Science X Newsletter Mon, Apr 15

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for April 15, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

The experimental demonstration of a verifiable blind quantum computing protocol

A machine learning-based approach to discover nanocomposite films for biodegradable plastic alternatives

Astronomers detect radio halo in a massive galaxy cluster

Astrophysicists solve mystery of heart-shaped feature on the surface of Pluto

Millions of gamers advance biomedical research by helping to reconstruct microbial evolutionary histories

Aboriginal people made pottery, sailed to distant islands thousands of years before Europeans arrived

Switch to green wastewater infrastructure could reduce emissions and provide huge savings, new research finds

Tropical forests can't recover naturally without fruit eating birds, carbon recovery study shows

Carbon beads help restore healthy gut microbiome and reduce liver disease progression, researchers find

Digging up new species of Australia and New Guinea's giant fossil kangaroos

Specific nasal cells found to protect against COVID-19 in children

Evolution's recipe book: How 'copy paste' errors led to insect flight, octopus camouflage and human cognition

Human muscle map reveals how we try to fight effects of aging at cellular and molecular levels

Saturday Citations: Listening to bird dreams, securing qubits, imagining impossible billiards

Chemists devise easier new method for making a common type of building block for drugs

Nanotechnology news

	A machine learning-based approach to discover nanocomposite films for biodegradable plastic alternatives The accumulation of plastic waste in natural environments is of utmost concern, as it is contributing to the destruction of ecosystems and is causing harm to aquatic life. In recent years, material scientists have thus been trying to identify all-natural alternatives to plastic that could be used to package or manufacture products.
	A rechargeable nanotorch: Afterglow luminescence imaging tracks cell-based microrobots in real time An afterglow luminescent nanoprobe opens up new possibilities for imaging living cells. As a research team reports in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, their new "nanotorch" can continue to luminesce for more than 10 days after a single excitation.
	A magnetic nanographene butterfly poised to advance quantum technologies Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a new design concept for creating next-generation carbon-based quantum materials, in the form of a tiny magnetic nanographene with a unique butterfly-shape hosting highly correlated spins. This new design has the potential to accelerate the advancement of quantum materials which are pivotal for the development of sophisticated quantum computing technologies poised to revolutionize information processing and high density storage capabilities.
	Nanovials method for immune cell screening uncovers receptors that target prostate cancer A recent UCLA study demonstrates a new process for screening T cells, part of the body's natural defenses, for characteristics vital to the success of cell-based treatments. The method filters T cells based on the receptor proteins found on their surface—which enable them to latch onto certain threats—and the type and amount of cell-killing or immune response-triggering molecules that they secrete.

Physics news

	The experimental demonstration of a verifiable blind quantum computing protocol Quantum computers, systems that process and store information leveraging quantum mechanical phenomena, could eventually outperform classical computers on numerous tasks. Among other things, these computers could allow researchers to tackle complex optimization problems, speed up drug discovery and better protect users against cyber-security threats.
	Combating disruptive 'noise' in quantum communication In a significant milestone for quantum communication technology, an experiment has demonstrated how networks can be leveraged to combat disruptive 'noise' in quantum communications.
	A balanced quantum Hall resistor provides a new measurement method Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a method that can improve the performance of quantum resistance standards. It's based on a quantum phenomenon called Quantum Anomalous Hall effect.
	Machine learning could help reveal undiscovered particles within data from the Large Hadron Collider Scientists used a neural network, a type of brain-inspired machine learning algorithm, to sift through large volumes of particle collision data. Particle physicists are tasked with mining this massive and growing store of collision data for evidence of undiscovered particles. In particular, they're searching for particles not included in the Standard Model of particle physics, our current understanding of the universe's makeup that scientists suspect is incomplete.
	Internet can achieve quantum speed with light saved as sound Researchers at the University of Copenhagen's Niels Bohr Institute have developed a new way to create quantum memory: A small drum can store data sent with light in its sonic vibrations, and then forward the data with new light sources when needed again. The results demonstrate that mechanical memory for quantum data could be the strategy that paves the way for an ultra-secure internet with incredible speeds.
	Study uses thermodynamics to describe expansion of the universe The idea that the universe is expanding dates from almost a century ago. It was first put forward by Belgian cosmologist Georges Lemaître (1894–1966) in 1927 and confirmed observationally by American astronomer Edwin Hubble (1889-1953) two years later. Hubble observed that the redshift in the electromagnetic spectrum of the light received from celestial objects was directly proportional to their distance from Earth, which meant that bodies farther away from Earth were moving away faster and the universe must be expanding.
	Researchers control quantum properties of 2D materials with tailored light A team of scientists has developed a method that harnesses the structure of light to twist and tweak the properties of quantum materials. Their results, published today in Nature, pave the way for advancements in next generation quantum electronics, quantum computing and information technology.

Earth news

	Switch to green wastewater infrastructure could reduce emissions and provide huge savings, new research finds University researchers have shown that a transition to green wastewater-treatment approaches in the U.S. that leverages the potential of carbon-financing could save a staggering $15.6 billion and just under 30 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions over 40 years.
	Reducing CO₂ emissions by 20% with only a 2% economic loss A "rapid and far-reaching change" is necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). "However, the transformation of the economy towards climate neutrality always involves a certain amount of economic stress—some industries and jobs disappear while others are created," explains Johannes Stangl from the Complexity Science Hub (CSH). When it comes to climate policy measures, how can economic damage be minimized?
	Clay-assisted organic carbon burial induced early Paleozoic atmospheric oxygenation, data show In a study published in Science Advances, scientists have used new lithium isotope (δ7Li) data to show that continental clay export promoted organic carbon burial and thus atmospheric oxygenation during the Cambrian period.
	Giant rogue waves: Southern Ocean expedition reveals wind as key cause A University of Melbourne expedition to the southernmost waters encircling Antarctica has discovered that wind drives the formation of colossal rogue waves, and that these unpredictable waves occur more frequently than scientists had previously thought—providing critical information to inform future rogue wave prediction models.
	Study lists world's 'forever chemical' hotspots Dangerous concentrations of long-lingering "forever chemicals" have been found in surface and groundwater worldwide, according to a study released Tuesday that showed Australia, the United States and Europe as hotspots.
	Scientists find vast numbers of illegal 'ghost roads' used to crack open pristine rainforest One of Brazil's top scientists, Eneas Salati, once said, "The best thing you could do for the Amazon rainforest is to blow up all the roads." He wasn't joking. And he had a point.
	Tandem heat waves, storm surges increasingly batter coasts: Study Coastal communities need to prepare for simultaneous extreme weather events as heat waves increasingly overlap with surges in sea levels due to climate change, a study published on Thursday warned.
	Americans more willing to pay for climate action after extreme weather People who personally experience extreme climate events, especially wildfires and hurricanes, are willing to pay significantly more for climate action, even if they report skepticism about human-caused climate change, finds new research from the University of Vermont.
	Japan's Sapporo sees earliest 25C day since records began Temperatures in Japan's northern city of Sapporo—famous for skiing—on Monday passed 25 degrees Celsius at the earliest point of any year on record, a weather agency official said.
	Pyrite may contain valuable lithium, a key element for green energy There's a reason airlines won't let you put your laptop in your checked luggage; the lithium-ion battery poses a serious fire hazard. But why? Lithium is incredibly reactive. For instance, pure lithium violently interacts with seemingly innocuous water, releasing heat and forming highly flammable hydrogen. This reactivity, however, is exactly why lithium makes a great material for batteries, and why it is a critical mineral for the green energy transition. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles. Plus, they can store energy produced by renewable resources like solar and wind.
	Record heat rots cocoa beans threatening Ivory Coast agriculture Surrounded by cocoa trees and intense heat, Christian Andre Yapi is forced to admit that the precious beans are no longer growing as they should, a major problem for the world's leading producer.
	The big dry: Forests and shrublands are dying in parched Western Australia Perth has just had its driest six months on record, while Western Australia sweltered through its hottest summer on record. Those records are remarkable in their own right. But these records are having real consequences.
	The seabed needs to become a top priority, and the UN agrees "The science we need for the ocean we want"—this is the tagline for the UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030), which has just held its first conference in Barcelona, Spain. Marine scientists from around the world, including me, gathered alongside global leaders to chart the progress of this ten-year mission to improve ocean health and marine biodiversity. That includes finding ways to better protect the seabed which we still know relatively little about.
	The South's aging water infrastructure is getting pounded by climate change. Fixing it is also a struggle Climate change is threatening America's water infrastructure as intensifying storms deluge communities and droughts dry up freshwater supplies in regions that aren't prepared.
	Northern permafrost region emits more greenhouse gases than it captures, study finds Permafrost underlies about 14 million square kilometers of land in and around the Arctic. The top 3 meters contain an estimated 1 trillion metric tons of carbon and 55 billion metric tons of nitrogen. Historically, the northern permafrost region has been a sink for carbon, as frozen soils inhibit microbial decomposition. But rising temperatures contribute to thawing permafrost and enhance the biogeochemical activities that exacerbate climate change by releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
	High stakes: The Arctic test of sustainable development EU researchers are helping policymakers reconcile competing demands in a region full of natural resources, beauty and tradition.
	New radar analysis method can improve winter river safety University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers have developed a way to use radar to detect open water zones and other changes in Alaska's frozen rivers in the early winter. The approach can be automated to provide current hazard maps and is applicable across the Arctic and sub-Arctic.
	Hidden threat: Global underground infrastructure vulnerable to sea-level rise As sea levels rise, coastal groundwater is lifted closer to the ground surface while also becoming saltier and more corrosive. A recent study by Earth scientists at the University of Hawai'i (UH) at Mānoa has compiled research from experts worldwide showing that in cities where there are complex networks of buried and partially buried infrastructure, interaction with this shallower and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations.
	Biden rule hikes fees for oil projects on public lands Oil companies drilling on public lands must post larger bonds and pay higher royalties under a rule finalized Friday by the Biden administration.
	Swiss climate policy in spotlight after court ruling Switzerland, known for pristine countryside and snow-capped peaks, is facing scrutiny of its environmental policies after becoming the first country faulted by an international court for failing to do enough against climate change.
	Lightning, downpours kill 41 people across Pakistan At least 41 people have died in storm-related incidents across Pakistan since Friday, including 28 killed by lightning, officials said on Monday.
	Extreme heat is a problem in Virginia: Researchers want to help The summers in Hampton Roads, Va., are hot, but for some residents, swelling temperatures and their impacts can be disproportionately worse.
	Environmental concerns raised by rocket flights over San Diego County Plans by SpaceX and other companies to boost the number of rocket launches sometimes seen streaking across San Diego County's skies have prompted the California Coastal Commission to question the environmental effects.

Astronomy and Space news

	Astronomers detect radio halo in a massive galaxy cluster An international team of astronomers has performed radio observations of a massive galaxy cluster known as ACT-CL J0329.2-2330, which resulted in the detection of a new radio halo in this cluster. The finding was reported in a research paper published April 5 on the pre-print server arXiv.
	Astrophysicists solve mystery of heart-shaped feature on the surface of Pluto The mystery of how Pluto got a giant heart-shaped feature on its surface has finally been solved by an international team of astrophysicists led by the University of Bern and members of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS. The team is the first to successfully reproduce the unusual shape with numerical simulations, attributing it to a giant and slow oblique-angle impact.
	Physicists solve puzzle about ancient galaxy found by Webb telescope Last September, the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, discovered JWST-ER1g, a massive ancient galaxy that formed when the universe was just a quarter of its current age. Surprisingly, an Einstein ring is associated with this galaxy. That's because JWST-ER1g acts as a lens and bends light from a distant source, which then appears as a ring—a phenomenon called strong gravitational lensing, predicted in Einstein's theory of general relativity.
	Hydrogen recombination found to be most plausible explanation for high levels of energy in stellar superflares Although their primary purpose is to look for exoplanets, observatories like the Kepler Space Telescope and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) have supplied a vast amount of data on stellar flares, detected with high-precision photometry by broadband filters in the visible light spectrum.
	Orbital eccentricity may have led to young underground ocean on Saturn's moon Mimas Saturn's moon Mimas could have grown a huge underground ocean as its orbital eccentricity decreased to its present value and caused its icy shell to melt and thin.
	Neutron stars could be heating up from dark matter annihilation One of the big mysteries about dark matter particles is whether they interact with each other. We still don't know the exact nature of what dark matter is. Some models argue that dark matter only interacts gravitationally, but many more posit that dark matter particles can collide with each other, clump together, and even decay into particles we can see. If that's the case, then objects with particularly strong gravitational fields such as black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs might capture and concentrate dark matter. This could in turn affect how these objects appear.
	Formation-flying spacecraft could probe the solar system for new physics It's an exciting time for the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. Thanks to cutting-edge observatories, instruments, and new techniques, scientists are getting closer to experimentally verifying theories that remain largely untested. These theories address some of the most pressing questions scientists have about the universe and the physical laws governing it—like the nature of gravity, dark matter, and dark energy.
	The brightest gamma ray burst ever seen came from a collapsing star After a journey lasting about two billion years, photons from an extremely energetic gamma-ray burst (GRB) struck the sensors on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope on October 9th, 2022. The GRB lasted seven minutes but was visible for much longer. Even amateur astronomers spotted the powerful burst in visible frequencies.
	Rubin observatory will reveal dark matter's ghostly disruptions of stellar streams Glittering threads of stars around the Milky Way may hold answers to one of our biggest questions about the universe: what is dark matter? With images taken through six different color filters mounted to the largest camera ever built for astronomy and astrophysics, Vera C. Rubin Observatory's upcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time will reveal never-before-seen stellar streams around the Milky Way—and the telltale effects of their interactions with dark matter.

Technology news

	Advance in light-based computing shows capabilities for future smart cameras Researchers developing the next generation of computing technology aim to bring some light to the field—literally. Optical computing, which relies on particles of light called photons, is expected to provide alternatives to traditional electronic approaches. Such systems—or light-based components of hybrid systems that also retain electronic parts—could be faster, consume less energy and compute visual information more efficiently through simultaneous, parallel processing.
	Researchers develop stretchable quantum dot display A team of South Korean scientists led by Professor KIM Dae-Hyeong of the Center for Nanoparticle Research within the Institute for Basic Science has pioneered a novel approach to stretchable displays. The team announced the first development of intrinsically stretchable quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs).
	Research team manufactures the first universal, programmable and multifunctional photonic chip A team from the Photonics Research Laboratory (PRL)-iTEAM of the Universitat Politècnica de València and the company iPRONICS have designed and manufactured a revolutionary chip for the telecommunications sector, data centers and infrastructure associated with artificial intelligence computing systems. It is the first universal, programmable, and multifunctional photonic chip worldwide.
	AI's new power of persuasion: Study shows LLMs can exploit personal information to change your mind A new EPFL study has demonstrated the persuasive power of large language models, finding that participants debating GPT-4 with access to their personal information were far more likely to change their opinion compared to those who debated humans.
	Clear guidelines needed for synthetic data to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness, study says Clear guidelines should be established for the generation and processing of synthetic data to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness, a new study says.
	Google yanks California news sites over proposed law Google on Friday said it is testing removing links to California news sites for some users in the western US state as legislators mull making the online search giant pay for connecting people to news.
	US House okays renewal of controversial surveillance program The US House of Representatives voted Friday to reauthorize an electronic surveillance program targeting foreigners, a practice officials say is critical to national security but criticized by opponents over concerns for American citizens' privacy.
	Apple announces Vietnam spending boost as CEO visits Hanoi Tech giant Apple said Monday it would increase spending on suppliers in Vietnam, a key production hub, as CEO Tim Cook arrived in the country for a two-day visit.
	Global smartphone shipments climb nearly 8% in 1st quarter as Samsung retakes the lead Global smartphone shipments rose nearly 8% in the first quarter, according to preliminary data from International Data Corp. It's the third straight quarter of shipment growth and marks the return of Samsung to No. 1.
	US to grant Samsung up to $6.4 bn for chip plants The United States announced on Monday grants of up to $6.4 billion to South Korean semiconductor giant Samsung to produce cutting-edge chips in Texas.
	OpenAI comes to Asia with new office in Tokyo ChatGPT creator OpenAI opened a new office in Tokyo on Monday, the first Asian outpost for the groundbreaking tech company as it aims to ramp up its global expansion.
	Mimicking fish to create the ideal deep-sea submersible More than 80% of the Earth's ocean has yet to be mapped. This is due, in part, to the challenges associated with deep-sea exploration, including intense pressure, zero visibility and extremely cold temperatures. As financial and scientific interest in the ocean and its resources increases, researchers are leveraging the adapted features of living fish to create more efficient and practical deep-sea submersibles.
	Tesla plans to lay off 10% of workforce after dismal quarterly sales, multiple news outlets report After reporting dismal first-quarter sales, Tesla is planning to lay off about a tenth of its workforce as it tries to cut costs, multiple media outlets reported Monday.
	Hong Kong conditionally approves first bitcoin and ether ETFs Hong Kong's securities regulator on Monday granted conditional approval to start the city's first spot-bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), firms involved said, positioning it as a leader in Asia for the use of cryptocurrencies as investment tools.
	The airline industry's biggest climate challenge: A lack of clean fuel In a glimmer of progress for the daunting task of reducing air travel's climate impact, a newly built plant in rural Georgia is expected to begin pumping out the world's first commercial quantities of a new type of cleaner jet fuel this month.
	Google unveils new updates to make trip planning easier for travelers Google Maps is launching new updates that are intended to make finding travel inspiration and local recommendations in your destination easier. Users will start seeing these lists of suggestions popping up in Google Maps in more than 40 cities across the U.S. and Canada this week. These updates will also be rolled out globally on Android and iOS mobile platforms later this month.
	Microsoft, beset by hacks, grapples with problem years in the making The world's largest seller of cybersecurity products has a problem with its own cybersecurity.
	Security vulnerability in browser interface allows computer access via graphics card Modern websites place ever greater demands on the computing power of computers. For this reason, web browsers have also had access to the computing capacities of the graphics card (Graphics Processing Unit or GPU) in addition to the CPU of a computer for a number of years.
	Colorado will try turning off the electrical grid to prevent wildfires, an operation pioneered in California The U.S. power grid is the largest and most complex machine ever built. It's also aging and under increasing stress from climate-driven disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes and heat waves.
	Researchers uncover ways to improve railcar roller bearing safety, strength When Nebraska Engineering researchers began cooking up new recipes for manufacturing railcar bearing components, they expected there would be a few offerings that wouldn't be as satisfying.
	The hidden risk of letting AI decide: Losing the skills to choose for ourselves As artificial intelligence creeps further into people's daily lives, so do worries about it. At the most alarmist are concerns about AI going rogue and terminating its human masters.
	AI can write you a poem and edit your video. Now, it can help you be funnier University of Sydney researchers have used an AI-assisted application to help people write cartoon captions for cartoons published in The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest.
	Report explores possibilities of capturing and using carbon dioxide for sustainable production routes A new DECHEMA report "Carbon for Power-to-X—Suitable CO2 sources and integration in PtX value chains" deals with possibilities of capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide for sustainable production routes. Carbon dioxide can serve as a carbon feed for numerous climate friendly commodities produced with Power-to-X technologies. The report elaborates on point sources and state-of-the-art capture methods.
	Navigating the future: Researchers improve satellite navigation processing accuracy and speed In the evolving Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) landscape, China's International GNSS Monitoring and Assessment System (iGMAS) stands out for its global monitoring and evaluation of GNSS constellations.
	Researchers design new coupled shear saw resonator at high frequency Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) resonators have been widely used in wireless communication below 2 GHz. However, as wireless communication evolves into 5G and 6G, with the new frequency bands above 3 GHz and bandwidth exceeding 500 MHz, conventional SAW technology face serious bottlenecks in terms of high frequency (>3GHz), high quality factor (Q value), and high electromechanical coupling coefficient (k2).
	Safeguarding the future of online security with AI and metasurfaces Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have advanced online security by integrating an AI-based metasurface with oblique helicoidal cholesteric liquid crystals.
	Improved AI confidence measure for autonomous vehicles A new Bar-Ilan University study addresses a fundamental question in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI): Can deep learning architectures achieve greatly above-average confidence for a significant portion of inputs while maintaining overall average confidence?
	Global North energy outsourcing demands more attention, researchers say Manufacturing nations in the Global North are stockpiling energy and emission problems by outsourcing energy-intensive industrial processes to countries in the Global South, a new study reveals.
	Market correction: Trump stock tumbles after buoyant debut After a winning debut on Wall Street last month, Donald Trump's media group has suffered a bruising retreat, denting the Republican candidate's wealth as he faces legal challenges.
	AI-generated models could bring more diversity to the fashion industry—or leave it with less London-based model Alexsandrah has a twin, but not in the way you'd expect: Her counterpart is made of pixels instead of flesh and blood.
	Lufthansa reports loss, cuts outlook after strikes German airline giant Lufthansa reported a hefty first-quarter loss Monday and downgraded its 2024 outlook due to recent strikes, while warning of risks from conflict in the Middle East.
	Meta 'temporarily' closes Threads network in Turkey Facebook owner Meta said Monday it would "temporarily" shut down its Threads short-messaging service in Turkey after an order from Ankara's competition watchdog over data-sharing.
	Israel using AI to identify human targets raising fears that innocents are being caught in the net A report by Jerusalem-based investigative journalists published in +972 magazine finds that AI targeting systems have played a key role in identifying—and potentially misidentifying—tens of thousands of targets in Gaza. This suggests that autonomous warfare is no longer a future scenario. It is already here and the consequences are horrifying.

Chemistry news

	Chemists devise easier new method for making a common type of building block for drugs Ring-shaped chemical structures called saturated heterocycles are found in most FDA-approved drugs but are often difficult to create. Scripps Research chemists have just developed a surprisingly easy method for making many of these sought-after compounds from inexpensive starting chemicals.
	Researchers study effects of solvation and ion valency on metallopolymers In a new paper published in JACS Au, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign analyzed the effects of solvation and ion valency on metallopolymers, with implications for critical materials recovery and recycling, and environmental remediation.
	Chemists stabilize ethylene on silver in search for better ethylene purification technology Production of ethylene is one of the most important chemical processes used today, with about 300 million metric tons of the tiny chemical produced each year. Ethylene gas is used to create everyday items like shopping bags and plastic film packaging.
	New colorful plastic films for versatile sensors and electronic displays Innovative electronics is one of the many applications of modern plastics. Some recent research efforts have used plastic to improve the color realism of display technologies.
	Discovery of organic catalyst could lead to cheaper fuel cells With atmospheric carbon dioxide at record highs, the search for clean-energy alternatives to the use of fossil fuels is growing increasingly urgent.
	New catalyst allows energy-friendly ammonia production for fertilizers and alternative fuel Researchers led by Satoshi Kamiguchi at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) in Japan have discovered a greener way to produce ammonia, an essential compound used in fertilizers.
	Palladium nanocluster catalyst supports highly efficient and regioselective hydrogenation of epoxides Alcohols are widely applied in life sciences and the chemical industry. Selective hydrogenation of epoxides using hydrogen molecules as a reductant is considered to be one of the most facile and atom-economical strategies for alcohol synthesis. However, controlling the regioselective ring opening of epoxides remains a challenge.
	Research revives 1800s photos Researchers from Western University developed techniques for creating images from old, badly tarnished photographs. These techniques could also be used to study other historic artifacts and fossils and prevent corrosion in modern materials.
	Video: Is there a quick fix for ocean acidification? Acidification is threatening the ocean's ability to pull carbon dioxide out of our atmosphere, so scientists and startups are looking to ocean-sized antacids to raise its pH.
	Scientists develop maleic acid-treated bacterial cellulose gel for enhancing bone repair The field of bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a promising avenue for addressing bone injuries and defects by constructing artificial scaffolds with bionic functionalities. Due to its unique 3D network structure, impressive mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility, bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a captivating area of research in the realm of scaffold fabrication.

Biology news

	Millions of gamers advance biomedical research by helping to reconstruct microbial evolutionary histories Leveraging gamers and video game technology can dramatically boost scientific research, according to a new study published today in Nature Biotechnology.
	Tropical forests can't recover naturally without fruit eating birds, carbon recovery study shows New research from the Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich illustrates a critical barrier to natural regeneration of tropical forests. Their models—from ground-based data gathered in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil—show that when wild tropical birds move freely across forest landscapes, they can increase the carbon storage of regenerating tropical forests by up to 38%.
	Digging up new species of Australia and New Guinea's giant fossil kangaroos Paleontologists from Flinders University have described three unusual new species of giant fossil kangaroo from Australia and New Guinea, finding them more diverse in shape, range and hopping method than previously thought.
	Evolution's recipe book: How 'copy paste' errors led to insect flight, octopus camouflage and human cognition Seven hundred million years ago, a remarkable creature emerged for the first time. Though it may not have been much to look at by today's standards, the animal had a front and a back, a top and a bottom. This was a groundbreaking adaptation at the time, and one which laid down the basic body plan which most complex animals, including humans, would eventually inherit.
	New research highlights effects of gentrification on urban wildlife populations across US cities Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies how gentrified parts of a city have notably more urban wildlife than ungentrified parts of the same city, further limiting marginalized communities' opportunity to connect with nature.
	Study unearths survival strategies of root systems New research from The University of Western Australia has examined how fine root lifespan is linked to root strategies of resource acquisition and protection.
	Heat and desiccation tolerances predict bee abundance under climate change Recent research by the University of New Mexico alumnus Melanie Kazenel and colleagues predicts climate change will reshape bee communities in the southwest United States, with some thriving and others declining. The research, titled "Heat and desiccation tolerances predict bee abundance under climate change," was recently published in Nature.
	Newly sequenced genome reveals coffee's prehistoric origin story, and its future under climate change The key to growing coffee plants that can better resist climate change in the decades to come may lie in the ancient past.
	Researchers discover previously unknown gene that indirectly promotes photosynthesis in blue-green algae Cyanobacteria—also called blue-green algae—are known as the "plants of the ocean" because they carry out photosynthesis on a gigantic scale, produce oxygen and extract the greenhouse gas CO2 from the environment. However, to do this they need additional nutrients such as nitrogen.
	How do trees survive dry and hot summers? Leaf lifespan and growth recovery are key Climate change has an effect on forests and trees. They suffer from heat waves and periods of drought. But although we see tree mortality increase as a result, much is still unknown about the underlying mechanisms.
	Scientists share single-cell atlas for the highly regenerative worm, Pristina leidyi An international team of scientists, including B. Duygu Özpolat at Washington University in St. Louis, has published the first single-cell atlas for Pristina leidyi (Pristina), the water nymph worm, a segmented annelid with extraordinary regenerative abilities that has fascinated biologists for more than a century.
	Researchers discover new clues to how tardigrades can survive intense radiation University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers have discovered that tardigrades—microscopic animals famed for surviving harsh extremes—have an unusual response to radiation.
	Bumblebees don't care about pesticide cocktails: Research highlights their resilience to chemical stressors Bumblebees appear to be quite resistant to common pesticides. This is shown by a new study, the results of which have now been published by scientists from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) in the journal Environment International.
	Why European colonization drove the blue antelope to extinction The blue antelope (Hippotragus leucophaeus) was an African antelope with a bluish-gray pelt related to the sable and the roan antelope. The last blue antelope was shot around 1800, just 34 years after it was first described scientifically.
	Sweet lessons: Taiwan urban beekeeping gets positive buzz Under mulberry trees at a bee farm in Taipei's suburbs, students watched intently as instructor Tsai Ming-hsien wafted smoke over a hive box, explaining to aspiring apiarists how to keep the insects happy in an urban setting.
	Bad boys: Study finds aggressive bonobo males attract more mates Humankind's two closest primate relatives are often said to embody contrasting sides of our nature: peace-loving bonobos versus violence-prone chimpanzees.
	Study shows how plants influence Europe's climate The climate regulates plant growth and yet the climate is also influenced by plants. A study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), which was published in the journal Global Change Biology, has found that ecosystems can have a strong impact on Europe's climate depending on their plant mix.
	Scientists say coral reefs around the world are experiencing mass bleaching in warming oceans Coral reefs around the world are experiencing global bleaching for the fourth time, top reef scientists declared Monday, a result of warming ocean waters amid human-caused climate change.
	Boron deficiency in oilseed rape transcriptome resembles a wounding and infection response Boron deficiency has a devastating effect on oilseed rape and related plants. However, little is known about the underlying genetic mechanisms. A study shows that the response to persistent or short-term acute boron deficiency is similar to that seen in the response to pests and infections. These results lay the foundation for breeding plants that can better cope with boron deficiency and for avoiding related yield losses.
	Reptiles in South Africa are under threat, but there's good news too Media reports about the biodiversity crisis and what researchers have argued qualifies as a mass extinction event tend to focus on the big ecological effects. Melting ice sheets, severe weather events, droughts, habitat loss and wildfires dominate headlines. So too do the plights of large iconic animals—orangutans, gorillas, polar bears, rhinos, elephants, pangolins.
	The great tits in this Oxford wood are adapting their breeding times as climate changes As part of a team of ecologists, I've been studying aspects of great tit biology at Wytham Woods near Oxford. One aspect of our research is how climate change affects their breeding behavior. So far, our research suggests that these great tits have been able to deal with climate change effects.
	Out on dry land: Water shortage threatens species in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania Climate change is not the only cause of arid landscapes. A research team led by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) has investigated the consequences of increased water abstraction for agriculture and livestock farming from the Great Ruaha River.
	Researchers clarify cryptic differentiation within enigmatic hemiparasitic love vine Cassytha filiformis The widespread hemiparasitic Lauraceae genus Cassytha currently contains 19 described species, one variety and four forms. This genus is controversial and has not been satisfactorily resolved. Cassytha filiformis is cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical regions. It is currently the only species reported from China.
	Scientists explore method to increase the growth and carotenoid content ratio of an edible microalga Over the past few years, people have generally become more conscious about the food they consume. Thanks to easier access to information as well as public health campaigns and media coverage, people are more aware of how nutrition ties in with both health benefits and chronic diseases. As a result, there is an ongoing cultural shift in most countries, with people prioritizing eating healthily. In turn, the demand for healthier food options and nutritional supplements is steadily growing.
	New research highlights aging dog health care needs New research from the University of Liverpool shows that dog owners think many important changes in their older pets are "just old age," when actually they are signs of serious health problems.
	The role of GEDI LiDAR technology in unlocking the secrets of tree height composition A team of researchers has unveiled a novel approach to accurately characterizing tree height composition in forests using the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. This study marks a significant advancement in our understanding of forest ecosystems, shedding light on the intricacies of tree height variability and their implications for ecological studies and climate change mitigation efforts.
	Potamophylax kosovaensis, an insect species newly discovered in Kosovo, is already endangered Over the last few years, Professor Halil Ibrahimi from Kosovo and his team have described several new species of aquatic insects recognized as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystems. The work is published in the Biodiversity Data Journal.
	Could a bald eagle and a winery block a proposed rock quarry along the Boise River? A nesting bald eagle, a beloved local winery and over 30 neighbors may jeopardize a proposal to open a 260-acre surface mine along the Boise River.
	Officials sued over farm chemicals near Latino schools For Nelly Vaquera-Boggs, the plastic tarps that cover strawberry fields in Monterey County, California, when they are being fumigated with toxic chemicals offer little comfort—especially when those fields are close to schools.
	Unraveling differences in temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition under various oxygen conditions Soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition is a key process that affects soil carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions. Investigating the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of SOM decomposition and its regulating mechanisms is important for improving predictions of SOM stability and carbon fluxes under future warming.

Medicine and Health news

	Carbon beads help restore healthy gut microbiome and reduce liver disease progression, researchers find Innovative carbon beads, invented by researchers at UCL, reduce bad bacteria and inflammation in animal models, which are linked to liver cirrhosis and other serious health issues.
	Specific nasal cells found to protect against COVID-19 in children Important differences in how the nasal cells of young and elderly people respond to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, could explain why children typically experience milder COVID-19 symptoms, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
	Human muscle map reveals how we try to fight effects of aging at cellular and molecular levels How muscle changes with aging and tries to fight its effects is now better understood at the cellular and molecular level with the first comprehensive atlas of aging muscles in humans.
	Researchers demonstrate miniature brain stimulator in humans Rice University engineers have developed the smallest implantable brain stimulator demonstrated in a human patient. Thanks to pioneering magnetoelectric power transfer technology, the pea-sized device developed in the Rice lab of Jacob Robinson in collaboration with Motif Neurotech and clinicians Dr. Sameer Sheth and Dr. Sunil Sheth can be powered wirelessly via an external transmitter and used to stimulate the brain through the dura—the protective membrane attached to the bottom of the skull.
	Large study finds antibiotics aren't effective for most lower tract respiratory infections Use of antibiotics provided no measurable impact on the severity or duration of coughs even if a bacterial infection was present, finds a large, prospective study of people who sought treatment in U.S. primary or urgent care settings for lower-respiratory tract infections.
	New vaccine strategy may mean the end of the line for endless boosters Scientists at UC Riverside have demonstrated a new, RNA-based vaccine strategy that is effective against any strain of a virus and can be used safely even by babies or the immunocompromised.
	COVID-19 poses greater risk of death to those with cancer, large study finds Researchers from the University of Liverpool and the University of Edinburgh have found evidence that shows that people with cancer face a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 compared with those without cancer.
	Blinking found to do more than simply wet the eyes—it helps boost visual signal strength A trio of brain and cognitive scientists at the University of Rochester, in the U.S., has found that eye blinking does more than simply wet the eyes—it also helps to keep vision sharp by maintaining the strength of visual signals.
	One in four US adolescents identify as non-heterosexual, comparative analysis finds A recent Northwestern Medicine comparative analysis of national survey results found that 1 in 4 U.S. adolescents in grades 9 through 12 reported their sexual identity as non-heterosexual, according to findings published in JAMA Pediatrics.
	Many people with breast cancer 'systematically left behind' due to inaction on inequities and hidden suffering Breast cancer is now the world's most common cancer; at the end of 2020, 7.8 million women were alive after having been diagnosed in the previous five years. In the same year, 685,000 women died from the disease. Despite significant improvements in research, treatment, and survival, gross inequities persist, and many patients are being systematically left behind. This is a global blunder, says a new Lancet Commission.
	Targeted liver cancer treatment kills cancer cells and could cut chemo side effects Drug-loaded 3D printed films could change cancer treatments forever as world first research from the University of South Australia shows that new films not only kill more than 80% of liver cancer cells but could also significantly reduce recurrence rates while minimizing systematic toxicities of traditional chemotherapy.
	World-first microscopic stiffness probe could advance early cancer diagnosis Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created an endoscopic device that can 3D image the stiffness of individual biological cells and complex organisms, a discovery that could help doctors discover and treat cancer earlier.
	Breakthrough aerosol human infection model gives hope for future TB vaccine development University of Oxford researchers have for the first time established a controlled human infection model for tuberculosis (TB) that infects people via the lungs—the way TB enters the body.
	Boosting the brain's control of prosthetic devices by tapping the cerebellum Neuroprosthetics, a technology that allows the brain to control external devices such as robotic limbs, is beginning to emerge as a viable option for patients disabled by amputation or neurological conditions such as stroke. Cedars-Sinai investigators, in a study published in the journal Science Advances, are believed to be the first to show that tapping the power of the cerebellum, a region in the back of the brain, could improve patients' ability to control these devices.
	Researchers identify brain region involved in control of attention Researchers at the University of Iowa in a new study have linked a region in the brain to how humans redirect thoughts and attention when distracted. The connection is important because it offers insights into cognitive and behavioral side effects to a technique being used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease.
	Microplastics make their way from the gut to other organs, researchers find It's happening every day. From our water, our food and even the air we breathe, tiny plastic particles are finding their way into many parts of our body.
	Researchers discover cause of a new rare genetic condition: Glutamine synthetase stabilization disorder An international team of researchers has discovered what causes an unusual and incredibly rare genetic condition, giving hope to the families with it and others with related disorders.
	Newly found rare cells could be a missing link in color perception Scientists have long wondered how the eye's three cone photoreceptor types work together to allow humans to perceive color. In a new study in the Journal of Neuroscience, researchers at the University of Rochester have used adaptive optics to identify rare retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that could help fill in the gaps in existing theories of color perception.
	New mechanism uncovered in early stages of Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most challenging and prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In a new study published in Developmental Cell, researchers from the lab of Wim Annaert (VIB-KU Leuven) have identified a novel mechanism potentially connected to the early stages of AD. They demonstrated that a fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), called APP-CTF, disrupts communication between cellular compartments crucial for calcium storage and waste disposal, which could be an early event preceding neuronal cell death.
	How trauma gets 'under the skin': Research investigates impaired muscle function caused by childhood trauma A University of Michigan study has shown that traumatic experiences during childhood may get "under the skin" later in life, impairing the muscle function of people as they age.
	Brain scans of Philly jazz musicians reveal secrets to reaching creative flow Flow, or being "in the zone," is a state of amped-up creativity, enhanced productivity and blissful consciousness that, some psychologists believe, is also the secret to happiness. It's considered the brain's fast track to success in business, the arts or any other field.
	Loneliness can kill, and new research shows middle-aged Americans are particularly vulnerable Middle-aged Americans are lonelier than their European counterparts. That's the key finding of my team's recent study, published in American Psychologist.
	ACC: Ticagrelor monotherapy cuts bleeding risk in acute coronary syndrome Treatment with ticagrelor alone results in a lower rate of clinically relevant bleeding compared with ticagrelor and aspirin among patients with an acute coronary syndrome who had percutaneous coronary intervention and remained event-free for one month on dual antiplatelet therapy, according to a study published online April 7 in The Lancet to coincide with the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology, held from April 6 to 8 in Atlanta.
	Penicillin allergy can be delabeled by nonallergy providers Direct oral penicillin challenges (DPCs) can be delivered to patients with penicillin allergy labels (PALs) by nonallergy health care professionals (HCPs), according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Infection.
	Microscopes reveal a frozen moment in cellular time—a new method records cells as they work Researchers at Princeton and Rockefeller University have found a new way to study cellular communication, recording interactions between cells as they work in a living organism and unlocking new ways to understand how our bodies function.
	Some breast cancer patients can retain lymph nodes, avoiding lymphedema Removal of armpit lymph nodes can leave many breast cancer patients with lingering lymphedema, a painful and unsightly swelling of the arm.
	Subcutaneous infusion of levodopa-carbidopa beneficial for Parkinson's disease Subcutaneous infusion of ND0612 (a levodopa-carbidopa solution) increases on time without troublesome dyskinesia among patients with Parkinson disease, according to a study published online March 15 in The Lancet Neurology.
	Important health information missing in online food delivery menus A University of Sydney study investigating menu items on major online food delivery outlets and applications (apps) in Australia has found most advertised items are missing nutritional information that would otherwise help consumers make healthy choices. The findings were published in Public Health Nutrition.
	Physical activity lowers cardiovascular disease risk by reducing stress-related brain activity, study finds New research indicates that physical activity lowers cardiovascular disease risk in part by reducing stress-related signaling in the brain.
	Untangling dreams and our waking lives: Latest findings in cognitive neuroscience "Dreams are messages from the deep." (Dune Part 1) Musings about dreams abound throughout society, from movies to TV to books. But despite being a constant source of fascination, the role of dreams in our lives still remains elusive.
	A quarter of deaths among young adults in Canada were opioid related in 2021: Study Premature deaths related to opioids doubled between 2019 and 2021 across Canada, with more than 1 in 4 deaths among young adults aged 20–39 years attributable to opioids, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
	Tuberculosis can have a lasting impact on the lung health of successfully treated individuals New research being presented at this year's ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) in Barcelona, Spain (27–30 April) has found compelling evidence that tuberculosis (TB) can have a lasting impact on the lungs of individuals who have been successfully treated for the disease.
	Severe morning sickness: New research explores diagnosis and treatment Severe morning sickness in pregnancy, known medically as hyperemesis gravidarum, can negatively affect both maternal and infant health. A review published in Canadian Medical Association Journal provides information to clinicians on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition.
	Is smallpox still a threat? Smallpox, a disease that killed an estimated 500 million people in the 20th century alone, is the only human disease to be eradicated. However, a new report, "Future State of Smallpox Medical Countermeasures," from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) argues that the U.S. and the global community should prepare for smallpox to make a return.
	Mexico, a leading producer of illicit fentanyl, can't get enough for medical use, study finds A report released by the Mexican government Friday says the country is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use, even as Mexican cartels pump out tons of the illicit narcotic.
	US sterilizations spiked after national right to abortion overturned: Study Sterilization rates abruptly spiked after the national right to an abortion was overturned by the US Supreme Court in 2022, a study said Friday.
	Nigeria first to use 'revolutionary' meningitis jab: WHO Africa's most populous nation Nigeria has launched a "revolutionary" vaccine against meningitis, in what the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said was a world first.
	Adjuvant alectinib improves disease-free survival in lung cancer Adjuvant alectinib improves disease-free survival compared with platinum-based chemotherapy among patients with resected ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to a study published in the April 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	AACR: At-home HPV testing boosts cervical cancer screening participation Mailed at-home self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing increases cervical cancer screening participation in underscreened populations by almost threefold, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, held from April 5 to 10 in San Diego.
	Only 26% of Americans say they get at least eight hours of sleep, new Gallup poll says If you're feeling—YAWN—sleepy or tired while you read this and wish you could get some more shut-eye, you're not alone. A majority of Americans say they would feel better if they could have more sleep, according to a new poll.
	Mindfulness and meditation: Inward attention as a tool for mental health From a young age, people learn the importance of paying attention to the environment around them. Less emphasized is the value of paying attention to their inner environment. Neuroscientists are increasingly studying how looking inward via mindfulness training can affect everything from depression and memory to stress levels and aging.
	Circulating biomolecules identify patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk of cardiovascular events An analysis of the biomolecule substudy of the EAST–AFNET 4 trial has revealed that biomolecule concentrations in the blood of patients with atrial fibrillation can be used to identify patients at high and low cardiovascular risk. The findings were published in Cardiovascular Research.
	Kidney disease intervention outcomes encouraging, despite null result Manisha Jhamb, M.D., launched the Kidney-CHAMP study five years ago because she saw a looming tsunami of chronic kidney disease cases. She was pulled to find a way to assist the primary care physicians (PCPs) upon whom this burden would fall.
	What does science say about the ingredients in functional beverages? Functional beverages — or drinks promoted as offering mental or physical benefits beyond hydration — are growing in popularity around the world. Hundreds of companies have jumped into the market, hoping to get some buzz with trendy and sometimes unfamiliar ingredients.
	Czech whooping cough spread accelerates, three dead The Czech Republic has been hit by a soaring number of whooping cases and the fast growing outbreak has killed three people, health authorities said on Monday.
	Study finds inverse association between weight loss drugs and multiple sclerosis Initially, diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy showed promise in weight loss and have subsequently been marketed and widely used for weight loss. Now these medications are showing promise as a possible treatment for multiple sclerosis.
	Fact check: Biden is right about $35 insulin cap but exaggerates prior costs for Medicare enrollees Insulin for Medicare beneficiaries "was costing 400 bucks a month on average. It now costs $35 a month."
	Pediatrician offers advice on what to do if a child's ADHD medication is out of stock during the shortage If you are scrambling to get your child's attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prescription refilled, you are definitely not alone. Families across the U.S. have been dealing with an ADHD medication shortage first reported in October 2022 that is now well into its second year.
	Social media algorithms may skew perceptions of the risks of birth control Myths about birth control are as old as the hills. But social media platforms, in particular TikTok and Instagram, are allowing false information to proliferate in new and dangerous ways.
	Planning safe summer camp fun for kids with allergies and asthma Preparing a kid for summer camp is already a daunting task, and it's even more complicated if your child has allergies or asthma, experts say.
	Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is cost saving versus semaglutide, finds study For individuals with class II obesity, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is cost saving compared with semaglutide, according to a study published online April 12 in JAMA Network Open.
	High-efficacy therapy found to cut disability progression in pediatric MS study Treatment of pediatric-onset relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with high-efficacy therapy reduces the risk for transition across disability states, according to a study published in the May issue of The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.
	Physician empathy inversely linked to patients' back pain intensity, HRQOL For patients with chronic low back pain, physician empathy is inversely associated with pain intensity, back-related disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures, according to a study published online April 11 in JAMA Network Open.
	'Feeling like a burden' can be motivator for suicide in preteens Quiet preteens who feel they're a burden on others are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and behaviors, a new study reports.
	Sydney attacker had 'mental health issues' but most people with mental illness aren't violent The man who killed six people and injured countless others at a Bondi shopping center on Saturday, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, reportedly had "mental health issues", police explained soon after the tragic event, while ruling out terrorism.
	What running the length of Africa does to the body A 27-year-old British man has recently accomplished the astonishing feat of running the length of Africa. Russ Cook, from Worthing, West Sussex, set out on his 16,000km (9,940 miles) run on 22 April 2023. The journey from Cape Agulhas (the most Southerly point of Africa) to Tunisia took him 352 days to complete—with the distance he ran equivalent to running 385 marathons back-to-back.
	Psychedelics could make mental health worse in people with a personality disorder The interest in psychedelics is growing both in scientific circles and among the public. These are powerful substances capable of altering perception, mood and various mental processes. They also show promise for treating a wide range of mental health disorders.
	Acute cardiac event reported in 22.4% of seniors hospitalized with RSV More than 22% of older hospitalized adults with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection experience an acute cardiac event, according to a study published online April 15 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
	Local greenery and low crime rates may reduce dementia risk factors Living in areas with shorter distances to greenspace and lower crime rates are associated with having fewer modifiable dementia risk factors, Monash University-led research has found.
	Stirring up emotions: Parkinson's disease alters emotion-related bodily sensations, finds study Researchers at the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital in Finland have shown that bodily sensations related to emotions are altered by the neurological disorder Parkinson's disease.
	Study shows key role of physical activity and body mass in lung function growth in childhood A new study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) sheds light on the growth of lung function in children. The results show that increased levels of physical activity and a higher body mass index (BMI) play a key role in the recovery of early deficits.
	New way found to treat early relapse in leukemia Researchers at Peter Mac have found a new way to treat a form of leukemia that stops the disease in its tracks to prolong remission.
	Expert calls for broader view in determining extreme heat's impact on health As scientists express concern over the world's hottest March on record—the 10th record-breaking month in a row—a Brock University physiology expert is calling for a more holistic way of determining the health risks posed by extreme heat.
	Pregnancy-related deaths are three times more common among Black women and the vast majority are preventable: Report In Illinois, 88 women a year die while pregnant or within a year of giving birth, on average, according to the latest Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report. Notably, more than 90% of those pregnancy-related deaths were deemed potentially preventable.
	Having options can lower vaccine hesitancy, finds research Consumers love having choices, even when it comes to vaccines, according to new research from the University of Oregon.
	AI software could advance voice box cancer treatment Artificial intelligence has been found to improve the outcome of patients with voice box cancer, which is a step closer to personalized treatment, new research has revealed.
	Epilepsy drug prevents brain tumors in mice with neurofibromatosis type 1 A drug used to treat children with epilepsy prevents brain tumor formation and growth in two mouse models of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), according to a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. NF1 is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the optic nerves, which connect the eyes to the brain.
	Research explores why we remember what we remember We've all been in a similar situation—you lock your front door for the umpteenth time in a given week only to panic minutes later when you're driving to work as you struggle to remember if you actually locked the door.
	Study finds significant overlap in neurochemicals from long COVID and ME/CFS patients Researchers at the National Center for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) at Griffith University have directly compared brain neurochemical levels in long COVID and ME/CFS patients with healthy controls using MRI. The study, "Imbalanced Brain Neurochemicals in long COVID and ME/CFS: A Preliminary Study using MRI," has been published in the American Journal of Medicine.
	Remote monitoring of heart attack patients found to reduce hospital readmissions Remote monitoring of patients who had recently had a heart attack was found to have a significant effect on readmissions to hospital, in research carried out at Imperial College London with patients at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
	Study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the development of malignant pediatric brain tumors A study has revealed how aberrant epigenetic regulation contributes to the development of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid (AT/RT) tumors, which are aggressive brain tumors that mainly affect young children. There is an urgent need for more research in this area as current treatment options are ineffective against these highly malignant tumors.
	AI to improve cataract surgery in the Global South While the adequate surgical treatment of cataract is guaranteed in high-income countries, the surgical results in the Global South are often inadequate. Video recording can be used to analyze possible surgical errors, improve training and demonstrably optimize surgical results. However, this has been very time-consuming up to now. There are now promising approaches to automating surgical video analysis using artificial intelligence (AI).
	Q&A: Does the HPV vaccine protect against cancers and genital warts? Every year in the U.S., human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about 37,000 new cases of cancer. These are cancers that could have been prevented with the HPV vaccine.
	Study reveals AI enhances physician-patient communication As one of the first health systems in the country to pilot the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to draft replies to patient messages inside the Epic Systems electronic health record, UC San Diego Health is a pioneer in shaping the future of digital health.
	Study finds higher rates of arrest for Black adults with psychological disorders Black adults who are experiencing emotion dysregulation and/or psychological disorders, particularly Black men, are more likely to be arrested than are white American adults with symptoms of the same level of severity, a new study has found.
	Utilizing meta-analysis of tumor marker blood test kinetics in ovarian cancer patients Patient prognosis and treatment response prediction are key factors in treating ovarian cancer, which is characterized by the lowest survival rate among gynecological cancers. Consequently, there is strong demand for a more reliable prognostic marker.
	Researchers say common dementia medication doesn't increase risk of death, life-threatening heart abnormalities Researchers with McMaster University have found that a commonly prescribed dementia medication doesn't increase the risk of death or certain heart rhythm problems, contrary to past warnings.
	Using screens before bedtime and going to bed late associated with increased risk of childhood obesity: Study Going to bed later than 10.00 p.m. and using screens (tablets, mobiles, computers, television, etc.) for more than thirty minutes before bedtime is associated with an increased risk of obesity and reduced adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children, according to a study by the University of Barcelona (UB).
	The joy of sports: How watching sports can boost well-being For many individuals, sports have long served as a source of enjoyment and relaxation. Watching sports, particularly at large gatherings, goes beyond entertainment. It fosters a sense of community and belonging among audiences. This sense of connection not only makes individuals feel good but also benefits society by improving health, enhancing productivity, and reducing crime.
	Poverty linked with brain changes that contribute to behavior, illness and development What determines mental health, school performance, and even cognitive development? A new study in Reviews in the Neurosciences suggests that poverty and low socioeconomic status (SES) are key contributory factors. Other studies have examined the isolated effects of poverty on the brain or on behavior.
	Real-world data fill knowledge gap to assess treatment options for infants with spinal muscular atrophy Findings from a recent study in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases demonstrate the effectiveness of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The study's results add further support for gene therapy as a treatment modality that can deliver durable transformative effects for these vulnerable patients.
	Why some adults may need another dose of measles vaccine A rising number of measles cases in the U.S. this year is raising concerns over a comeback of a disease that was declared eliminated in this country 24 years ago.
	New device can treat injury from sepsis Prior to February 2024, limited therapeutics were available to treat sepsis, a life threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Now, a new, commercially viable method of treatment is available to thousands of children with acute kidney injury who develop the often fatal condition.
	Experts group says abortion in Germany should be decriminalized during pregnancy's first 12 weeks An independent experts commission recommended Monday that abortion in Germany should no longer fall under the country's penal code and be made legal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
	Why weight stigma is more than just being mean to overweight people People may think weight stigma only manifests as rude comments, is harmless or can even do some good.
	Rising complaints of unauthorized Obamacare plan-switching and sign-ups trigger concern Federal and state regulators aren't doing enough to stop the growing problem of rogue health insurance brokers making unauthorized policy switches for Affordable Care Act policyholders, say consumers, agents, nonprofit enrollee assistance groups, and other insurance experts.
	After uphill battle, company is poised for takeover of bankrupt California hospital When American Advanced Management made a bid for the bankrupt Madera Community Hospital last year, many local officials and others involved in trying to reopen the facility didn't take the company seriously.
	Researchers investigate the dietary impacts of dairy within the Japanese population A recent study by Tohoku University researchers has shed light on the association between dairy product consumption and odd-number carbon chain fatty acids (odd-FA) within the Japanese population, a correlation previously confirmed in Europe and Oceania but understudied in Asian countries.
	To close racial gap in maternal health, some states take aim at 'implicit bias' Countless times, Kenda Sutton-El, a Virginia doula, has witnessed her Black pregnant clients being dismissed or ignored by clinicians.
	Lecturer develops digital mental health program for children of divorce As a child of divorce, Jesse L. Boring knew firsthand what it was like to go through, and the importance of providing accessible resources for children experiencing this life change. To that end, Boring created a program named Children of Divorce—Coping with Divorce (CoD-CoD) to help youth develop better coping skills through their parents' separation.
	More kids are dying of drug overdoses: Could pediatricians do more to help? A 17-year-old boy with shaggy blond hair stepped onto the scale at Tri-River Family Health Center in Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
	Colorado has lost dozens of autism clinics as state struggles to shore up funding For the first time in years, Jay Ortengren has seen his 16-year-old son, Ethan, reach milestone after milestone as he lives with a severe form of autism.
	Sydneysiders witnessed horrific scenes on Saturday. How do you process and recover from such an event? Like many, I watched the reports of the violent attack at Bondi Junction yesterday with shock, horror and disbelief. My heart goes out to the people involved, the courageous first responders and to those who have lost loved ones in this tragic event.
	Cholera spreading in Huthi-controlled parts of Yemen: UN The United Nations on Monday expressed concern about the uptick in cholera cases in Yemen, especially in areas of the war-ravaged country controlled by Huthi rebels, where 75 people have died since October.
	Canada likely to miss WHO's hepatitis C elimination target, research shows Canada will not reach the original World Health Organization's (WHO) target of eliminating the hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030 and lags in comparison to other developed countries, a new study led by researchers at the University of Waterloo has found.
	Autism spectrum disorder: Pathogenesis, biomarker, and intervention therapy Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by early abnormal social communication and restricted repetitive behaviors and interests. The prevalence of ASD continues to rise and has attracted widespread social attention.

Other Sciences news

	Aboriginal people made pottery, sailed to distant islands thousands of years before Europeans arrived Pottery was largely unknown in Australia before the recent past, despite well-known pottery traditions in nearby Papua New Guinea and the islands of the western Pacific. The absence of ancient Indigenous pottery in Australia has long puzzled researchers.
	Saturday Citations: Listening to bird dreams, securing qubits, imagining impossible billiards It's Saturday, which means that in a universe where the arrow of time moves backward, people have to go to work tomorrow. In such a hypothetical universe, Garfield hates Fridays—tough to imagine. This week, we looked at several hundred breaking science developments, four of which I've highlighted here, including a new geoengineering study, a quantum infosec breakthrough, and listening in on the melodious dreams of birds.
	Lynx found at bottom of Roman era pit, along with four dogs, mystifies archaeologists A team of archaeologists at the Institute of Archaeology, HUN-REN Research Center for the Humanities, in Hungary, working with a colleague from Stockholm University, has revisited a mystery: a Roman era lynx skeleton buried in a pit with four dog skeletons, all layered above it.
	Best of Last Week—gravity free technology, recreating the Holodeck, why the moon is lopsided It was a good week for physics research as a team at the Quantum Machines Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology developed a new material with the potential to unlock gravity-free technology. Their device is a floating platform in a vacuum that involves the use of magnets and graphite. Also, a team of physicists working on the BESIII collaboration observed an anomalous line shape around the ppbar mass threshold in the J/ψ→γ3(π+π-) decay, representing evidence of a new subatomic particle. And a team at the University of California, Riverside, solved a puzzle regarding an ancient galaxy found by the Webb telescope—the galaxy JWST-ER1g acts as a lens, bending light from a faraway source, resulting in the observed ring.
	Tracing the lineage of North America's native Blackfoot Confederacy A team of researchers with varied backgrounds and affiliated with multiple organizations (including the Blackfoot Confederacy) in the U.S. and Canada has conducted a genetic study focused on tracing the lineage of North America's native Blackfoot Confederacy.
	First insights into the genetic bottleneck characterizing early sheep husbandry in the Neolithic period Modern Eurasian sheep predominantly belong to only two so-called genetic matrilineages inherited through the ewes, so previous research has assumed that genetic diversity must already have decreased rapidly in the early stages of domestication of wild sheep. A study of a series of complete mitogenomes from the early domestication site Asıklı Höyük in central Anatolia, which was inhabited between 10,300 and 9,300 years ago, disproves this assumption.
	What did Roman wine taste like? Much better than previously thought, according to new research From a modern, scientific perspective, the wine Romans drank is often seen as an inconsistent, poorly made and thoroughly unpleasant beverage. It is alleged that Roman winemakers had to mask their products' flaws by adding spices, herbs and other ingredients to the freshly pressed grape juice, which is known as "must."
	Research suggests darker side of being politically confident Could being well informed about politics mean you are less tolerant of differing political opinions? The answer might surprise you and be cause for pause before your next political conversation.
	School suspensions and exclusions put vulnerable children at risk, study shows Managing problematic student behavior is one of the most persistent, challenging, and controversial issues facing schools today. Yet despite best intentions to build a more inclusive and punitive-free education system, school suspensions and expulsions remain.
	More adults are being diagnosed as neurodivergent—here's how employers can help in the workplace There has been a rise in the number of people diagnosed with "neurodivergence" in adulthood over the past decade. This trend has been noted both internationally and in New Zealand. But exact rates of diagnoses in this country are difficult to quantify.
	Is attachment theory actually important for romantic relationships? There has been a recent surge of attention toward attachment theory: from TikTok videos to online quizzes that claim to "assess your attachment style." It's become a hot topic, especially in the context of romantic relationships, with some articles claiming that one person (or partner's) attachment styles are the reason why relationships fail.
	Games are the secret to learning math and statistics, says new research Games may be the secret to learning numbers based subjects like math and economics, according to new research.
	Researchers say 'loss avoidance' is all the rage in private equity Private equity (PE) is known as a "high-risk, high-return" asset class. But as risk-averse institutional investors continue to up their stake in PE, private fund managers are expected to provide metrics that characterize the riskiness of their portfolios. Yet the lack of observable prices makes traditional measures of risk (such as standard deviation of periodic investment returns) entirely unsuitable.
	Study says parent perceptions of school meals influence student participation in school meal programs A new study suggests that the way parents view school meals can impact how likely their children are to participate in meal programs at school.
	Digital tools, including AI, alter consumer trust and purchasing decisions, says research Colleen Harmeling, a Florida State University College of Business researcher, points to photo filters, overly edited photos and other distortions of user-generated content as impediments to consumer trust. In turn, they are potential barriers to the performance of products that users present and discuss online.
	Researcher finds first arrival of Shakespeare's plays in Portugal John Stone, a professor at the University of Barcelona, has found the request for two copies of Shakespeare's Othello to be sent to Lisbon in 1765, in the correspondence of the English scholar John Preston, a professor at the English College in Lisbon, addressed to the college's London agent, John Sheppard. Stone found this reference in the Ushaw College, in Durham (United Kingdom), where all the documents from the English College in Lisbon are now kept, after it closed its doors in 1973, after more than three hundred years of activity.
	Elite coaches migrating to Western countries to advance careers Nations battling for Olympic success in a global sporting 'arms race' has led to elite coaches migrating to Western countries as they bid to escape antiquated and restrictive coaching regimes in their home countries, reveals a new study.
	Q&A: Researchers discuss how claims of anti-Christian bias can serve as racial dog whistles In a speech to a group of religious broadcasters in February, Donald Trump promised to create a task force to counter "anti-Christian bias," which he said would investigate the "discrimination, harassment and persecution against Christians in America."
	Lessons from South Australia's business recovery amidst bushfires and pandemic New research has given insight into the resilience and recovery of businesses in two South Australian regions following a major bushfire event and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Report finds significant gender and racial inequities in the educational measurement profession Gender and racially based employment disparities, differences in perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and workplace discrimination remain significant issues in the field of educational measurement, according to a new report.
	A young Black scientist discovered a pivotal leprosy treatment in the 1920s—but an older colleague took the credit Hansen's disease, also called leprosy, is treatable today—and that's partly thanks to a curious tree and the work of a pioneering young scientist in the 1920s. Centuries prior to her discovery, sufferers had no remedy for leprosy's debilitating symptoms or its social stigma.
	Crisis communication saves lives—but people with disability often aren't given the message In a pandemic, bushfire or flood, people need high quality safety and crisis information. Getting emergency messages quickly can help people know how to prepare, what rules to follow, where dangers are, where to gather safely and when help is on the way.
	Victorian London was a city in flux: Architectural models helped the public visualize the changes In 1848, the British government decided to draw up a precisely measured map of London. Imperial expansion had seen the city develop quickly, particularly around the docks and the City of London.
	Study sheds light on 11th-century Arab-Muslim optical scientist whose work laid foundation for modern-day physics Scientists from the University of Sharjah and the Warburg Institute are poring over the writings of an 11th-century Arab-Muslim polymath to demonstrate their impact on the development of optical sciences and how they have fundamentally transformed the history of physics from the Middle Ages up to modern times in Europe.
	How AI can help map sign languages Like spoken languages, sign languages evolve organically and do not always have the same origin. This produces different ways of communication and annotation. This is the subject of Manolis Fragkiadakis's Ph.D. thesis.
	Sweden seen through the eyes of the US: Changing perceptions? Sweden has long had a strong symbolic value in US politics, representing a utopia that has chosen a golden middle way between capitalism and socialism. However, the tone has not always been positive and this image has been criticized. In a new report, Carl Marklund, researcher at the School of Historical and Contemporary Studies, investigates how the Swedish policy of neutrality and global events have affected the perception of Sweden in the US.

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