want to question Apple after it blocks Epic Games app store European Union regulators said they want to question Apple over accusations that it blocked video game company Epic Games from setting up its own app store, in a possible violation of digital rules that took effect in the 27-nation bloc Thursday.
	Tinder must explain fee discrepancies to EU users Dating app Tinder has promised to tell users in the EU why they are being charged different fees for the same service, after Brussels opened a probe following consumer complaints from Sweden and the Netherlands.
	New research works to improve image classification and analysis A new field promises to usher in a new era of using machine learning and computer vision to tackle small and large-scale questions about the biology of organisms around the globe. The field of imageomics aims to help explore fundamental questions about biological processes on Earth by combining images of living organisms with computer-enabled analysis and discovery.
	Pinging pipes could help to identify lead water lines without excavation As any percussionist or fidgety pen-tapper can tell you, different materials make different noises when you hit them. Researchers at Drexel University hope this foundational acoustic phenomenon could be the key to the speedy removal of lead water lines that have been poisoning water supplies throughout the country for decades.
	The consequences of the PV boom: Study analyzes recycling strategies for solar modules The energy transition is progressing, and photovoltaics (PV) is playing a key role in this. Enormous capacities are to be added over the next few decades. Experts expect several tens of terawatts by the middle of the century. That's 10 to 25 solar modules for every person. The boom will provide clean, green energy. But this growth also has its downsides.
	New class of polymer lubricants could revolutionize the cold forming of metals Metals can be processed into wires by cold forming—an extremely complex process. However, the lubricants needed for this often do not meet the requirements of the end processors.
	State AGs send letter to Meta asking it to take 'immediate action' on user account takeovers A group of 40 state attorneys general have sent a letter to Instagram and Facebook parent company Meta expressing "deep concern" over what they say is dramatic uptick of consumer complaints about account takeovers and lockouts.
	A new approach to transportation: Pairing off-street parking with electric scooters Fighting traffic and searching for parking are some of the least enjoyable aspects of driving in a city. Some studies estimate that 25% to 40% of traffic congestion in city centers is caused by people looking for parking spots. Not only does the quest for parking waste time and fuel, it also causes delays for other drivers and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
	Why your e-scooter may pose higher risks than a rental What we colloquially refer to as "e-scooters" can differ greatly when it comes to steering and braking capabilities, wheel size, and suspension systems; something that can have harmful consequences in the event of a crash. And it is the small, lighter e-scooters made for private use that are often more unsafe than the larger rental ones.
	For social platforms, the outage was short. But people's stories vanished, and that's no small thing Once upon a time, there was a brief outage on some social media platforms. It got fixed. The end. On the face of it, kind of a boring story.
	Lufthansa warns on 'damaging' strikes, as 2023 profits double German airline giant Lufthansa warned Thursday about the "damaging" impact of a wave of industrial action at the start of this year, as it reported 2023 profits doubled on booming demand.
	China to submit UN draft resolution on AI cooperation China will submit a draft resolution to the United Nations calling for stronger international cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), Beijing's foreign minister said Thursday.
	Australian homes are getting bigger and bigger, and it's wiping out gains in energy efficiency New Australian homes are being designed bigger and so require more energy for heating and cooling, wiping out potential gains in energy efficiency, according to our new research. The increasing energy demand is inconsistent with global efforts to tackle climate change and suggests Australia's housing energy policy requires a radical rethink.
	Opinion: Australia doesn't have to give Facebook a free ride Last week we learned that Facebook (Meta) is getting out of the news business to avoid paying for journalism under the Australian Government's News Media Bargaining Code. Naturally as journalists we are disappointed—jobs will go—but no one is surprised. Facebook is doing what it has always done, which is to pursue its interests ruthlessly.
	Electric trucks: Considerations for Germany's nationwide expansion of fast-charging locations In the HoLa project, a total of eight high-performance charging points for trucks using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) are being installed at five locations along the A2 between Berlin and the Ruhr region and used in real logistics operations. Recommendations for action have been derived from the research results available to date that contain important findings for a nationwide expansion of charging infrastructure.
	New look at NASA Boeing sustainable experimental airliner As NASA and Boeing enter the early stages of producing the X-66, the first X-plane specifically focused on helping the United States achieve net-zero aviation emissions by 2050, the team is already picturing what the aircraft will look like soaring above the clouds.
	Investigators say they confirmed pilots' account of a rudder-control failure on a Boeing Max jet Federal investigators said Thursday they confirmed pilots' account of a brief failure of rudder controls on a Boeing 737 Max after it landed at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey last month.
	Small-molecule organic electrode materials for rechargeable batteries Conventional lithium-ion batteries based on inorganic cathode materials containing transition metals (e.g., Co and Ni) are facing the ceiling of energy density and the concern of resource sustainability. Therefore, it is necessary to develop novel, highly efficient electrode materials, and rechargeable battery technologies without the limitation of resources.

Chemistry news

	Scientists develop new machine learning method for modeling chemical reactions Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Los Alamos National Laboratory have used machine learning to create a model that can simulate reactive processes in a diverse set of organic materials and conditions.
	Deciphering catalysts: Unveiling structure-activity correlations In a new step toward combating climate change and transitioning to sustainable solutions, a group of researchers has developed a research paradigm that makes it easier to decipher the relationship between catalyst structures and their reactions.
	Rogue enzymes cause numerous diseases, but a new method could help design drugs to treat them Helicases are enzymes that unwind DNA and RNA. They're central to cellular life, implicated in a number of cancers and infections—and, alas, extraordinarily difficult to target with drugs.
	Novel method improves Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detection of ultra-low concentration trace substances Recently, a research team led by Prof. Gao Minguang and Associate Prof. Li Xiangxian from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has developed a spectral resolution enhancement method based on linear prediction theory to expand the application of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) technology in the detection of multi-component ultra-low concentration trace substances.
	Urchin-like CoFe-layered double hydroxide synthesized for high-efficiency electrocatalytic oxygen evolution A research team led by Professor Wang Qi from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has successfully synthesized a heterogeneous Ce@CoFe-LDH electrocatalyst by combining a simple hydrothermal method with rapid electrodeposition.
	How aromatic dissolved organic matter affects organic micropollutant adsorption Activated carbon is employed for the adsorption of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from water, typically present in concentrations ranging from ng L−1 to μg L−1. However, the efficacy of OMP removal deteriorates considerably due to competitive adsorption from background dissolved organic matter (DOM), present at substantially higher concentrations in mg L−1. Interpreting the characteristics of competitive DOM is crucial in predicting OMP adsorption efficiencies across diverse natural waters.
	Paper coating biomaterials derived from anaerobic granular sludge may be cost-effective The demand for paper and paperboard production continuously grows worldwide, particularly in the packaging industry. Due to the paper's nature, it usually requires a surface coating to keep out water, oil, and other unwanted substances. These coatings can come with high financial and environmental costs. Using renewable coating materials that are also cost-effective can support sustainability strategies.
	Active copper structures in ZnO-Cu interfacial catalysis: CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol Recent research published in the journal Science China Chemistry explores active copper structures in ZnO-Cu interfacial catalysis. Many experiments, including catalyst preparation, structural characterizations, catalytic performance evaluation, and DFT calculations, were performed.

Biology news

	Lifelike lab-grown skin developed from human stem cells Queensland researchers have become the first in Australia to use human stem cells to generate fully functioning skin tissue in a laboratory, a significant step toward better treatments for severe burns and wounds.
	Mutant newts can regenerate previously defective limbs Many salamanders have the remarkable ability to regrow their own limbs and tails after an injury. How are they able to do this, while more complex mammals, such as humans, cannot?
	Bacterial colonies fail when cooperative growth creates opportunities for laziness A set of colorful patterns are proof that bacteria and humans aren't all that different—both harbor individuals that will take the easy way out when given the chance. And that lifestyle can quickly spread to the detriment of all.
	Bioengineering company creates induced pluripotent stem cells from elephant skin cells A team of bioengineers at de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences has announced that they created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from elephant skin cells. In speaking with the press, officials with the team reported that they are still in the process of writing a paper describing their efforts and plan to post it on the bioRxiv preprint server. Ewen Callaway has published a News article in Nature about the announcement.
	Biologists discover the secrets of how gene traits are passed on A research team has recently made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the DNA copying machine helps pass on epigenetic information to maintain gene traits at each cell division.
	Study finds world's most prolific CO₂-fixing enzyme is slowly getting better New research led by the University of Oxford has found that rubisco—the enzyme that fuels all life on Earth—is not stuck in an evolutionary rut after all. The largest analysis of rubisco ever has found that it is improving all the time—just very, very slowly. These insights could potentially open up new routes to strengthen food security.
	New study reveals which animals are most vulnerable to extinction due to climate change In a new study, researchers have used the fossil record to better understand what factors make animals more vulnerable to extinction from climate change. The results could help to identify species most at risk today from human-driven climate change. The findings have been published in the journal Science.
	Researchers reveal how a virus hijacks insect sperm: May help control disease vectors and pests A widespread bacteria called Wolbachia and a virus that it carries can cause sterility in male insects by hijacking their sperm, preventing them from fertilizing eggs of females that do not have the same combination of bacteria and virus.
	Often seen, never studied: First characterization of a key postsynaptic protein A protein that appears in postsynaptic protein agglomerations has been found to be crucial to their formation. The Kobe University discovery identifies a new key player for synaptic function and sheds first light on its hitherto uncharacterized cellular role and evolution.
	Study finds increasing frequency and scale of mass mortality events among farmed salmon since 2012 The frequency and scale of mass mortality events—events where large numbers of organisms die in short periods of time—among farmed salmon have increased since 2012, according to a study published in Scientific Reports.
	New study finds the malaria parasite generates genetic diversity using an evolutionary 'copy-paste' tactic By dissecting the genetic diversity of the most deadly human malaria parasite—Plasmodium falciparum—researchers at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) have identified a mechanism of 'copy-paste' genetics that increases the genetic diversity of the parasite at accelerated time scales. This helps solve a long-standing mystery regarding why the parasite displays hotspots of genetic diversity in an otherwise unremarkable genetic landscape.
	Social dynamics of family dogs: A peek behind hierarchies Researchers at the Family Dog Project of Eötvös Loránd University have designed a tool to investigate the social dynamics of cohabiting family dogs. Their results are published in Animal Cognition.
	What makes a pathogen antibiotic-resistant? Antimicrobial resistance is a story of constantly moving parts and players. With every new or tweaked antibiotic or antimicrobial drug, the targeted pathogens begin the evolutionary dance of acquiring resistance, prompting researchers to constantly develop workarounds or entirely new classes of medicine.
	Study on mating behaviors offers clues into the evolution of attraction Sparks fly when a female nematode meets her mate in a Petri dish. Tracking him by smell, she beelines over and is pregnant within moments of physical contact. But for the hermaphroditic version of these tiny roundworms, it's a very different story. Anatomically female but capable of self-fertilizing with their own supply of sperm, hermaphrodites remain emphatically uninterested in mating—until their sperm supply runs dry. Only then will they seek out males.
	Sharks, turtles and other sea creatures face greater risk from industrial fishing than previously thought My colleagues and I mapped activity in the northeast Pacific of "dark" fishing vessels—boats that turn off their location devices or lose signal for technical reasons. In our new study published in Science Advances, we found that highly mobile marine predators, such as sea lions, sharks and leatherback sea turtles, are significantly more threatened than previously thought because of large numbers of dark fishing vessels operating where these species live.
	Exploring the genetic composition of fungi and its role in plant health The complex and very diverse world of fungi is often referred to as the fifth kingdom of organisms. It includes various yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. A team of scientists from the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) has uncovered the genetic secrets of a mysterious fungus, revealing the presence of two distinct nuclear populations within them, each playing distinct roles in how they interact with plants.
	Earth's earliest forest revealed in Somerset fossils Scientists have discovered remnants of the Earth's oldest fossil forest on the north coast of Devon and Somerset in the U.K. The trees, which are about 390 million years old, are thought to have grown as part of an extensive forest covering the east coast of the Old Red Sandstone continent—part of Europe at that time.
	New technique may help scientists stave off coral reef collapse In a bit of biological magic, some tiny, jellyfish-like creatures learned eons ago how to weave seawater into durable, life-sustaining, rocky coral reefs, which provide billions in economic benefits.
	Vitamin A may play a central role in stem cell biology and wound repair When a child falls off her bike and scrapes her knee, skin stem cells rush to the rescue, growing new epidermis to cover the wound. But only some of the stem cells that will ultimately patch her up are normally dedicated to replenishing the epidermis that protects her body.
	One in seven deepwater sharks and rays at risk of extinction, new study finds One in seven species of deepwater sharks and rays are threatened with extinction due to overfishing, according to a new eight-year study released today in the journal Science.
	Research reveals traits that make fish prey tasty to tuna A cross-border science collaboration has yielded a global database that will help researchers understand how climate change is affecting ocean predators like the albacore tuna—which also happens to be an important food source for people around the world.
	Here's what conservationists say is likely causing the mysterious whale deaths along East Coast While three whales washing up on Hampton Roads beaches in three days is unusual, it is likely indicative of a long-term trend seen along the East Coast.
	Natural tech for 'dimming' genes brings transformative potential to agriculture Until the 1992 advent of a tomato that could delay softening, the fruit was picked green to withstand shipping. The delayed-softening trait was an example of the gene-silencing technique RNA interference, RNAi, before the underlying mechanism was understood and the term was created.
	Newsom wants to build a $16 billion water tunnel: Will it destroy California's delta? In the heart of California, at the place where two great rivers converge beneath the Tule fog, lies the linchpin of one of the largest water supply systems in the world.
	CRISPRlnc: New lncRNA-specific SgRNA design method proposed Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein-coding transcripts. Currently, CRISPR/Cas9 is a promising RNA-guided genome editing technology consisting of a Cas9 nuclease and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA). Considering the significant differences between lncRNAs and protein-coding genes, it is necessary to investigate sgRNA design method optimized for lncRNAs.
	Human urine boosts green bean growth on moon and Mars regolith simulants There is the dream of living and working on the moon or planet Mars. But what are the inhabitants going to eat out there, and how are they going to grow their food? A circular and sustainable agricultural ecosystem for food production will be essential.
	Nordic microalgae: Potential superstars in the green transition The carbon dioxide emissions of the growing human population have a massive impact on the climate. While many are seeking solutions, researchers in Umeå, Sweden, might have found one right in front of their houses: Nordic microalgae. A thesis from the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University shows that microalgae fed on wastewater can be used to produce degradable bioplastic.
	Reptile roadkill reveals new threat to endangered lizard species The chance sighting of a dead snake beside a sandy track in remote Western Australia, and the investigation of its stomach contents, has led Curtin University researchers to record the first known instance of a spotted mulga snake consuming a pygmy spiny-tailed skink, raising concerns for a similar-looking, endangered lizard species.
	Aroma compound found to reduce the effects of drought, improve productivity of tomato plants Tomato plants emit a scent to resist bacterial attacks. This aroma—or volatile compound—is hexenyl butanoate (HB). A team from the Research Institute for Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMCP), a joint center of the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia (UPV) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), has discovered that its mode of action is novel, as it works independently of the classic hormone involved in the process of stomatal closure (abscisic acid).
	Study shows new habitats affect plants' chemical defenses An international team of researchers has investigated the question of whether the chemical defenses of plants changes when they have established themselves in new geographical regions.
	Eight new deep-sea species of marine sponges discovered Although marine sponges are widespread in the oceans, their biodiversity and distribution is still poorly known. Even though the Mediterranean Sea is the most explored sea on Earth, a study by Julio A. Díaz and colleagues, published in PeerJ, reveals the presence of new sponge species and new records in unexplored habitats such as underwater caves or mountains around the Balearic Islands.
	Enhancing apple adventitious shoot regeneration: The role of MdAIL5 in hormonal signaling and gene activation Plants exhibit a remarkable capacity for self-repair and regeneration, a process crucial for adapting to environmental changes and underpinned by cellular totipotency or pluripotency. Apple is one of the model plants for the study of perennial woody fruit trees. The leaf disk method is mainly used to transform apples genetically, and an efficient adventitious shoot (AS) regeneration system dictates the success of this transformation.
	When plants flower: Scientists ID genes, mechanism in sorghum Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Oklahoma State University have identified key genes and the mechanism by which they control flowering in sorghum, an important bioenergy crop. The findings, just published in the journal New Phytologist, suggest strategies to delay sorghum flowering to maximize plant growth and the amount of biomass available for generating biofuels and bioproducts.
	New mapping method developed for critical marine habitat Researchers at The University of Western Australia have led the development of a new technique for accurately mapping shallow and coastal marine habitats.
	Researchers propose new method for calculating values of ecosystem services Researchers propose that governments apply a new method for calculating the benefits that arise from conserving biodiversity and nature for future generations.
	Researchers discover seven new plant species in highly threatened cloud forests of Peruvian Andes An international team of researchers, including a scientist at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), has documented and described seven rare new plant species with brightly colored flowers that are only found in highly threatened forests of the Andes Mountains in Peru.
	Scientists raise the alarm: Too many harbor porpoises die each year in fishing nets Researchers from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden are sounding the alarm. In a recently published research paper, they highlight the challenges faced by harbor porpoises in Danish coastal waters and in the western part of the Baltic.
	Lack of functional eyes does not affect biological clock in zebrafish, shows study Functional eyes are not required for a working circadian clock in zebrafish, as a research team including CNRS scientists has now shown. The work is published in the journal PLOS Genetics.
	Simplifying complexities in bioinformatics: A desktop suite for multi-omics data analysis and visualization The revolution in high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies, such as Illumina, PacBio, and 10X Genomics, have enabled the production of vast amounts of biological data. However, the intricate data formats and the need for specialized analytical pipelines pose significant challenges, especially for experimental biologists who may find command-line interfaces, coding, and scripting daunting.
	Blighia sapida: A tropical fruit with antimicrobial properties Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains 1 of the top 3 global public health challenges facing humanity. Every year, 70,000 people die globally from AMR, and the threat is exacerbated by the fact that we have moved from the era of excess antibiotics to one where only a few antibiotics are considered innovative by World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
	Kala, rare Sumatran tiger cub, makes her debut in Rome A run around and a cuddle with dad—Rome zoo's new Sumatran tiger cub made her public debut Thursday, three months after her birth boosted the critically endangered species.
	Restoring mining landscapes in the High Arctic NINA researchers have played a central role in restoring old mining landscapes in Svalbard, Norway. As of 2024, the restoration is complete.
	A new oil flower/oil bee pollination mutualism involving male-bee-pollinated orchids discovered in tropical Asia It is well known that animal-pollinated plants usually offer nectar or pollen to reward vectors for pollen transfer. While nectar is a kind of sugar water, pollen is protein-rich, a must-need nutrient for bee babies. The honey humans consume is made by female bee workers. Fifty years ago, German scientist Stefan Vogel first identified that droplets are non-water miscible 'nectar' but lipids in some flowering plants, discovering the so-called oil-flower, which offers oil as a reward for female bees.
	Integrating non-additive GWAS with historical dissemination to illuminate nut traits and blooming time in almonds Modern breeding focuses on genetic analyses and germplasm management and dominates in altering crop genomes, but often neglects non-additive genetic effects that are essential for understanding traits. Almond [Prunus dulcis Miller (D.A. Webb)] has significant economic and genetic research value, but current studies face limitations, including a narrow focus on additive models and limited germplasm diversity.

Medicine and Health news

	Dopamine fluctuations in distinct brain subregions predict rewards over a range of time-scales Previous neuroscience studies suggest that transient increases in brain dopamine are critical signals for learning about reward, and the motivation to obtain more rewards. Researchers at University of California San Francisco carried out a study exploring transient increases in dopamine in specific subregions of the striatum, a part of the brain known to support reward-based learning and decision-making.
	Shape-shifting ultrasound stickers detect post-surgical complications Researchers led by Northwestern University and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed a new, first-of-its-kind sticker that enables clinicians to monitor the health of patients' organs and deep tissues with a simple ultrasound device.
	For childhood cancer survivors, inherited genetic factors influence risk of cancers later in life Common inherited genetic factors that predict cancer risk in the general population may also predict elevated risk of new cancers among childhood cancer survivors, according to a study led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
	Study raises questions about plastic pollution's effect on heart health We breathe, eat and drink tiny particles of plastic. But are these minuscule specks in the body harmless, dangerous or somewhere in between?
	Scientists find brain responses to sentence structure differ for speaking and listening How does the brain respond to sentence structure as we speak and listen? In a neuroimaging study published in PNAS, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI) and Radboud University in Nijmegen investigated sentence processing during spontaneous speech for the first time.
	Foot-eye coordination: How our vision changes in rhythm with our walking For the first time, neuroscientists have established a link between shifts in our visual perception and the cadence of our steps while walking.
	How the brain coordinates speaking and breathing MIT researchers have discovered a brain circuit that drives vocalization and ensures that you talk only when you breathe out, and stop talking when you breathe in.
	Doctors can now watch spinal cord activity during surgery With technology developed at UC Riverside, scientists can, for the first time, make high resolution images of the human spinal cord during surgery. The advancement could help bring real relief to millions suffering chronic back pain.
	New research investigates the genetic influences to health of circulating vitamin A A Newcastle research team has been exploring the role of vitamin A in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. The study, titled "Genetic influences on circulating retinol and its relationship to human health," is published in Nature.
	Study of metabolism-related genetic factors reveals new associations between blood biomarkers and diseases An international study led by the University of Oulu, Finland, and the University of Cambridge, U.K., found numerous associations between blood biomarkers and diseases, and identified more than 400 genomic regions that affect metabolic regulation. Many of these findings are completely new. The results were published in Nature on March 6, 2024.
	Regulatory mechanism that keeps the immune system in check identified Researchers from the UoC's Center for Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine and the UoC CECAD Cluster of Excellence in Aging Research have discovered that an excessive immune response can be prevented by the intramembrane protease RHBDL4.
	Pharmacy researchers shed light on how the brain processes the sense of touch How does one distinguish the smoothness of silk or the coarse texture of sandpaper? Individuals' sense of touch is complex, requiring circuits in the brain to process incoming information much like a computer. These circuits are made up of electrically excitable cells, called neurons.
	Neuroscientists unveil the novel therapeutic potential of metaxalone for treating nerve injuries Traumatic injuries to the peripheral nervous system are a leading cause of disability, especially in patients with proximal peripheral nerve injury. It's hard to regenerate and regain normal function in a short period, and it often leads to sensory and motor dysfunction, which greatly affects the patient's quality of life.
	Could a 'DNA diet' help to reduce health risks linked to high blood sugar? A U.K. trial has found a DNA-tailored diet could help manage blood glucose and reduce risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals.
	Release of inhibitory pathways may promote immune response to HIV Recent work from the laboratory of Elena Martinelli, Ph.D., MPH, professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and of Microbiology–Immunology, has discovered how inhibiting an immune cell singling pathway in a model of HIV-1 infection may promote immune responses and decrease viral persistence in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy.
	Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy shows clinical activity in patients with aggressive brain tumors A pioneering Phase I CAR T cell therapy trial for the treatment of glioblastoma at City of Hope demonstrates promising clinical activity against incurable brain tumors, according to research published in Nature Medicine.
	Combining novel biomaterial and microsurgery might enable faster tissue recovery For soft tissue to recover and regrow, it needs blood vessels to grow to deliver oxygen and nutrients. Sluggish vascularization, however, can slow or even prevent recovery and regrowth of lost or damaged soft tissue after a severe injury or serious illness such as cancer.
	Researchers investigate drowning deaths of migrants after US-Mexico border wall height increase In the four years after the border wall height was increased from 17 feet to 30 feet along the US-Mexican border, drowning deaths of migrants in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego increased by 3200%, according to a new study published in JAMA.
	New dual therapeutic strategy shows promise against multidrug-resistant Salmonella A new collaborative study discloses the discovery and application of a new therapeutic strategy to target the multidrug-resistant bacterium Salmonella enterica in vivo, with promising results. The results were published in Scientific Reports.
	New insights into the growth and spread of cancer cells Cancer cells are characterized by their aggressiveness: they grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body. To enable this, numerous mechanisms come into play, and one of them involves a protein called MYC, which activates certain genes on the cancer cell's DNA strand, causing the cancer cell to grow and divide.
	AI has perfect detection rate for severe cases of condition that causes blindness in preemies: Study An artificial intelligence technology can accurately and independently detect 100% of severe cases of a blindness-causing condition that affects prematurely born babies, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University and collaborators, published in JAMA Ophthalmology.
	Scientists identify genetic anxiety 'switch' Research from the University of Aberdeen has identified an area of DNA in the human genome that plays a role in controlling anxiety. In the study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, the team, led by Professor Alasdair Mackenzie, found a section of DNA that 'switches' on key genes in parts of the brain that affect anxiety levels in mice.
	New study expands understanding of brain blood flow and neurological disorders The hippocampus—a seahorse-shaped region of the brain that plays a particularly important role in cognitive aging and memory function—has been studied as a singular region for several years. However, until now, there has been a gap in understanding the factors underlying age—or disease-related changes between the different regions of the hippocampus, or subfields.
	Blood mutations increase risk for acute kidney injury, says study A U.S.-Canadian research collaboration led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center has identified common, age-associated changes in the blood as a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI), which occurs in more than 1 in 5 hospitalized adults worldwide.
	New treatment could transform the mental health of children with epilepsy A new psychological treatment for children with epilepsy, developed by a UCL-led team of scientists, has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties compared to standard care, a new study finds.
	Research team analyzes hospital stay data, identifies key points where disease trajectories diverge The world population is aging at an increasing pace. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, one in six people was over 60 years old. By 2050, the number of people over 60 is expected to double to 2.1 billion.
	FDA warns of toxic lead in cinnamon products The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a health advisory warning consumers that six brands of ground cinnamon are tainted with lead.
	New pathways open for female reproductive health care Two important new avenues have opened up for women to access reproductive health care medications. Several high-profile retailers merit commendation for their contributing role. Their involvement is an example of conscientious leadership from the business community.
	With medical debt burdening millions, a financial regulator steps in to help When President Barack Obama signed legislation in 2010 to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, he said the new agency had one priority: "looking out for people, not big banks, not lenders, not investment houses."
	Potential New Jersey mumps outbreak prompts investigation Health officials in New Jersey are investigating a possible outbreak of the mumps. A cluster of cases of the contagious virus quickly spread among an eight-person family in Hunterdon County, the state department of health said March 5th.
	Colorado unveils first rules for facilitation of psychedelic therapy Colorado's legal psychedelic therapy industry is beginning to take shape as regulators recently unveiled the first rules regarding facilitator education, training and licensure.
	The negative economics of intermittent fasting From lots of recent reports—both breathless and scientific— fasting has become a tantalizing path to health. Non-religious fasting can range from 24 hours or more without food to intermittent periods of up to 16 hours a day. It supposedly pushes your cells toward autophagy, from Greek for "self-eating" or "self-digesting," one of the body's housecleaning functions that rids your system of the junk accumulated.
	EU sees 'troubling surge' in sexually transmitted diseases The European Union health agency on Thursday reported a "troubling" surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Europe, which could be just "the tip of the iceberg".
	Missing disease-related gene identified in generalized pustular psoriasis A team from Nagoya University in Japan has identified previously unidentified gene variants that are associated with the development of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). The team's findings, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, offer hope for improving diagnosis and therapy.
	Revealing a hidden threat: Researchers show viral infections pose early heart risks In a potentially game-changing development, scientists with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC have revealed a new understanding of sometimes fatal viral infections that affect the heart.
	Researcher explains sensors that monitor neurological conditions in real time A team of researchers led by Huanyu "Larry" Cheng, the James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) at Penn State, created a highly-sensitive and cost-effective sensor to better monitor the concentration in sweat or urine of dopamine and tyrosine, a neurotransmitter and an amino acid that are present in the brain.
	The journey to relieve endometriosis pain Some women spend as much as a month of every year in so much pain they can do little more than endure it.
	New documents show how Penn investigated a scientist found to have faked studies on newborn pigs Following the discovery of new documents, questions about the piglets with brain injuries began almost immediately. William M. Armstead said he had successfully tested a drug on the animals in his lab at the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining results that could guide better treatment of such injuries in people.
	Short-sighted children may suffer from disrupted sleep Near-sightedness or myopia is projected to affect half of the world's population by 2050, and it's on the rise among children who increasingly spend time indoors away from sunlight and on screens.
	Older adult care and health service management innovations in the Asia-Pacific: Editorial Women make up more than 60% of the older adult population in the Asia-Pacific, where the challenges associated with one of the fastest-aging population clusters in the world are emerging in social, political, health care and economic significance.
	How much money does Big Pharma give Canadian health care providers? The information is far too difficult to find Drug companies often give payments to physicians, other health care workers and health care organizations for things like consulting fees, sitting on advisory boards, speaking at sponsored events or funding research, as well as meals and travel expenses. However, in Canada, it's difficult to know how much was paid to whom.
	'Budget Ozempic': Five ways this dangerous TikTok weight loss trend will harm your health Social media is obsessed with the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic. But Ozempic's ability to control blood sugar isn't the reason it's so popular online. Instead, the drug is trending because it has been shown in clinical trials to cause weight loss in diabetic patients taking it.
	Babies in Western Australia will soon be immunized against RSV, but not with a vaccine This week, Western Australia announced a state government-funded immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's the first Australian state or territory to do so.
	Why do young people have such poor mental health? A psychologist explains A recent report from think tank the Resolution Foundation has found that 34% of young people aged 18–24 in the U.K. have symptoms of a common mental disorder—the highest rate of any age group.
	Viewpoint: General practice is in crisis in the UK, and it's failing the people who need it most There is no doubt that primary care in the UK—the services that provide the first point of contact in the health care system, such as general practice—isn't working.
	Obstructive sleep apnea linked to bladder pain / interstitial cystitis Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) seems to be associated with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in women, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in Sleep and Breathing.
	Carcinogen benzene can form in some acne treatments: Report Some acne treatments may banish blemishes but carry hidden dangers: A new report reveals high levels of the carcinogen benzene can form in products that contain the zit-fighting ingredient benzoyl peroxide.
	Analysis showed Maine mass shooter had blast-related brain damage The perpetrator of a mass shooting in Maine last fall had extensive brain damage from "thousands of low-level blasts" tied to his work at an Army Reserve hand grenade training range, a new report shows.
	Absent, enlarged, confluent saccules best for identifying Meniere disease Absent, enlarged, or confluent saccules are the best predictors of Meniere disease (MD) on delayed postgadolinium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), according to a study published online Feb. 7 in European Radiology.
	Racial disparities seen for locally advanced rectal cancer outcomes Treatment outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) are less favorable for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients versus non-Hispanic White patients, according to a study published online Feb. 29 in JAMA Network Open.
	Absence of AI hospital rules worries nurses For nurse Judy Schmidt, the beeping monitors hooked up to critical patients at the Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey, were just a normal part of the whirlwind of activity in the intensive care unit.
	Children with 'lazy eye' at increased risk of serious disease in adulthood, suggests study Adults who had amblyopia ('lazy eye') in childhood are more likely to experience hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in adulthood, as well as an increased risk of heart attack, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.
	Retinol helps wounds heal faster, could help countless older people Nano micelles of Retinol, a type of vitamin A commonly used in anti-aging beauty products, can also help wounds heal faster by promoting skin tissue regeneration, according to studies conducted by the University of Surrey and Phytoceutical Ltd.
	Personality and mental health factors linked to vaping uptake University of Otago researchers have discovered three psychological factors that predict if a non-smoker will start vaping.
	Possible tumor marker found for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma A research team at the MHH is comparing changes in natural killer cells of the innate immune defense system in chronic hepatitis C sufferers as a risk factor for the later development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
	Developing personalized musculoskeletal models that reflect the diversity of body types People do not always move optimally, which can lead to physical complaints. This can have many causes, from a cruciate ligament injury in the knee to mobility problems after a stroke. Musculoskeletal models could be used to assess people with suboptimal movement patterns. These models simulate the function of muscles, and the load on bones and joints to better understand movement. This can help with rehabilitation, for example by learning to use the muscles differently.
	Predicting loneliness through online digital footprints User data from Google, YouTube, and other online platforms can be used to predict, prevent, and even mitigate loneliness, potentially lowering the risk of suicide for at-risk individuals, according to a Rutgers study.
	For new moms who rent, housing hardship and mental health are linked Becoming a parent comes with lots of bills. For new mothers, being able to afford the rent may help stave off postpartum depression.
	Q&A: Should we go back to year-round standard time? This spring, the time change will take place overnight, March 9-10, 2024, specifically on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2 a.m. The clocks will advance by 1 hour to switch to Eastern Daylight Time (summertime).
	Chicagoans are dying from cardiac arrest outside the hospital at increasingly younger ages The mean age at which people in Chicago have fatal heart attacks outside the hospital is decreasing, with the biggest changes happening among Black men, according to a new study led by the University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois Heart Rescue.
	COVID-19 virus can stay in the body more than a year after infection, research finds The COVID-19 virus can persist in the blood and tissue of patients for more than a year after the acute phase of the illness has ended, according to new research from UC San Francisco that offers potential clues to why some people develop long COVID.
	Researchers find that pre-existing mental health diagnoses may prolong time to recovery from concussion Researchers from the Minds Matter Concussion Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have found that youth with pre-existing mental health diagnoses experienced a greater burden from emotional symptoms after concussion, as well as a prolonged time to recovery.
	Infant health suffered during baby formula shortage, study finds The nationwide baby formula shortage two years ago forced many parents to involuntarily switch brands or types. A recent survey from researchers at the University of California, Davis, highlights how these substitutions led to undesirable effects for babies, including vomiting. The study was published in the journal Nutrients.
	Poison center sees dramatic increase in young children exposed to fentanyl The Oregon Poison Center at Oregon Health & Science University is reporting a dramatic increase in cases of young children exposed to fentanyl. The poison center managed 16 cases of illicit fentanyl exposure in children younger than 6 years old in 2023, an increase from just 2 in 2021 and 0 in 2020.
	COVID vaccines are safe for pregnant women and babies: Study The COVID vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy, reports UC San Francisco in an important finding on the safety of the vaccine in infants—despite widespread fear and misinformation.
	Rapid molecular testing in emergency department leads to faster, targeted treatment for community-acquired pneumonia Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs, typically resulting from an infection with viruses or bacteria. Community-acquired pneumonia refers to pneumonia acquired outside of the health care system. It is one of the most common infectious diseases, significantly contributing to both mortality and morbidity on a global scale.
	Individuals are more likely to have obesity in middle age if their parents had obesity, research finds Individuals have six times the odds of living with obesity in middle age if both their parents lived with obesity at that age, new research to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2024, Venice, 12-15 May), has found. Having one parent living with obesity triples the odds.
	ER visits for infant, child melatonin poisonings are soaring As more Americans pop over-the-counter melatonin to help them sleep, their young children are increasingly showing up in ERs after accidentally ingesting the supplements.
	Research sheds light on the history of food at the Olympic Games Almost 130 years have gone by since the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. During this time, sports practices have come a long way. What and how athletes eat has also changed a lot, especially among Olympic competitors.
	Fibrinolytic biomarkers for identifying patients at risk of severe COVID-19 The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care systems has been significant. The sudden surge in infected cases overwhelmed hospitals and disrupted routine health care services, thus further worsening public health. Managing patients, too, has been challenging due to the variation of COVID-19 symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, that require medical intervention.
	Exploring the effectiveness of a novel pain management device for endometriosis pain Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting women, often resulting in painful symptoms such as menstrual cramps and pelvic pain. Pain caused by endometriosis significantly lowers the quality of life and reproductive health of affected women, with around one-third of women still experiencing pain and discomfort despite treatment. While hormonal therapies and surgeries are common treatments, they often do not result in complete alleviation of symptoms.
	Higher body mass index linked to complications after autologous breast reconstruction For women undergoing autologous breast reconstruction—reconstruction using the patient's own tissues, rather than implants—the risks of overall and specific complications are increased at higher body mass index (BMI) levels, a research team reports in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
	Best practices suggested for psychiatric care of transgender and gender-diverse people In caring for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people, psychiatrists should focus on alleviating the sequelae of gender minority stress, with the goal of promoting resilience, according to a review published in Harvard Review of Psychiatry.
	African American patients on Medicaid less likely to undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, finds study African American patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are less likely than others to receive surgical treatment, reports the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
	Alabama passes IVF protection law after uproar over court ruling Alabama's governor signed into law on Wednesday new liability protections related to in vitro fertilization (IVF), after a court ruling led fertility clinics across the southern US state to halt procedures.
	Diet and heart disease in the Black community Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than any other condition. However, African Americans are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke than any other racial group, according to the American Heart Association.
	Do you really want to find out if you'll get Alzheimer's? A few years ago, researchers made the unnerving discovery that in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, disordered clumps of abnormal proteins had been growing for 15 or even 20 years before their diagnosis. That means these pathological-looking deposits are silently accumulating in the brains of millions of seemingly healthy individuals in their 50s and 60s.
	How a friend's death turned Colorado teens into anti-overdose activists Gavinn McKinney loved Nike shoes, fireworks and sushi. He was studying Potawatomi, one of the languages of his Native American heritage. He loved holding his niece and smelling her baby smell. On his 15th birthday, the Durango, Colorado, teen spent a cold December afternoon chopping wood to help neighbors who couldn't afford to heat their homes.
	As xylazine surges, some lawmakers want jail time for dealers and people who use the drug Legislators in a handful of states are offering bills to address the rise in the misuse of xylazine, a cheap animal sedative not intended for human consumption.
	1 in 8 voters cite abortion as most important issue: Poll Abortion rights will play a pivotal role in determining how people will vote in the 2024 election, a new KFF poll has found.
	Too few caregivers and too many patients: A bad combination for Norway's elderly in rural areas Aging baby boomers are swelling the ranks of elderly across the Western world, with Norway no exception.
	Nursing homes have advantages for older patients, finds researcher A community hospital model can enable better adapted inpatient care for older patients, while relieving the burden on regular hospitals that can focus on patients where they are best suited. This is shown in a dissertation by Mante Hedman, Umeå University.
	Cuts in social spending in European nations are psychologically damaging, finds report There are substantial psychological gains from having a strong welfare state, finds new research done jointly by the University of Warwick and City University. Social spending acts to reduce citizens' worries about the future.
	An aspirin a day? Poll of older adults suggests some who take it may be following outdated advice One in four older adults take aspirin at least three times a week, mostly in hopes of preventing heart attacks and strokes, a new poll shows.
	Disorders of consciousness: Increasing awareness of advances in brain injury medicine Emerging trends and new developments in the care and management of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) are increasingly focused on a multidisciplinary approach that integrates evidence-based assessment, treatment, and ethical aspects.

Other Sciences news

	Tracing the spread of cacao domestication The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), whose beans (cocoa) are used to make products including chocolate, liquor and cocoa butter, may have spread from the Amazon basin to the other regions of South and Central America at least 5,000 years ago via trade routes, suggests a paper published in Scientific Reports.
	Rabana-Merquly: Was the mountain fortress also a Parthian-era sanctuary? Besides being a fortress for military use, the ancient mountain settlement of Rabana-Merquly in modern Iraqi Kurdistan could have also been a 'sanctuary' dedicated to the ancient Persian water goddess Anahita. Architectural structures by a natural waterfall, along with the remains of a possible fire altar, point to the existence of a site of worship, according to Dr. Michael Brown.
	Q&A: Writing around an AI taboo—practical ways for teachers to incorporate AI into their classrooms The ascendance of large language models like ChatGPT has all but wrought a collective existential crisis among writing instructors. Due to a rise in large language model-assisted plagiarism, student essays are no longer reliable indicators of ability.
	South Africa: Women play key role in early childhood learning and care, but they need help accessing university In South Africa, the early childhood development sector is dominated by women who build creches from the ground up. These women offer services to communities that go far beyond childcare. They teach, feed and nurture children and keep them safe. They also build sustainable businesses and provide employment opportunities to members of their communities.
	Despite 'Barbie,' women not getting movie lead roles: Report The share of Hollywood films with women in the lead role fell last year, new research showed Thursday, despite standout successes like "Barbie."
	Your kids' screen time may be more creative than you think Minecraft and Lego blocks, pinecones and Super Mario stars. Maybe it's just us grown-ups making a false distinction between screen play and other kinds of play.
	Whistleblower accuses Aledade, largest US independent primary care network, of Medicare fraud A Maryland firm that oversees the nation's largest independent network of primary care medical practices is facing a whistleblower lawsuit alleging it cheated Medicare out of millions of dollars using billing software "rigged" to make patients appear sicker than they were.
	Plasma donations: A financial lifesaver and an ethical dilemma When you're financially strapped, selling plasma can be an appealing option to drum up some quick cash.
	Drawings of mathematical problems predict their resolution A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), in collaboration with CY Cergy Paris University (CYU) and University of Burgundy (uB), have analyzed drawings made by children and adults when solving simple problems. The scientists found that, whatever the age of the participant, the most effective calculation strategies were associated with certain drawing typologies.
	Confidence (or its absence) is contagious in the workplace, study finds New research by Caltech's Kirby Nielsen, assistant professor of economics and William H. Hurt Scholar, shows that the gender gap in confidence that is often held responsible for women's underachievement in the workplace is "contagious"; that is, when evaluating a worker's performance based on self-assessments, reviewers will reward apparent self-confidence—and conversely, penalize a lack of confidence—rather than focusing solely on performance.
	Youth enrichment activities could harm mental health, says study In a new study from the University of Georgia, researchers found that the time high schoolers spend on so-called enrichment activities—including tutoring, sports, school clubs and even homework—is negatively affecting their mental health. The study also found that any additional enrichment activities are unlikely to benefit students academically.
	What drives students to take up teaching? A new study explores aspirations and challenges As role models and mentors for the youth, teachers play an important role in guiding children into well-rounded adults. However, excessive workloads and high skill expectations have allegedly led to teacher shortages in Japan.
	Building temporal resilience into jobs can help employees thrive when schedules turn upside down: Study Managers can do much to help their workers become more resilient to inevitable time disruptions in today's workplace, says new research from The University of Texas at Austin.
	Why charities focused on the money, not the mission, should listen up Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have distinct identities: Some are more motivated by mission, others by money. Now, new research from Rutgers University–New Brunswick finds these preferences can affect an NPO's identity, particularly how receptive it is to feedback.
	Researchers create toolkit to support school safety University of Virginia professors Dewey Cornell and Jennifer Maeng have created a toolkit that school districts may use to help keep schools safe from threats, including gun violence.
	Democratic backslide a threat to free elections globally: Report More than half of the 60 countries holding national elections this year are experiencing a democratic decline, risking the integrity of the electoral process, as reported in the latest Democracy Report from the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg. The worsening election quality is concerning, given the pivotal role elections play in either reinforcing or mitigating the trend of autocratization.
	'Grass ceiling' masks the educational barriers faced by rural children, study says More should be done to break the "grass ceiling" of hidden school underachievement in rural areas, a new study warns. The research is published in the journal Education Sciences.
	Academic freedom unevenly distributed: Report Academic freedom today is not available for 3.6 billion people, or 45.5% of the world's population. After a global peak in academic freedom in 2006, the situation today is comparable to circumstances fifty years ago in 1973.
	Rock bands as transformative learning spaces for older adults Everyone's right to learn continues throughout life. According to Finnish music education researchers, educational and cultural institutions are responsible for finding new ways to respond to the needs of a rapidly aging society.
	How to measure the health of online communities Experts from the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University and New_ Public have published an innovative new approach to measure the health of online communities. According to their report, titled "Dynamic Polycentrism," in order to determine the health of a digital space, experts must first determine its level of pluralism.

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